Rand Conger

Rand Conger is a Professor of Psychology, Human Development, and Family Studies at the University of California, Davis. He has previously held faculty positions at the University of Georgia, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, and Iowa State University, where he served as founding Director of the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research.

• Education: Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Washington (1976)

His research examines how social, cultural, and economic stressors impact family dynamics and mental health across the life course. Key findings include the role of financial pressures in escalating family conflict and behavioral issues in rural Iowa, African American, and Mexican-origin families. His interdisciplinary work bridges psychology, psychiatry, and sociology.

Conger's scholarly contributions include over 250 publications and continuous federal funding from the National Institutes of Health. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including fellowships and awards for rural mental health and family research.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Victor I. Howery Award
  • Fellow, American Psychological Association
  • Reuben Hill Research and Theory Award
  • William J. Goode Book Award
  • New Contributions to Research Award
  • Distinguished Service to Rural Life Award
  • USDA Certificate of Appreciation