Sudha Sankar

Dr. Sudha Sankar is an Assistant Professor and Relationship Education & Resilience Specialist at North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. She holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University. Her work focuses on translating family science into community programs addressing health, mental health, and relational disparities through culturally centered approaches.

Education:

• BS Psychology, University of Madras
• PGDip Psychology, James Cook University
• MS Psychology, Pittsburg State University
• PhD Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University

Research Interests: Dr. Sankar develops family-based interventions to bridge cultural, gender, and racial disparities in wellbeing. Key areas include LGBTQ+ inclusivity in education, mental health among youth and extension professionals, intergenerational wellbeing programs, and systems-level approaches to violence prevention. She emphasizes leveraging cultural relational assets to build sustainable solutions.

Awards:

• 2019-2020 Minority Research Grant (LAP)
• 2016-2018 MSU Interdisciplinary Teaching Fellowship
• 2017 College of Social Sciences Travel Grant
• 2015-2017 Futures Without Violence Leadership Award

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses like Professional Ethics in Family Policy (AEHS 585) and Family Relationships Over the Lifespan (AEHS 525). Leads programs promoting youth mental health, trauma-informed extension practices, and intergenerational wellbeing initiatives. Served as MSU Council of Graduate Students President (2015-2016).