Villanueva 1

Sara Villanueva, Ph.D.

Curriculum Vitae

St. Edward’s University

3001 South Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78704-6489

Office: 512.637.1967

Email: Webpage: drsaravillanueva.com

University Education

Ph. D. Developmental Psychology (2004). University of Florida

Dissertation: Mothers and Daughters in Conflict: A Longitudinal Examination of European American, African American, and Latina Mothers and Daughters during the Transition to Puberty

Committee: Julia A. Graber (chair), Scott Miller, Lise Youngblade, Mark Fondacaro, Constance Shehan

M. S. Developmental Psychology (2003). University of Florida

Thesis: Cultural Differences in Parent-Child Conflict: An Examination of Mediating and Moderating Variables

Committee: Julia A. Graber (chair), Scott Miller, Lisa Brown

B. A. Psychology (1991). University of Texas at Austin

Major: Psychology

Minor: English Literature

Professional Positions

Villanueva 1

Associate Professor of Psychology

St. Edward’s University

Spring, 2010 - present

Assistant Professor of Psychology

St. Edward’s University

Spring, 2005 - 2010

Instructor/Adjunct Faculty

Texas State University

Spring, 2004

Research Associate – Stice Adolescent Laboratory

University of Texas at Austin

Fall 2003 to Spring 2004

Research Associate – BiglerDevelopmental Laboratory

University of Texas at Austin

Fall 2003 to Spring 2004

Villanueva 1

Professional Awards and Grants

St. Edward’s University

  • Presidential Excellence Summer Research Grant, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Faculty Development Grant, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • 2011 Recipient of American Psychological Association CEMRRAT Grant for Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, and Training
  • Recipient of the 2009 Richard B. Hughes Teaching Excellence Award in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Nominee for 2009 St. Edward’s University Teaching Excellence Award
  • Finalist and Alternate for the 2009 Society for Research on Child Development Millennium Scholars Program
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences Faculty Research Award, 2006; 2008
  • EDDIE Innovation Award Finalist 2007, 2008
  • Hudspeth Teaching Award Finalist, 2008
  • Ronald E. McNair TRIO Grant, 2007
  • Texas Guarantee Summer Interns for Success Grant, 2007

University of Florida

  • Southwest Society for Research in Human Development Student Paper Award Winner for Racial Socialization in America: An Examination of the Factors Involved in Children’s Acquisition of Racial Knowledge.
  • Recipient of a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences travel award given through the graduate studies committee.
  • Recipient of the O. Ruth McQuown scholarship award for graduate studies.
  • Recipient of Graduate Minority Programs Supplemental Retention Program Award.

Teaching Experience

St. Edward’s University

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Undergraduate – Department of Psychology

Adolescent Psychology

Child Development

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Forensic Psychology

Research and Field Experience in Psychology

Independent Research in Psychology

Abnormal Psychology

Developmental Psychopathology

Human Sexuality

Cross Cultural Lifespan Development

Graduate – Masters of Arts in Counseling Program

Counseling Diverse Population

Human Growth and Development

Counseling in the Workplace

Texas State University

Abnormal Psychology

Teaching and Mentorship

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 2308Child Development:

Kristina Rodriguez (Fall, 2006), Ilse Carrizales (Fall, 2007), Courtney Francis (Fall, 2007), Joshua Herrera (Spring, 2009), Justin Davidson (Spring, 2009), Lauren McLaughlen (Fall, 2009), Kyle Powell

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 2307Adolescent Psychology:

Stephanie King (Spring, 2006), Emily Johnson (Fall, 2006), Veronica Villa (Spring, 2008), Bridget Lynch (Fall, 2008), Kevin Pierce (Fall, 2009; Spring, 2010), Clare Vaughn (Fall, 2009), Lauren McLaughlin (Spring, 2010), Valerie Felan, Bethany Cuenod (2012), Lauren Liening, Hayley Barone (Fall, 2013), Mariana Cardenas (2014-2015), Georgia Huston (2014-2015)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 2307Adolescent Psychology – Blended Course:

Veronica Villa (Spring, 2007), Shanny Merlos (Spring, 2007), Ricardo Jaen (Fall, 2008)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 4341 Abnormal Psychology:

