Biography and education
Dr. Andrew Behnke is a professor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Texas State. Dr. Behnke grew up in Plano Texas and received his PhD at Purdue University. From 2005-2019, he was a Professor and Extension Specialist at NC State University. Dr. Behnke and Cintia Aguilar developed the Juntos Program which has helped thousands of Latino youth from across the country get to college and achieve their dreams. Dr. Behnke is an advisor to non-profit agencies in the areas of program development, evaluation, and grant writing. Dr. Behnke loves writing grants that have a real-world impact on those with limited resources. His life's mission is helping youth and their families thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Goble, Priscilla Maria (Principal), Shen, Yishan (Principal), Weimer, Amy Ann (Supporting), Alfaro, Edna C (Supporting), Seo, Eunjin (Supporting), Behnke, Andrew Owen (Supporting). REU Site: Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Human Development and Family Sciences (OUR HDFS) Fellowship Program, National Science Foundation, Federal, $439005. (Funded: September 2024 - August 2027). Grant.
- Shen, Yishan (Principal), Goble, Priscilla Maria (Co-Principal), Alfaro, Edna C (Co-Principal), Behnke, Andrew Owen (Co-Principal), Dier, Shannon Elizabeth (Co-Principal), Seo, Eunjin (Co-Principal), Weimer, Amy Ann (Co-Principal). Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Human Development and Family Sciences (OUR HDFS): A Two-Track Training Program, Texas State University, $6000. (Submitted: July 2024, Funded: September 2024 - May 2025). Grant.
- Draw-Hood, Rukeia (Principal), Percent Contribution: %20, Behnke, Andrew Owen (Supporting), Percent Contribution: %20. Juntos: Prairie View A&M University Sustainable Community Project., NIFA, Federal, $640000. (Funded: August 1, 2021 - July 30, 2026). Grant.
- Shen, Yishan (Principal), Goble, Priscilla Maria (Principal), Weimer, Amy Ann (Co-Principal), Alfaro, Edna C (Co-Principal), Seo, Eunjin (Co-Principal), Behnke, Andrew Owen (Co-Principal). Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in DevelopmentalPsychology (OUR DP) Fellowship Program, American Psychological Association, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $5000. (Funded: January 2024 - Present). Grant.
- Alfaro, Edna C, Behnke, Andrew Owen, Goble, Priscilla Maria, Seo, Eunjin, Weimer, Amy Ann. Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Human Development and Family Sciences (OUR HDFS) Fellowship Program, Texas State University CAA Learning Communities Grant, $5000. (Funded: September 2023 - May 2024). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Saha, S., Okafor, H. R., Biediger-Friedman, L. M., & Behnke, A. O. (2021). Association between diet and symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students: A systematic review. Journal of American College Health, (June, 2021), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1926267
- Behnke, A. O., Urieta, D., & Aguilar, C. (2025). Juntos Program Middle School Family Curriculum. NC State Press.
- Behnke, A. O., Urieta, D., & Aguilar, C. (2025). Juntos Program High School Family Curriculum. NC State Press.
- Saha, S., Okafor, H., Biediger-Friedman, L., & Behnke, A. O. (2023). Association between diet and symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students: A systematic review.
- Robledo, M., Edwards, M., Bocarro, J., Behnke, A. O., & Casper, J. (2022). Examination of ecological systems contexts within a Latino-based community sport youth development initiative.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: NC State University Faculty Scholar, NC State University. February 10, 2015 - May 15, 2015
- Award / Honor Recipient: Bright Spot in Hispanic Education, The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence. January 1, 2015
- Award / Honor Recipient: Early Achievement Award, National Extension Family Life Specialist Conference. November 15, 2011
Featured service activities
See annual review Document for other information on Teaching, Research, and Service