Rachel Dunifon

Rachel Dunifon is the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of Cornell University's College of Human Ecology and a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Brooks School of Public Policy. Her research focuses on child and family policy, particularly examining how policies and family structures impact vulnerable children's development. She co-directs Project 2GEN, addressing the needs of disadvantaged children and parents through research-practice partnerships. Key achievements include a 2020 William T. Grant Foundation grant for opioid epidemic-related research and her 2018 book on grandparent-led households. Dunifon holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree from Davidson College.

Education: Ph.D. in Psychology from Northwestern University (Year unspecified), B.A. from Davidson College (Year unspecified).

Research Interests: Maternal employment impacts on child health, multigenerational household dynamics, grandparent caregiving roles, and policy interventions for vulnerable families. Her work bridges developmental psychology, public policy, and demography.

Awards: William T. Grant Foundation Institutional Challenge Grant (2020) for research on opioid-affected families. Grants also include projects on child welfare and family structure.

Advising & Grants: Leads Project 2GEN and has secured major institutional grants. Her work emphasizes translational research connecting academia with public agencies.

Labs/Teams: Co-director of Project 2GEN, collaborating with policymakers and practitioners to address systemic inequities affecting children and families.