Jennifer Thomas

Dr. Jennifer Thomas is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Wilkes University and serves as the Director of the Women’s and Gender Studies program. She holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Purdue University and an MA in Psychology from Wake Forest University.

• Specializes in developmental psychology and peer relationships
• Interdisciplinary focus on gender-based activism and stress physiology
• Recipient of the Carpenter Outstanding Teaching Award

Her research spans children’s and adolescents’ social adjustment, prosocial behaviors, and wellbeing in adult friendships, alongside exploring resilience and vulnerability to sexism in women’s physiological responses to stress. She also contributes to the scholarship of teaching and learning, investigating metacognitive processes that enhance student achievement.

Scientific Awards:

• Carpenter Outstanding Teaching Award

Dr. Thomas advises Psi Chi, the international psychology honors society, and the Wilkes Feminist Alliance, integrating her expertise in gender studies and developmental psychology into student mentorship.