Stephanie King (Spring, 2006)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 4348 Independent Research in Psychology:

Kevin Clancy (Fall, 2007)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 3338 Psychological Test and Measurement:

Stephanie King (Spring, 2006)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 3305 Forensic Psychology:

Kevin Clancy (Fall, 2007), Autumn Sullivan (Spring, 2008)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 2306 Human Sexuality:

Shannon Stark (Spring, 2008), Holly Skala (Spring, 2008), Madeline Giblin (Spring, 2013), Maggie Ingram (2015)

Teaching Assistants for PSYC 4349 Developmental Psychopathology:

Nicholas Smurda (Fall, 2012), Katherine Elliott (Fall, 2012), Hayley Barone (2014).

Research and Mentorship

Research Assistants in St. Edward’s Child and Family Lab:

Student Researchers: David Hill (Fall, 2005/Spring, 2006); Leanne Bennett, Dora Aubin (Fall, 2006); Ilse Carrizales (Summer & Fall, 2007); Kevin Clancy (Summer & Fall, 2007); Veronica Villa (Spring, 2008); Carmen Tejeda (Fall, 2008); Audrey Fischer, Victoria Sank, Taylor Abt, Erin Conant (2009 to present); Joshua Herrera, Andre Vincente, Eliza Rolfes, Jennifer Weed, Alanna Leos (Fall 2009 to Summer 2010); Taylor Read, FelEsia Rodriguez, Alejandro Parreas, Emma Pate, Delaney Van Vranken, Shea Place, Lauren McLaughlin, Corriana McDonald, Mimi Valladarez, Anthony Dutcher (Fall 2010 to May 2011); Danielle Flanary, Brooke Schweers, Liron Mushin, Alisha Ball, Carlos Medina (Summer 2011 & Fall 2011); Heather Yarnall, Joelenn Avendano, Pete Hudson, John Torres (Fall 2013), Lena Brown (Fall 2014), Maggie Ingram (2014-2015)

Published Work

*Denotes undergraduate student researcher.

Book:

Villanueva, S. (2015). The Angst of Adolescence: How to Parent Your Teen and Live to Laugh About It.Boston, MA: Bibliomotion, Inc.

Articles and Chapters:

Villanueva, S. (2013). Developmental psychology: An academic journey of life and discovery.

In W. Buskist (Ed.), Academic Advising: A Handbook for Advisors and Students. Available from the STP web site:

Villanueva, S. (2011). School in your skivvies: Lessons learned on promoting student engagement in a virtual versus traditional classroom setting. In R. L. Miller, E. Amsel, B. Beins, K. Kowalewski, and B. Peden (Eds.), Promoting student engagement, Volume 1: Programs, techniques, and opportunities. Available from the STP web site:

Williams, J., & Villanueva, S. (2011). Embedding guided discussions in class activities and assignments. In R. L. Miller, E. Amsel, B. Beins, K. Kowalewski, and B. Peden (Eds.), Promoting student engagement, Volume 1: Programs, techniques, and opportunities. Available from the STP web site:

Villanueva, S., Villa, V.* & Fischer, A.* (2011). Eyes on the prize: Body image and eating disturbance behaviors in college-aged young men. American Journal of Psychological Research, 7(1), 43 – 63.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Osment, J.M. & Panke, S. (2009). Comparing effectiveness of traditional versus blended teaching methods: Efforts to meet the demands of students in a blend 2.0. Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2009, World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (pp.2765 - 2774). Honolulu, HI: AACE

Villanueva Dixon, S., & Carrizales, I.* (2009). Risky behaviors in male versus female college students: A modern day paradigm shift. American Journal of Psychological Research, Vol. 5(1), pp. 30 – 42.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Graber, J.A., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2008). The roles of respect for parental authority and parenting practices in parent-child conflict among African American, Latino, and European American families. Journal of Family Psychology, 22(1), pp. 1- 10.

Fondacaro, M., Villanueva, S., Brank, E. (2004). Identity orientation, voice, and judgments of procedural justice during late adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(6), 987 - 997.

Submitted Manuscripts

Villanueva, S. (2015). The American Adolescent. In C. Heslon and J. Kerzil (Eds.) Development across the globe. Universite Catholique d’Ouest, Angers, France.

