David P Saunders-Scott

David P Saunders-Scott serves as a Professor of Psychology within the School of Social Sciences at Viterbo University. His academic journey includes a PhD from Eastern Michigan University, and he actively contributes to the field through research on belonging, academic success, and mental health. His work aims to foster inclusive communities and improve student outcomes in higher education.

His formal education is as follows:

• PhD, Eastern Michigan University
• MA, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• BA, Macalester College

Professor Saunders-Scott's primary research interest lies in understanding and fostering belonging for all groups to create thriving diverse communities. His current projects examine students' sense of belonging in college, its impact on academic success, health, and well-being. Additionally, he investigates psychological predictors of college retention, the role of grit and growth mindset, and criminological factors such as conduct disorder and criminality. His interdisciplinary approach bridges social psychology, education, and mental health.

Analysis of his publications from 2014 to 2025 shows a consistent focus on belonging and academic achievement. Key themes include the psychological mechanisms of college retention, the relationship between mental health and biological factors (e.g., gut bacteria and anxiety), and criminological studies on adult criminality. His recent work (2025) emphasizes enhancing student well-being and completion through belonging initiatives, reflecting an applied and intervention-oriented research agenda.

He has been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• D. B. Reinhart Institute Ethics Research Fellowship (2023)
• Alec Chiu Award for Engaging Students in Research (2023)

Professor Saunders-Scott has successfully mentored students, as highlighted by the Alec Chiu Award. His research is supported by multiple internal grants, including Faculty Development Grants (awarded in 2020, 2022, and 2025), Summer Research Grants (2016, 2018), and the Trustees’ Opportunity Fund (2015). These grants have funded investigations into student belonging, mental health interventions, and criminological research, demonstrating a sustained commitment to impactful scholarly work.

Although no specific lab or research center is named, his collaborative publications with colleagues from Viterbo University and beyond indicate active participation in research teams focused on psychological and social sciences.