April S. Masarik, Ph.D.

Broadly speaking, my research explores stress and resilience, dynamics of close relationships, and the social, cultural, and biological forces shaping human development. I specialize in longitudinal, multi-method studies (using tools like surveys, interviews, behavioral observations, and even cortisol analysis) to understand how these factors unfold across family members and generations. My recent work also incorporates community-based participatory approaches, aiming to make research more relevant and impactful in real-world settings.

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At Boise State University, I collaborate with students, faculty, and community partners in the Human Development & Ecology Lab. Right now, we are currently focused on three key research projects, all aimed at understanding human connection and development:

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1. Stress & Resilience Project: Funded by the Spencer Foundation, we're working to understand the unique challenges and strengths of resettling refugee youth and families right here in the Boise area.

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2. Intergenerational Relationships Project: Supported by the National Science Foundation's Community-Engaged Public Scholarship Initiative, this project pairs younger adults at Boise State University with older adults at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to foster meaningful intergenerational relationships.

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3. Human Universals Project: Through this work, my students and I explore the fundamental ways that humans are similar.  

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Beyond my direct research, I actively contribute to the field through editorial work and the peer review process. For example, I serve on the Editorial Boards for the Journal of Youth and Adolescence and the Journal of Family Psychology. I'm also thrilled to be a Co-Guest Editor for an upcoming special issue on Resilience Processes in the Family Stress Model (forthcoming in the Journal of Family Psychology).