Ingram, M.* & Villanueva, S. (2015). Do parents make a difference? An examination of parenting styles and transition to college. Submitted to the Journal of Family Psychology.

Select Conference Presentations

Brown, L.*, Ingram, M.*, & Villanueva, S. (2015). On Parenting: An Examination of Older Adolescents’ Perceptions of Parenting Styles and Success in College. Research presented at the 2015 Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, St. Edward’s University.

Villanueva, S., & Kothmann-Paskos, D. (2015). Addressing the Realities of Work-Life Imbalance: Striving for Successful Work-Life Integration in Academia. Presentation given at the Lilly Conference for College and University Teaching. Newport Beach, CA. February, 2015.

Villanueva, S. (2014). Parenting Adolescents: Weathering the Storm and Managing the Stress. Presentation given at the Growing and Aging: Rethinking the Ages of Life. International Lifespan Development Conference, UniversitéCatholiquedel'Ouest(UCO). February, 19, 2014. Angers, France.

Villanueva, S., Kerzil, J., Yarnall, H.*, & Torres, J.* (2014). Growing Older and Getting Wider? Cross Cultural Comparisons of Children’s Perceptions of Aging in the U.S. and France. Presentation given at the Growing and Aging: Rethinking the Ages of Life. International Lifespan Development Conference, UniversitéCatholiquedel'Ouest(UCO). February, 19, 2014. Angers, France.

Villanueva, S. (2013). Learning in the Blogosphere: Using Technology to Reinforce Interactive Teaching and Learning. International Conference on College Teaching and Learning, April 11, 2013, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Villanueva, S., Kothman Paskos , D. (2012). Dr. Mom: Finding Work-Family Balance in Academia. St. Edward’s University 2012 Teaching Symposium: A Conference on College Teaching.

Villanueva, S. (2012). Parenting Out of Control: Tips on Managing Helicopter Parents in College. St. Edward’s University 2012 Teaching Symposium: A Conference on College Teaching.

Paskos, D., Just, H., Villanueva, S., & Williams, J. (2012). Engaging Students in the Classroom: The Implementation and Effectiveness of Applied Learning Strategies. Presented at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology (NITOP), St. Petersburg, Florida.

Schweers, B.*, Singsted, M.*, Ball, A.*, & Villanueva, S. (2012). Beyond the Brady Bunch: Teen Perspectives on Blended Families. Research presented at the 11th annual St. Edward's University Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression.

Flanary, D.*, Medina, C.*, Musin, L.*, & Villanueva, S. (2012). Risky Business: The Latest Trends Among Adolescents Today. Research presented at the 11th annual St. Edward's University Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression.

Villanueva, S. (2011). To Blend or Not to Blend: Discussing the Pros and Cons Behind Teaching Hybrid Courses.Presentation given at Society for Research on Child Development Teaching Institute. Montreal, Canada.

Villanueva, S., Dutcher, A.*, VanVranken, D.* (2011). Changing Communication Styles and Possible Implications: A Study of College Students and Their Technology. Research presented at the University of Houston Clearlake Undergraduate Research Conference. Houston, Tx.

Villanueva, S., McLaughlin, L.*, Place, S.* (2011). Does Parenting Really Make A Difference? Investigation of Parental-Adolescent Relationship as Associated with Risk-Taking Behaviors.Research presented at the University of Houston Clearlake Undergraduate Research Conference. Houston, Tx.

Pate, E.*, Parres, A.*, Read, T.*, & Rodriguez, F.* (2011). Overcoming Issues Related to Working with Families and Children. Research presented at St. Edward’s University SOURCE Undergraduate Research Conference.

Villanueva, S. & Williams, J. (2010). Teaching Diversity at Every Turn: Expectations and Opportunities for Minority Faculty. Symposium presented at the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture Diversity Challenge Conference. Boston College. Boston, MA.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Fischer, A. N.*, Goodall, K*, Sank, V.*, Herrera, J.*, Weed, J.*, Vincente, A.*, Rolfes, E.*, Leos, A.* (2010). Parent-Child Dynamics: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Conflict, Respect, and Parenting Practices.Oral Presentation at the St. Edward’s University SOURCE research symposium.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Fischer, A*., Abt, T*., & Villa, V*. (2009). Frustrations with Diet and Exercise: Not Just for Women Anymore.Paper presented at Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) Conference.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Conant, E.*, & Sank, V.* (2009). Differences In Parenting Styles Across Ethnicities. Poster presented at the St. Edward’s University SOURCE research symposium.

