Dallas Swendeman, Ph.D.

Dallas Swendeman is Director of the Bridging Science and Research to Markets Initiative for The UCLA Family Commons, where he directs the synthesis of the science behind our products and services. For over 15 years Dallas has been involved in developing, testing, and implementing evidence-based interventions that have effectively supported adolescents, young adults, and families to create healthy lifestyles and change hard to shift behaviors. These programs focus on building skills in communication, problem-solving, goal setting, self-monitoring, and relaxation, to change the way we “feel, think, and do” our daily routines. One of Dallas’ favorite activities is playing music, especially guitar. He and his wife, who have been together 19 years, are also helping to raise their two teenage nephews, aged 17 and 19, who live next door. Dallas likes to play strategy games with his nephews and their friends – engaging them in activities that teach communication, goal setting, problem-solving, and values – and to generally help “keep them out of trouble.” He would love to pick up swimming or surfing again, but is content with his current success in bicycling to work several days a week – a habit he has built into his routine over the past year. Dallas loves donuts but manages to indulge only once a month. The rest of the time he enjoys dark chocolate as a healthier alternative.