Jennifer A. Schmidt

Jennifer A. Schmidt is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education at Michigan State University’s College of Education. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and focuses on adolescent motivation and engagement in science learning environments, using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to study subjective experiences. Her work bridges motivational psychology, adolescent development, and educational intervention design.

Her research examines how classroom environments and teacher practices influence students’ emotional and motivational experiences in middle/high school science. Current projects include modifying students’ STEM perceptions through interventions and identifying features of effective learning environments. She collaborates on initiatives like the M-PLANS program to equip teachers with strategies for fostering student motivation under NGSS standards.

Recent publications emphasize situational engagement, emotional costs in learning, and the interplay between control-value beliefs and STEM interest. While no awards are explicitly mentioned, her contributions to educational psychology and science pedagogy are highlighted through her extensive publication record and collaborative projects.

Dr. Schmidt’s work intersects with multiple initiatives within the College of Education, though specific labs/teams are not detailed in the provided texts. Her research often addresses equity in STEM engagement, particularly for underrepresented groups, and emphasizes practical classroom applications.