معرفی
Jonathan F. Zaff serves as Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology and Professor at Northeastern University's Bouvé College of Health Sciences. A developmental psychologist, he focuses on creating conditions for youth thriving, particularly among historically oppressed populations, through community-engaged research and leadership in youth development initiatives.
Dr. Zaff's educational background includes:
- PhD in Psychology (Lifespan Development) from The University of Georgia
- MS in Psychology from The University of Georgia
- BA in Psychology (Government minor) from Connecticut College
His research centers on positive youth development frameworks, examining how social support networks ('webs of support') influence educational, vocational, and social-emotional outcomes. Key areas include youth civic engagement, pathways for non-graduating high school students, and community initiatives promoting youth thriving, with emphasis on equity and resilience among marginalized youth.
Analysis of Dr. Zaff's 2016-2021 publications reveals consistent methodological diversity (pattern-centered approaches, latent class analysis) applied to social support structures. His work demonstrates how multi-layered adult and community supports drive educational persistence among English learners, high-risk youth, and those navigating childhood adversity, with strong translational impact on youth development programs.
Scientific Awards: None documented in provided materials.
Dr. Zaff actively mentors graduate students, evidenced by asterisked co-authors across publications including M. Margolius, C. Tang, and J. Pan. His founding of major research centers (CERES Institute, Center for Promise) indicates substantial grant leadership, though specific funding mechanisms aren't detailed.
He established and directed Boston University's CERES Institute for Children & Youth, conducting community-engaged applied research, and founded the Center for Promise (America's Promise Alliance research division), demonstrating commitment to collaborative, action-oriented youth development science across institutional settings.
