Author of "Brave New Stepfamilies"

American stepfamilies do not fit the old "Brady Bunch" stereotype of two adults (widowed or divorced) forming a new loving family with all the kids from previous relationships. In her new book, "Brave New Stepfamilies: Diverse Paths Toward Stepfamily Living," Susan Stewart says social and demographic changes have so diversified families that the question "what is a stepfamily?" is becoming difficult to answer.

Real title: Associate professor of sociology and a researcher in ISU's Institute of Social and Behavioral Research.

Cutting-edge research: Noncustodial parenting, remarriage and union formation, stepfamilies, and child well-being. She showed that the "fast food dad" label for non-resident fathers is a misnomer. Her findings: Kids who spend time with their non-resident fathers eat slightly healthier than those who don't.

Cool course: The Sociology of Intimate Relationships. The main goal of the course is to allow students to apply scientific research on intimate relationships to their own personal experiences. Stewart reports that some students choose to take the course as couples.

Summer travels: Stewart is presenting her "fast food dads" research at the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in New York City.