Pamela Payne

Dr. Pamela Payne is an Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno in the College of Education and Human Development, with affiliations in Extension and Social Psychology Interdisciplinary Program. She joined UNR in 2018 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2023.

• Education: B.A. in Psychology (University of Arizona, 2001), M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Pepperdine University), Ph.D. in Family & Consumer Sciences (University of Arizona)

Research Interests focus on community needs, including:

• Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence (advocate training, trauma-informed practices)
• Youth Development (SEL enrichment, horticulture education programs)
• Relationship and Marriage Education (Covid-19 adaptations, rural outreach)
• Family Dynamics (parent-child religious transmission, parenting behaviors, social support)
• Extension Program Evaluation (CYFAR, USDA-NIFA grants)

Article Trends emphasize family resilience, domestic violence interventions, youth programs, and relationship education. Key journals include Family Relations, Journal of Extension, and Frontiers in Public Health.

Scientific Awards include:

• Domestic Violence Training Program of the Year (2024)
• Best of State – Utah Hidden Gems (2024)
• UNR Extension Award of Excellence (2022)
• Emerging Professional Award, University of Arizona (2020)

Grants include:

• $325,000 (2019–Present): CYFAR Coaching Team Member
• $225,000 (2025–2028): Hope for Family Resilience Program (PI)
• $50,000: USDA-NIFA Youth Horticulture Education Programs (PI)