FSU Professor Lyndsay Jenkins Named Fellow of American Psychological Association

Lyndsay Jenkins, the Michael and Jean Shahnasarian Endowed Professor at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at Florida State University (FSU), has been elected as a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA). This recognition is one of the highest honors in the field of psychology, reflecting her significant contributions to the discipline.

The APA, which boasts over 133,000 members, is dedicated to producing leading scientific research and providing professional development opportunities. The fellowship status is awarded to members who have made a substantial impact in psychology that transcends regional boundaries.

Jenkins expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a tremendous honor to be named a fellow of the APA. As a first-generation college student from a rural community, I never would’ve imagined that this type of recognition would be possible. This achievement represents years of hard work, but also the immense support of my family, mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped my career.”

Research Focus and Impact

Jenkins’ research primarily investigates bullying and the development of interventions for children and adolescents affected by harassment. Her major project, Intervention for Victimized Youth (IVY), aims to provide resources for victims and support children from elementary school through high school.

As a scholar in school psychology, Jenkins is dedicated to improving the lives of youth impacted by bullying. Her research areas include peer victimization, cyberbullying, and racial microaggressions in educational settings. Jenkins and her team have created versions of IVY that cater specifically to individual counseling interventions, including a focus on youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This initiative marks the first intervention program to address the unique needs of bullied youth from a trauma-informed perspective.

Jenkins hopes that mental health professionals globally can utilize IVY to provide support to those experiencing bullying. “This innovative work positively impacts youth and schools by providing a free, evidence-based program for the millions of youth affected by bullying each year,” she stated.

Educational Contributions and Recognition

In addition to her research, Jenkins plays a vital role in local community programs. She serves as the director of Seminoles ASPIRE and STRIDES, initiatives aimed at helping local school children access effective mental health services. Furthermore, she is the program director for the M.S./Ed.S. School Psychology Program and is a faculty member in the Combined Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology program.

Her dedication to education and research has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Jenkins received a University Teaching Award for Community Engaged Teaching, along with a Graduate Teaching Award from Anne’s College and a Graduate Mentor Award from FSU, both awarded in 2025.

Jenkins’ election as a fellow of the APA not only honors her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of addressing bullying in educational settings. Her work continues to inspire and influence future generations of educators and psychologists.