Villanueva Dixon, S. & Fischer, A.* (2009). Respect from a Developmental Perspective: What this Construct Represents for Adolescents.Poster presented at the St. Edward’s University SOURCE research symposium.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Osment, J. M., & Panke, S. (2009). Comparing Traditional vs. Blended Classroom Methods: Benefits to Students and Faculty.Paper to be presented at the Advancement of Computing in Education International Conference (AACE) in June, 2009.

Villanueva Dixon, S. & Villa, V.* (2009). Eyes on the Prize: Body Image and Eating Disturbance Behaviors in College-Aged Young Men.Paper presented at the American Psychological Association International Conference in August, 2009.

Villanueva Dixon, S. & Fischer, A.* (2009). The Meaning of Respect: An Adolescent Perspective.Paper presented at the American Psychological Association International Conference.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Just, H. (2008). Using Blogs and Wikis in the Classroom.Research talk presented at the Southwest Teaching of Psychology conference in Ft. Worth, TX.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Williams, J. (2008). Minority Faculty in Psychology: Challenges and Opportunities. Research talk presented at the Southwest Teaching of Psychology conference in Ft. Worth, TX.

Carrizales, I.* & Villanueva Dixon, S. (2008). Risky Behaviors in Male versus Female College Students: A Modern Day Paradigm Shift. Research talk presented at the Society for Cross Cultural Research conference in New Orleans, LA.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Merlos, S.*, Villa, V.* & Osment, M. (2007). School in your Skivvies: Teaching Psychology as a Blended Course.Presented at Southwest Teachers of Psychology Conference, November, 2007. Clear Lake, TX.

Villanueva Dixon, S., & Williams, J. (2006). Minority Adolescents’ Relationships and Achievement. Symposium presentation at the Southwestern Psychological Association, Ft. Worth, Tx.

Hill, D.* & Villanueva Dixon, S. (2006). Ethnic Group Differences on Perceived Parental Support. Poster presentation at the Southwestern Psychological Association, Ft. Worth, Tx.

Villanueva, S. & Graber, J. A. (2005). Maternal Parenting Behaviors: An Examination of Ethnic Group Differences and Relations to Parent-Child Conflict and Adolescent Adjustment.Research presented at the Society for Research on Child Development Conference, Atlanta, Ga.

Rowell, S. R. & Villanueva, S. (2004). Mother-daughter interactions: An examination of cortisol reactivity to stress during the entry into puberty.Research presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Baltimore, Md.

Villanueva, S. (2004). Cultural differences in parent-child interactions: A longitudinal examination of respect for parental authority among African-American, European-American, and Latina girls.Research presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Baltimore, Md.

Villanueva, S., & Rowell, S. R.(2003). Ethnic differences in parent-child conflict: The roles of respect for parental authority and parenting practices.

Research presented at the Society for Research on Child Development. Tampa, Fl.

Villanueva, S. (2002).Mother-daughter disagreements during the entry into puberty: Patterns of individual differences in girls.Research presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence. New Orleans, La.

Invited Presentations

Villanueva, S. (2014). Sturmund Drang: The Perceptions and Realities of Parent-Adolescent Conflict.

Presentation given at the Capital Area Psychological Association at the University of Texas at Austin AT&T Conference Center. October 2014.

Villanueva, S. (2014). The Adolescent Mind:What Were They Thinking?Presentation given at the 2014 TMCEC Juvenile Case Manager Conference. Austin, Texas.

Villanueva, S. (2013). Right from the Start: What Should We Do to Help Our Youngest Children Thrive? Kettering Foundation and sponsored by the SEU Center for Ethics and Leadership April 6, 2013.

