Jenifer McGuire

Jenifer McGuire is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. Her work focuses on transgender youth well-being, family dynamics during gender transitions, and co-parenting challenges. She collaborates with clinics, schools, and communities to create supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth.

Education: PhD in Family Studies and Human Development (University of Arizona), MPH in Public Health (University of Arizona), MS in Family Studies (University of Arizona), BA in Communications & Psychology (University of Colorado).

Research Interests:

• Transgender youth health and family relationships
• Impact of gender identity on family systems
• Co-parenting in divorced families
• LGBTQ+ youth inclusion in schools and communities

Key Projects:

• Transgender youth study with in-depth interviews
• Parents Forever co-parenting program evaluation
• Rural LGBTQ+ youth well-being initiatives

Awards: Recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Research Award and 2022 Extension Dean’s Distinguished Award. Notable publications include studies on puberty suppression outcomes and LGBTQ-inclusive curricula.

Advising: Currently accepting graduate and undergraduate advisees for research in gender identity and family dynamics. Oversees a lab offering qualitative and quantitative research opportunities with community outreach components.