In Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Laffier: Enhancing Student Well-Being for Better Learning Outcomes
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jennifer Laffier, an Assistant Professor at Ontario Tech University and a key member of the StudentPulse Advisory Board. With a rich background as both a researcher and licensed therapist, Dr. Laffier’s expertise in student well-being is essential to StudentPulse’s mission of supporting students’ mental health alongside academic achievement. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing valuable insights that help shape the development of the platform.
"As both a researcher and a licensed therapist, I can offer perspectives from both fields. This allows me to provide insights that help StudentPulse prioritize mental health in a way that is both evidence-based and practical, directly addressing the challenges students and educators face."
"Improved well-being supports cognitive functions like memory, focus, attention, and processing, which are essential for learning. When students feel better mentally, their self-esteem and self-efficacy improve, which significantly enhances their engagement and academic success."
"I’ve been involved in an international survey on post-secondary students' mental health, covering Canada and the U.S. The insights from this study align well with StudentPulse’s goals of supporting mental health across diverse student populations."
"I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to support both students and faculty. Often, educators don’t know how to approach mental health issues, and I’m excited to contribute to interventions that benefit everyone involved in the learning process."
"I see my role as providing research-backed insights, supporting psychology-based product design, and sharing my knowledge of institutional policies and requirements within post-secondary education."
"I think a key focus should be on creating opportunities for students to not only maintain well-being but to thrive and flourish. Fostering these opportunities will be critical to helping students reach their full potential."
Dr. Jennifer Laffier’s background in both student well-being research and therapeutic practice positions her as a vital contributor to the StudentPulse Advisory Board. Her insights will help StudentPulse refine its approach to mental health, ensuring the platform offers meaningful support to students and educators alike. Dr. Laffier’s expertise in improving cognitive capacities and fostering well-being will be crucial as StudentPulse continues to evolve.
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