Carol Johnston
Assistant Professor
Contact Information
315 Justin Hall
cajohnston@k-state.edu
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Texas Population Research Center
- Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, Texas Tech University
- B.S. in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional Management, Texas Tech University
Area(s) of Specialization
- Family Structure Patterns
- Adolescent and Young Adult Well-Being Trajectories
- Life Course Theory
- Secondary Data Analysis
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors
Dr. Johnston’s program of research is supported by the view that optimal development is predicated on consistent routines and structures. Dr. Johnston’s research is focused on understanding where and when disruptions occur in childhood that lead to maladaptive trajectories in adolescence and young adulthood. With that goal in mind, one line of her research examines family structure patterns over the course of childhood and how variations in family structures influence both normative and maladaptive trajectories as well the intergenerational transmission of relationship stability. In that same vein, Dr. Johnston and colleagues have explored different ways to measure and operationalize family structure patterns over the life course to better capture a holistic picture of family dynamics. Dr. Johnston is on the Editorial Board of Family Relations and Family Transitions (formally Journal of Divorce and Remarriage). Prior to joining KSU, she has taught courses in statistics, grant writing, leadership, family relationships, and family diversity. Please contact Dr. Johnston if you are interested in becoming involved in her research team.
Personal Information
In her free time, Carol enjoys being outside (hiking, playing tennis, laying in a hammock), spending time with family, spoiling her cats, and traveling (especially to the mountains). She is excited to be a Wildcat and looks forward to getting to know students, their goals, and collaborating with both faculty and students at K-State.