Rochelle Dalla
Professor and Graduate Chair
Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact
- Address
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CPEH 342
Lincoln NE 68588-0236 - Phone
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402-472-2957 On-campus 2-2957
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rdalla1@unl.edu
CV: Download
| Mar·gin·al·ize: (1) To relegate or confine to a lower or outer limit or edge, as of social standing; (2) to place in a position of marginal importance, influence, or power; (3) to relegate to the fringes, out of the mainstream; make seem unimportant (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). |
My research focuses on various dimensions of human trafficking—both sex trafficking and labor trafficking—among vulnerable, socially marginalized, populations. Framed in life-course developmental theory and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory, my research questions broadly address: (1) the individual resources (e.g., agency, social support, psychosocial well-being); and (2) social (intergenerational family processes, peer networks, cultural beliefs), and environmental contexts—with particular attention to process that create and sustain marginalization (e.g., health disparities and structural vulnerabilities). I prioritize qualitative methods, and especially the use of in-depth personal interviews and focus-group discussions, in order to understand the lived experiences of uniquely vulnerable populations.
I have studied human trafficking for over 20 years, with research projects in the United States, India, and Kyrgyzstan.
To learn more about recent projects, visit my Human Trafficking & Vulnerable Populations Research Lab
I am also the founder and Editor-in Chief of Journal of Human Trafficking
Education
Ph.D., University of Arizona: Human Development & Family Studies
M.S., University of Arizona: Human Development & Family Studies
M.S., University of Nebraska-Omaha: Community Counseling
B.A., University of Colorado- Boulder. Double Major: Psychology and Cultural Anthropology
Recent Honors and Awards
- I was honored to be selected as the Spring, 20205 Lecturer for the Chancellor’s Lecture Series, sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development, the UNL Research Council, and the Office of the Chancellor: Parents as Perpetrators: Family-facilitated Child Sex Trafficking in India and Intergenerational Implications for Maternal and Child Well-being
- In 2025 I received the Champion for Human Rights & Social Justice Award. This award recognizes those of notable distinction for their influential leadership for human rights in society and is sponsored by the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars (GAHTS).
Honors and Recognition
- 2018, Distinguished Research and Creative Career Award, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- 2017, Distinguished Teaching Award, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- 2015, Best Presentation Award in Behavioral Sciences, Center for Scholastic Inquiry International Academic Research Conference, Charleston, SC
- 2012, Certificate of Recognition for Contribution to Students, UNL Teaching Council and the UNL Parents Association2007, Distinguished Publication Award, Association for Women in Psychology
- 2007, Swanson Award for Teaching Excellence, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- 2004, Charman Outstanding Professor Award, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- 2004, Award for Young Achievers, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona
- 2003, Award for Young Achievers: School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Arizona
- 2003, Distinguished Alumni Award: School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Arizona
- 2001, College of Human Resources and Family Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award
Memberships
- American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
- Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)
- National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)