Villanueva, S. (2013). When Your Children are Teenagers, its Important to Have a Dog (*so that someone in the house is happy to see you!) Capital Area Psychological Association at the University of Texas at Austin AT&T Conference Center on April 12, 2013.

Villanueva, S. (2013). Walk the Walk: An Open Discussion on the Challenges and Opportunities for Minority Leaders. St. Edward’s University 2013 Multicultural Awareness Conference for Leadership on March 1, 2013.

Villanueva, S. (2010). Adolescent Risk-Taking and Decision-Making: Why Teens do what they do. Presentation given at Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center Training Workshop.

Villanueva Dixon, S., Frohardt, R. J., & Williams, J. G. (2008). What were they thinking? Adolescent Behavior and Decision-Making. Research talk presented at the Texas Municipal Court Education Training Conferences.

Villanueva Dixon, S. (2008). Why College IS for you! Key note speech given at meeting for Johnston High School students at St. Edward's University campus. Meeting sponsored by St. Edward's University and LatinWorks Corp.

Villanueva Dixon, S. (2008) Connecting the Disconnected: Experiences in Teaching Blended Courses. Research talk presented at the St. Edward’s University Center for Teaching Excellent Faculty Circle.

Service and Professional Activities

University Service

  • Chair, St. Edward’s University Institutional Review Board (2014 – present)
  • Co-Chair, St. Edward’s University Institutional Review Board (2010 – 2014)
  • St. Edward’s University Faculty Senator (2012 – 2013)
  • Member, St. Edward’s University Promotion & Tenure Committee (2012 – 2014)
  • Member, St. Edward’s University Diversity Committee (2012 – present)
  • Secretary, St. Edward’s American Association of University Professors Chapter (2012 – present)
  • Chair, Faculty Institute on Globalization and Society Reading List Committee (2013)
  • Family Cluster Facilitator, 2012 - 2013 St. Edward’s University Leadershape Institute
  • Advisory Board member, St. Edward’s Center for Ethics and Leadership (2010 – present)
  • Faculty sponsor for Hilltop Mentors Program
  • Faculty Compensation Committee (2010-2011)
  • Chair, Online Learning Committee(2008 – 2009)
  • Human Subjects Review Board (2005 – 2007) Co-chair (2007- 2009)
  • E-Learning Faculty Circle Co-chair (2008 – present)
  • Alternate BSS representative for SEU Faculty Senate (2007)
  • FEAC representative to France Study Abroad Committee
  • Organized 2008 Presidential Debates to be shown on Campus with follow-up discussions
  • Member of Living-Learning Planning Community (2008)
  • Research featured in Austin American Statesman Interview (2009)
  • Served on University Appeals Board (2007-2008)
  • Guest Presenter at SEU Overnight sponsored by Office of Undergraduate Admissions (2007-2008)

College/DepartmentService

  • Reviewer, Journal of Family Psychology (2010 – present)
  • Reviewer/Contributing Editor for Steinberg Adolescence text (2014, 10th ed.)
  • Reviewer for Wadsworth/Cengage Publishers (2009 to present)
  • Reviewer for Southwest Psychological Associations 2009 conference
  • Panelist: Love, Sex, and Relationships Student Discussions
  • Co-chair of St. Edward’s Psychology Society student organization (2007 – 2011)
  • Member of the Society for Psychological Study in Social Issues Early Career Scholars Committee (2009)
  • Host Go! Project Students in Classes (2006 - present)
  • Presenter at Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) Research Colloquium (2008)
  • BSS Faculty and Student Research Award Committee (2007)
  • Faculty Sponsor for BSS Student Summer Research Group (2007-2008)

Community/Professional Service

  • PTA Board Member for Joslin Elementary School (2014 – present)
  • Executive Board Member – Latinitas, Inc., (2013)
  • Invited presenter for the Capitol Area Psychological Association (2013 – present)
  • Faculty member for the Texas Municipal Court Judge Training Program (2008 - present)
  • Guest Presenter at Texas Department of Transportation Traffic Safety School (2009)
  • Invited presenter for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Healthy Choices & Good Decisions Discussion for Adolescents at AISD Middle School (2009)
  • Contributing Author – Latinitas Magazine (2009 - 2010)
  • Member of Las Comadres Latina Professional Women’s group