overview

• Kayla Reed Fitzke, PhD, LMFT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and program director of the Medical Family Therapy program. Her program of research aims to promote health and well-being in emerging adulthood (i.e., ages 18-29). Specifically, her work examines the factors and processes that contribute to emerging adult healthy functioning and resiliency, with an emphasis on the role of interpersonal relationships (e.g., family, peers, partners), as well as the risk factors that amplify, and supports that alleviate, vulnerabilities among emerging adults. This work centers on two primary subgroups of emerging adults: college students at risk for adverse behavioral health and military service members. Her research focuses on the intersection of risk and resilience to identify possible prevention and intervention mechanisms. She is a subcontract PI for the military spouse employment concentration area of OneOp (formerly Military Families Learning Network), a cooperative agreement funded by DoD/USDA/NIFA. This project supports family readiness by translating research into professional development opportunities for military and civilian providers working with military families.