Stephen M. Gavazzi, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Human Development and Family Science
The College of Human Ecology
gavazzi.1@osu.edu

Professor Gavazzi has established a research program that identifies the impact of family dynamics on adolescent development, psychopathology, and problem behavior. Dr. Gavazzi has been involved in the development and evaluation of a number of family-based programming efforts, including a multifamily psychoeducation group for families containing children with mood disorders implemented and evaluated through a grant from the National Institutes for Mental Health. Professor Gavazzi also has created the Growing Up FAST Program, a family-based diversion initiative for use with juvenile offenders and their families, that has been funded through a series of generous grants from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services and the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services. Currently his efforts are largely directed toward the development of a web-based instrument known as the Global Risk Assessment Device (GRAD), designed to measure potential threats to the developmental needs of adolescents coming to the attention of the juvenile justice system.

Scott D. Scheer, Ph.D., Associate Professor & State Extension Specialist
Department of Human and Community Resource Development & OSU Extension (4-H Youth Development)
The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
scheer.9@osu.edu

Professor Scheer’s primary research focus pertains to youth development in an ecological perspective. Specific areas include: emotional intelligence, social and psychological factors contributing to life-span transitions; and problems behaviors. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals including Family Relations, Adolescent and Family Health, and Journal of Child and Family Studies. Dr. Scheer also provides state-wide leadership for a 4-H Youth Development program that annually serves over 40,000 children in Ohio ages 5 to 8. Evaluations indicate the program is beneficial and effective for improving life skills for participating children. Dr. Scheer received his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in Family Studies and his Masters degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, Teachers College.