Hi there! I’m Jessica Navarro, an Assistant Professor in Human Service Studies at Elon University.

I earned my Ph.D. and M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, my MSW from the Brown School of Social Work and Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, and my B.A. in Public Health from Brown University.

My research, teaching, and writing center on Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory, neo-ecological theory, and the intersections of technology, family life, parent-child relationships, and adolescent well-being. I’m especially interested in how theory can help us better understand the complexity of human development in both local and global contexts.

As a “third culture kid” who grew up across five continents, I bring a global lens and deep curiosity to my work. Outside of academia, I spend as much time as I can outdoors with my three children and our pets in the forests of North Carolina. I’m also an avid tennis player and a (very) amateur watercolorist—constantly balancing active, creative, and intellectual pursuits.

I also consult with researchers, instructors, and organizations interested in applying bioecological or neo-ecological theory to their work—especially in educational, developmental, or tech-mediated contexts. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to connect.