Dubuque Youth and Family Resilience Project
We are currently recruiting previous participants to participate in the third and final wave of the project.
The Dubuque Youth and Family Resilience Project (DYFRP) is an online survey study designed to understand how to build resilient Dubuque families that thrive through adversity. Specifically, we examine how COVID-19, discrimination, and other adverse life experiences impact community engagement, parenting behaviors, and youth brain health, physical health, and wellbeing.
By focusing our attention on youth who have done well despite experiences of adversity, we can better understand the factors and processes that build resilient youth and families.
DYFRP is supported through Dubuque County and the James B. & Melita A. McDonough Foundation.
Meet the Team
JAIMIE O’GARA, PH.D., LISW, CADC
PROJECT LEAD
Dr. O’Gara is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa and a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in the state of Iowa. Her experience as a child and family therapist fueled her research interests in fatherhood, parenting, and youth resilience. Her research focuses on factors and processes that affect youth brain health and wellbeing with the goal of informing prevention and intervention efforts that help youth and families thrive.
OLIVIA ASPIRAS, PH.D.
CO-PROJECT LEAD
Dr. Aspiras is a Research Associate at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on social psychology in the context of health and well-being. She is particularly interested in the basic judgment and decision-making processes that underlie health behaviors and the application of interventions to promote health- and treatment-related outcomes.
LISA GRINDE, PH.D.
RESEARCHER
Dr. Grinde is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Loras College. Her research interests are in parenting and child development, and she often examines these topics through a cross-cultural lens. Additionally, she is interested in examining resilience amidst stress in the aging process.
JUSTIN HARTY, PH.D., LCSW
RESEARCHER
Dr. Harty is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University School of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker. His research interests include the outcomes and preparedness of expectant and parenting foster youth, particularly the experiences and needs of young fathers in foster care as they leave state care and transition to independent adulthood and early fatherhood. His practice centers on serving child welfare and foster care involved fathers of color.
NICOLE TURNER
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Nicole Turner is an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa. She graduates in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, minor degrees in Family Studies and Mental Health, and a certificate in conflict resolution. Nicole is active in movements for women's healthcare rights and tenants' rights within the Cedar Valley. Her future goals are to go receive a Master’s degree in Social Work and serve parents and families.
SAVANNA FARLEY
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Savanna Farley is an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa. She graduates May 2024 with a B.A. in Social Work and minor in Mental Health. Savanna will complete her internship at House of Hope in Spring of 2024. Savanna plans to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work in May 2024.
DANNY TRIP
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Danny Trip is an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa. He graduates May 2024 with a B.A. in Social Work and minor degrees in Family Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Sociology, and Religion. Danny plans to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work in May 2025.
In the News
Grant Supports Clarke Resiliency Research
Clarke University has received a $20,000 award from the James B. and Melita A. McDonough Foundation to support the Dubuque Youth and Family Resilience Project. The project is led by Assistant Professor of Social Work Jaimie O’Gara and Assistant Professor of Psychology Oliva Aspiras.
Promoting resiliency in our children and families
Telegraph Herald
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the physical, psychological and financial well-being of families throughout the United States.