Aryn M. Dotterer

Aryn M. Dotterer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University, where she also serves as the Executive Director of USU STARS! GEAR UP. Her research focuses on longitudinal trajectories of school readiness, engagement, and academic achievement, with a particular emphasis on parenting practices, racial/ethnic disparities, and STEM outcomes for underrepresented students.

• Educational Background:
  • PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University (2006)
  • MS in Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University (2003)
  • BA in Psychology, Wayne State University (2000)

Her work explores how parental involvement and family dynamics buffer against racial discrimination’s impact on youth development. She co-leads the NSF-funded IDEAAS project examining racial and science identity development among African American STEM majors.

Selected Research Themes:

• Parenting practices (microprotections, sexual communication self-efficacy)
• Adolescent coping mechanisms during the pandemic
• Stereotype threat mitigation in university contexts
• Family stressors and child behavior

Teaching: Courses on developmental psychology, parenting, and cultural diversity in families.

Mentored Students: Amanda Clark, Melissa Ferguson, Kirstin Hyatt, and others in Human Development and Family Studies.