Biography
Dr. Jenae M. Nelson is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, following postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) and Baylor University. As a descendant of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Anishinaabe), Dr. Nelson integrates Indigenous epistemologies into her research on developmental and social psychology. Her interdisciplinary background bridges the psychology of religion, neuroscience, and cultural psychology to explore mechanisms of human flourishing and "Mino-Bimaadiziwin" (the good life).
Research Interests
Dr. Nelson's research focuses on relational virtues—such as gratitude, indebtedness, and compassion—and their role in positive youth development and spiritual growth. She currently directs the Development of Character and Spirituality (DOCS) Lab, leading grant-funded initiatives that range from character interventions in youth sports (the Strong Youth Project) to the study of moral communities. Dr. Nelson is particularly invested in translational research that applies psychological science to real-world contexts, including establishing competitive athletics experiences for underserved youth and developing indigenous-informed paradigms for well-being.