Helen MacDonald

Helen MacDonald is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Emmanuel College, where she integrates clinical practice, research, and teaching to foster student development in clinical psychology. She emphasizes interactive, multi-modal learning to build analytic skills and writing excellence while encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives and challenge their intellectual boundaries.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. and M.A. from Boston University
• B.A. from Wellesley College

Dr. MacDonald's research centers on two interconnected domains: (1) identifying risk and protective factors in stress/anxiety disorders (particularly PTSD) through neuropsychological investigations across military, community, and child populations; and (2) examining how mindfulness practices influence mental health, academic performance, and neurocognitive functioning in college students. Her work bridges clinical science with practical applications for student well-being.

Her recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity in trauma response mechanisms, with growing emphasis on pandemic impacts and mindfulness interventions. Key trends include the neurocognitive correlates of PTSD, the efficacy of online mindfulness programs for student mental health, and occupational trauma in community violence prevention workers—demonstrating methodological diversity from RCTs to qualitative field studies.

Dr. MacDonald actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with several co-authoring her publications. She has secured significant external funding including:

• Principal Investigator: The Program for Mindfulness and Contemplative Learning at Emmanuel College (Frederick P. Lenz Foundation, 2018 and 2020)
• Co-Investigator: Family Adaptation to OIF Deployment (NIMH 1R01MH094422-01A1, 2012-2016)