LaRen Morton
Human Development and Family Science
Morton to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in policy in Washington, D.C.
- Hometown
Waldorf, Maryland
- Major
Ph.D., Human Development and Family Science
- Activities/Honors
- Graduate Research Assistant and Lab Manger of the Social Determinants of Child Development Lab
- Member and Vice-President (2023 – 24) of the Chi Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society
- Member and President (2021 – 22) of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society
- Member and President (2020 – 21) of Human Development and Family Science Graduate Student Organization
- Why I chose my major
I have always had an interest in child and family development. When children and families have healthy environments to thrive, these environments can optimize their development. Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I wanted to further explore how specific environments contributed to the well-being of children and families. This led me to focus on minoritized children’s academic outcomes and how the school environment can support their ability to access high quality education, have equal economic opportunities and improve their overall well-being. HDFS felt like the perfect major to carry out this research as family scientists do not just focus on the individual or groups of people, but focus on relationships and interactions among families to understand how they function within the world.
- What I like most about FACS
The faculty and staff in FACS have provided me with tremendous levels of support. This support has truly helped me to pursue my research interests and professional goals while allowing me to have a home away from home while pursuing my degree.
- Post-graduation plans
After graduation I will be relocating to the Washington, D.C. area to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in policy. During the fellowship, I will have the opportunity to explore how federal policy impacts the scientific community’s research agenda.
