Jenna Wells

Jenna Wells is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology. Her research focuses on how emotions in close relationships influence mental and physical health across the lifespan, particularly in later life. She specializes in caregiving dynamics for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, aiming to identify predictors of resilience and vulnerability in caregivers, while also exploring positive interpersonal processes linked to long-term well-being.

Dr. Wells received her undergraduate degree in clinical psychology and environmental studies from Tufts University and her Ph.D. in clinical science from the University of California, Berkeley. She completed her predoctoral clinical psychology internship at the Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco. Her methodological approach integrates behavioral coding, text analysis, and open science principles to ensure ecological validity.

Her work has been recognized through the Sloan Recent Alumni Achievement Award. She teaches courses in affective science, including undergraduate and graduate research seminars, senior honors theses, and doctoral-level empirical research. Dr. Wells’ research seeks to inform interventions for individuals facing caregiving stressors or interpersonal challenges.