Zixuan (Hazel) Huang

I am a PhD student in Human Development and Family Science here at the University of TN. I’m interested in how intimate relationships and family relationships are shaped in the context of social media and AI. I’m especially curious about parasocial relationships and how people build emotional connections, closeness, and support through digital spaces.

Zahra Torfizadeh

I’m a Ph.D. student in Human Development and Family Science. My research explores the connection between romantic relationships and physical health, with a particular interest in health equity and relationship processes among Black couples and families. I hope to contribute to research that promotes more equitable health outcomes across diverse communities.

Cole Green

Their research aims to examine the effects of the US Criminal Legal System on families and explore restorative alternatives that prioritize healing over punishment. Their dissertation examines two contrasting conceptualizations of safety – carceral and community-based – across multiple contexts and methodologies. Specifically, they are interested in exploring the structural factors that influence policing at the state level, as well as the ways communities construct and interpret the meaning of safety at the local level for which they received the Yates Dissertation Fellowship 2024-2025!