Families Alive Lecture Series
The Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series features lectures and presentations by leading scholars and practitioners in family science, human development and early childhood. Lectures and presentations will be held in person on the campuses of Weber State University, and are free and open to the general public.
There are typically eight lectures per year. Recordings of lectures will be made available online 1-2 weeks after the lecture.
The Department of Child and Family Studies has hosted the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series at Weber State since 1984. We are grateful for an endowment from the OC Tanner Corporation and other sponsors including the Utah Marriage Commission for their support and helping make these lectures possible.
Students can earn course credit through the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series; more information is available on our About page.
Contact Paul Schvaneveldt, Chair of the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series, at pschvanveldt@weber.edu with questions.
Genetic, Prenatal and Early Parent contributions to Early Childhood Development
Presented by: Amanda Ramos, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University
When: Nov. 5, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Where: McKay Education Building, Room 327
Lecture and Presenter Information
Early life (prenatal to age 5) is a foundational window that shapes a child's development trajectory. This critical phase is influenced by both prenatal and early family experiences that set the stage for cognitive and emotional growth. However, much of what we know is missing a major contributor: genetics, and incorporating genetics into our understanding of developmental processes. This presentation aims to focus on the importance of interplay between prenatal and postnatal environments and genetics in shaping child outcomes.
Spring 2026 Lecture Schedule
Spring 2026 lectures will be announced soon.