Jenny Mercer

Dr Jenny Mercer is a Reader in Qualitative Approaches to Applied Psychology and the Graduate Studies Lead for Health Sciences at Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University. She has held senior leadership roles since 2015, overseeing doctoral program governance and supervisory practices. She chairs key research committees and has examined theses across UK universities. Mercer pioneered the Doctoral Wellbeing Initiative (2020) and leads the pan-Wales 'Researcher Wellbeing Cymru' project, recognized with the 2023 Doctoral Researcher Community Impact Award. Her research spans wellbeing (nature-based interventions, green care programs) and student experience (underrepresented groups like mature students and international learners). She merges these interests to study doctoral researcher wellbeing and coping strategies, contributing to policy development in higher education.

Education details are not explicitly listed in the text, but her professional trajectory indicates advanced academic qualifications. Research focuses on qualitative methodologies (thematic analysis, grounded theory) across health, forensic, and educational psychology. Notable projects include evaluations of prison animal programs and collaborations with NHS Wales on cardiovascular initiatives. She also leads the Public Health & Wellbeing Research Group’s 'Connecting to Nature and Green Spaces' theme.

Her 10 most recent articles (2021–2025) reflect a dual focus on doctoral education systems and applied health psychology, with interdisciplinary approaches bridging qualitative research methods and policy impact. Awards highlight her commitment to institutional wellbeing frameworks. Mercer’s advisory work includes training for supervisors and doctoral researchers, emphasizing ethical and supportive academic environments.