Jennifer L Woolard

Jennifer L Woolard is a Professor of Psychology and Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at Georgetown University's College of Arts & Sciences. She directs the CAS First Fellows Program and leads the Georgetown Community Research Group, studying legal processes' impact on youth and families. Her career includes roles at the National Victims Resource Center, the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice, and the University of Florida’s Center for Studies in Criminology and Law.

Education: Ph.D. in developmental and community psychology from the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on juvenile justice system interactions, Miranda rights comprehension, plea bargaining dynamics, and policy reform. She has testified before federal and state legislatures, presenting findings to academic, legal, and policy audiences.

Research highlights include analyzing waiver of counsel in juvenile courts, racial disparities in justice perceptions, and family engagement in correctional settings. Her work bridges developmental psychology with legal practice, emphasizing fairness and justice. Awards include the APA Fellowship and Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

Grants and collaborations include Department of Justice-funded projects. She advocates for systemic reforms informed by developmental science, particularly for marginalized youth. Her Georgetown lab actively publishes on legal decision-making, probation outcomes, and interdisciplinary policy solutions.