Research Team Receives $1.5M NSF Grant to Study Faculty Mental Health and Well-Being
This research will be a national study focusing on the prevalence and severity of mental health problems among faculty working in STEM disciplines.
Congratulations to a team of researchers led by U-M BME’s Karin Jensen, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, on receiving a $1.5M grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a national study on faculty mental health and well-being. This study will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jeanne Sanders, Senior Researcher, U-M; Dr. Mark Huerta, Assistant Professor, Engineering Education, Virginia Tech; and Dr. Julie Martin, Engineering Education Transformations Institute Director, University of Georgia.
Mental health and well-being are rising concerns nationally, with university faculty often experiencing a high stress environment. This research will be a national study focusing on the prevalence and severity of mental health problems among faculty working in STEM disciplines. The project will examine specific factors that positively and negatively impact STEM faculty mental health and well-being, and how academic systems affect these factors for different demographic groups. In doing so, the project will ultimately contribute to improved support for faculty by informing practices and policies that can promote well-being, equity, and more inclusive academic environments.
“We are excited to receive this grant to explore ways to support faculty mental health and well-being and foster inclusive cultures that support well-being,” Dr. Jensen said.