Founded in 2015, Thanawalla Digital (T Digital) is a software engineering firm specializing in high-volume Salesforce architecture and big data management. Every year, T Digital pledges to donate 1% of time, product, and profit by building Salesforce architecture for one local selected organization during a "Standup Weekend." CCF is pleased to be chosen as the 2024 recipient! Salesforce architecture will elevate CCF's data tracking across programs and research, streamline business processes, and magnify our marketing.

CCF Advisory Council member Daniel Flores BS'15 recently completed the Leadville 100, one of the most difficult 100-mile ultramarathons in the world. In a short film documenting his experience, Daniel dedicates his training and race to the Hispanic community living in the United States, who are under-represented in the running community. Si se puede, meaning "you can do it," is about going for something that seems impossible, being able to push through, and making it happen. View the film here.

CCF is hiring a post-doctoral fellow! We are looking for a motivated researcher who is interested in applied developmental science to work in collaboration with our core faculty, whose research examines a wide range of cutting-edge issues related to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural foundations of development. Apply here by December 15th!

Our next cohort of students in our National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program site have begun their year-long experience with us. We look forward to introducing all 11 of them over the next few months!

CCF supporters and friends recently gathered at the home of CCF Advisory Council member Lynn McBee to celebrate our achievements over the past 15 years and to learn about our vision for the future. UT Dallas President Richard Benson remarked on the power of our National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and on the applied research and training CCF conducts to improve the lives of children and families.

Join CCF faculty member Dr. Candice Mills and others on Friday, December 8th for an online workshop on the scholarship and psychology of Santa Claus. Talks will examine how Santa influences children's moral and prosocial behaviors, the different ways parents use Santa in their discipline practices, and suggestions for helping children have a more positive transition to Santa skepticism. Register to attend here.

In 2008, Dean Bert Moore had a dream to establish the Center for Children and Families at UT Dallas. I have served as its director for the past 14 years, providing nearly 5,000 children and parents with skills, knowledge, and experiences to promote children’s optimal development, while simultaneously training hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students applying developmental science to work with children and parents. Very soon, I will transition from my role as the Center’s director. Recently, I stepped into the role of interim dean of UT Dallas’ School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, in which I will serve until my planned retirement from UTD in August 2024.

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Mandy Maguire will be named as the next director of CCF, continuing our work serving children and parents and training UTD students. Like me, Dr. Maguire believes strongly in the power and worth of developmental science and relationship-centered practices to advance children’s development and mitigate the challenges families face. Her vision for CCF is inspiring and will build on our firm foundation. I feel tremendous pride in what we've accomplished over the years and look forward to supporting CCF through its bright future!

-Margaret T. Owen, PhD, Robinson Family Professor, Director, Center for Children and Families, Interim Dean, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences