Jenelle Power

While Jenelle’s initial research focused on health psychology, she decided to focus on forensic psychology after discovering her interest in the filed while working as a student research assistant with the Correctional Service of Canada. Her research has primarily focused on suicide and self-injurious behaviour in incarcerated adults. After pursuing research within the federal government for several years, as well as working on academic research, Jenelle’s career took in her a different direction as she accepted opportunities to learn policy, operations, issues management, and strategic advice within the public service, particularly within the safety and security portfolio. Currently, she is the Chief of Staff for Service Canada, where she uses the knowledge and skills learned through her graduate school education to make evidence-based decisions and recommendations.

Research: Jenelle’s research focused primarily on self-injurious behaviour in offender populations. Although she is not in a research position currently, the ability to evaluate data and information allows her to make evidence-based decisions in her public service career.

Future Goals: Jenelle’s current goal is to continue to develop as an executive leader, and support the development of a healthy and inclusive public service.

Tips for Success in Graduate School: You do not have to be the smartest person in the room to get through graduate school; you have to have grit. You just have to be committed, put in the work, learn from the feedback, and keep going.