New Faces, Shared Futures: CHDFS Welcomes Three New Faculty Members
The Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science is delighted to welcome three outstanding new faculty members: Dr. Alexandria Onuoha, Dr. Matthew Ogan, and Dr. Menglin Wei-Wise. Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our department, one that promises growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Much like graduate cohorts who embark on their journeys together, we believe this group of faculty will form a unique bond within our department. This connection will not only enrich their personal and professional lives but will also strengthen our collective mission and extend its impact far beyond our walls.
Dr. Onuoha grew up in the Greater Boston Area, with family roots in Jamaica and Nigeria. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Dance from Bates College and completed her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at Suffolk University, where her research focused on the developmental experiences of Black women and girls amid violence.
Her scholarship explores how cultural strengths and protective factors support healing and thriving, with a special interest in Black familial joy as a foundation for healthy development. At UT, Dr. Onuoha is excited to contribute to Human Development and Family Science by building a research lab that connects students to real-world applications of developmental science, particularly in policy and community impact.
She has already been inspired by UT’s vibrant spirit and looks forward to fostering creativity, engagement, and rigorous scholarship within the department.
Dr. Ogan grew up in Oklahoma and completed his undergraduate degree at John Brown University before earning his master’s and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri. He later served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Missouri’s Center for Family Policy and Research.
His research focuses on how romantic couples navigate stress, including the role of social and economic factors in shaping relationship dynamics and well‑being. He also studies the methods researchers use to understand couples and families. A key goal of his work is to examine how social policies affect families facing financial scarcity and to inform policies that better support them.
At UT, Dr. Ogan is excited to collaborate with colleagues across CHDFS and help students recognize the value of HDFS in any career path. He’s enjoying Knoxville’s vibrant community, access to the mountains, and the growing charm of orange.
Dr. Wei‑Wise grew up in Zhengzhou, China before moving to California in high school, and she has lived in the U.S. ever since. She discovered Human Development and Family Science as an undergraduate and quickly developed a passion for studying relationships and family dynamics, eventually completing all of her degrees at Auburn University.
Her research focuses on adult romantic relationships, with an emphasis on dyadic health, community‑based interventions, and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. As an applied relationship scientist, she is committed to using research to support individual and family well‑being.
This year, she is especially excited to launch a community‑based relational health program for LGBTQ+ adults in Knoxville. She has loved how welcoming and supportive the CHDFS community has been and is grateful to be part of such a collaborative department.
Together, Dr. Onuoha, Dr. Ogan, and Dr. Wei-Wise embody the spirit of our department: advancing knowledge, supporting families, and cultivating compassionate professionals. As they begin their journey here, we look forward to the ways their collective energy will inspire new ideas, deepen our community, and expand our reach.
Welcome to the Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science family—we are thrilled to grow alongside you!