معرفی
Jenn Jacobs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University, College of Education. Her work bridges sport psychology, social justice, and community engagement, with a strong focus on incarcerated youth and international sport for development.
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Northern Illinois University
- M.S. in Sport Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- B.S. in Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Her research centers on sport for social change, particularly in juvenile justice settings and global contexts. She investigates how sport fosters identity, self-efficacy, and social behaviors among marginalized youth. Her work emphasizes racial equity, transformative learning, and empowerment through physical activity.
Her recent publications and funded projects reveal a consistent focus on incarcerated youth, international exchange, and gender equity. Projects like Project FLEX and ENVEST Tanzania demonstrate applied, community-based research that integrates sport psychology with real-world impact.
Scientific awards and grants include:
- U.S. Department of State Sports United Grant (2022)
- Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Grant (2020–2022)
- Citizen Action Diplomacy Fund (2019)
- NIU Instructional Innovation Grant (2018)
Jenn Jacobs actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, involving them in research, grant projects, and international programs. She teaches courses in sport psychology, coaching, and sport culture. Her leadership in initiatives like Project FLEX and She Believes in Belize highlights her commitment to service, outreach, and experiential learning.
She leads and collaborates with research teams on initiatives such as Project FLEX (focused on incarcerated youth), international exchanges in Tanzania and Belize, and classroom innovation projects using social media. These efforts reflect a multidisciplinary, community-engaged approach to sport psychology.
