Looking for research experience? Join the lab!

Undergraduate students: UD students interested in research experience, can express interest through a brief online form. Students may join through independent study, work study, internship placements, Winter and Summer fellows programs, by volunteering, or other placements. 
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​Prospective Graduate students: Graduate students can conducted mentored research on a variety of topics related to LGBTQ+ youth, identity development, family relationships, positive development, intersectionality, mental health and substance use disparities, and and other queer and trans topics. Learn more about University of Delaware graduate programs in Human Development & Family Sciences and Education & Social Policy. Applications typically due December 1.

Check out our student-led research!

Jo Griffin & Eric Layland PhD (2024, August)
Delaware INBRE Summer Scholar Research Project
Making A Case for Research on Fat/Queer Joy

• The lived experiences of fat/queer participants indicate unique and positive views of identity and joy. 

Percy Allen, III & Eric Layland PhD (2024, August)
Delaware INBRE Summer Scholar Research Project
An Intersectional Approach to Black Queer Research: Girl, Let's Kiki!

• When Black queer folks are respected as their own subgroup of the queer community, powerful stories unique to their intersecting identities are revealed.

Lauren Fogle & Eric Layland PhD (2024, August)
Delaware INBRE Summer Scholar Research Project
Exploring Developmental Milestones of LGBTQIA+ Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Results underscore the importance of recognizing and validating unique trajectories of identity development for LGBTQ+ people on the Autism spectrum, which often diverge from those of their neurotypical and heterosexual peers.

Jo Griffin & Eric Layland PhD (2024, February)
Winter Fellows Research Project
The Power of Embracing Gender Identity Among Trans and Nonbinary Individuals

• By identifying positive experiences of gender identity, we uncover unique developmental gender timelines. 

Jayden Lesko & Eric Layland PhD (2024, February)
Winter Fellows Research Project
Intergenerational Differences in Understanding the term "Queer" among LGBTQ+ teens and older adults

• 100% of adolescents and 43% of older adults had heard the term queer joy before
• 100% of adolescents and 56% of older adults mentioned positive association with the term queer
• 35% of adolescents and 37% of older adults mentioned negative association with the term queer

Michael Shields, Mary Mitsdarffer PhD,  & Eric Layland PhD (2023, August)
Delware INBRE Summer Scholars Research Project
First Need in the First State: LGBTQ+ Youth Face Too Many Barriers to Secure Housing in Delaware

• Structural & cultural barriers prevent homeless LGBTQ+ youth in Delaware from accessing stable housing