The Penn State Child Study Center celebrated 25 years of positive impact on Friday, May 10, 2024. Presenters included Dean Clarence Lang from the College of the Liberal Arts; Kristin Buss, Tracy Winfree and Ted H. McCourtney Professor in Children, Work and Families, Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, and Department Head of Psychology; Douglas Teti, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics, and Department Head of Human Development and Family Studies; Karen Bierman, Evan Pugh University Professor, Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, and Director of the Child Study Center; and Laureen Teti, Associate Research Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of the Child Study Center. During the event, Dr. Bierman was recognized and applauded for her 15 years of effective directorship and announced she will be stepping down from her role as director. Replacing Dr. Bierman will be Co-Directors Rina Das Eiden, Professor of Psychology and Jenae Neiderhiser, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, and Associate Department Head for Research.
The standing-room-only event was held at the Marriott Foundation Building on the University Park campus. In addition to Penn State administrators and faculty, the event was attended by dedicated donors, many graduate students, and State College area community members. During the celebration, former and current CSC directors and staff members were recognized with awards. Dr. Bierman shared that the “success and accomplishments of the CSC reflect the collaborative community forged by the talented faculty affiliates and their efforts as dedicated scientists and educators to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families.”