Jennifer Poon

Jennifer Poon is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), affiliated with the Clinical-Community PhD program—the only APA-accredited program in Alaska. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Neuroscience concentration) from George Mason University (2019), an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from The College of William & Mary (2013), and a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech (2011). Her work integrates clinical, developmental, and affective neuroscience to address adolescent suicide and risk behaviors.

Research focuses on transdiagnostic mechanisms like emotion regulation, minority stress, and historical trauma, alongside culturally congruent interventions for Alaska Native and LGBTQ+ youth. Collaborations include the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (UAF) and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Key initiatives include the CARIBOU Lab, emphasizing community-driven research and trauma-informed interventions. Current projects explore seasonal sunlight impacts on teen sleep and suicide risk through grants with a biology professor.

Teaching includes courses like Ethics in Psychology and Lifespan Human Development. Awards include a Postdoctoral NRSA/F32 NIMH Research Fellowship (2021-2023). She mentors students in eating disorders assessment and suicide prevention, with a focus on expanding Alaska’s mental health services.

• Education: George Mason U (PhD), William & Mary (MA), Virginia Tech (BS)
• Key Research Themes: Adolescents' suicide prevention, minority stress, Alaska Native health, climate change psychology
• Grants/Collaborations: Seasonal sunlight-suicide risk study, Alaska SeaLife Center climate change project
• Labs: CARIBOU Lab (Community & Adolescent Research on Inequities in Behavioral Outcomes)