Dr. Renata Tonks Forste earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology at BYU. She received the Child Health and Human Development National Research Service Award while earning her PhD at the University of Chicago. Her doctoral studies centered on sociology with an emphasis in demography and statistics.
Professor Forste was a member of the sociology faculty at the University of Washington for three years before joining the BYU faculty in 1995. Some of her research focuses on family interaction and child health in Latin America. In addition, her research has examined characteristics that influence family formation and partner commitment in the United States.
Sister Forste served a mission to the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. She has also served in the Relief Society and Primary and taught early morning seminary for three years. She is married to Michael Forste.
