Dr. Maureen Drysdale is a Psychology professor at St. Jerome’s University and cross-appointed professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo. Her research involves the many factors that impact academic achievement and the subsequent transition to and success in work after graduation. This includes examining the skill acquisitions, mental health, and overall wellbeing of students in post-secondary education as well as under-represented secondary school students preparing for full-time employment. A primary focus has been on examining the attitudes and behaviours that are believed to be important for successful school-to-work transitions. This include self-concept, self-efficacy, hope, study skills, work ethic, career identity & certainty, motivation, sense of belonging, peer support, social support, anxiety, depression, and other mental health and wellbeing constructs. A second focus is examining the role of cooperative and work-integrated education on school-to-work transitions.

Renate Donnovan is a part-time PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Maureen Drysdale in the Public Health and Health Systems program at the University of Waterloo. She has extensive experience in the design and delivery of resilience training programs as an intervention for improving mental health, success, and achievement. She received a Master of Arts degree from Royal Roads University in the area of Leadership and Adult Education. Her research interests include resilience, coping, transformational learning, design of mental health interventions, and wellbeing. In addition to her studies, Renate is the Wellness Coordinator for the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering where she provides supports to students in the areas of wellbeing and academic success.