Jenny Watts, BSc, MSc, PhD, MA

Raised in Yorkshire on chickpea biriyani and tea, and hearing family sagas of migration, Dr. Watts always wanted to explore more of the world. She moved to Scotland for her undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling, returning to England for a master’s in science degree in psychological research methods (distinction) at the University of Leicester, followed by a doctorate also at Leicester, exploring stress and burnout in the National Health Service (NHS).  

Throughout high school, undergraduate and postgraduate studies, Dr. Watts gained experience in different in human service sectors, including Oxfordshire County Council Social Services, Humberside Police, East Riding of Yorkshire Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, the University of Leicester Student Welfare Service and the University of Lancaster Global Experiences Team.  

After her doctorate, she accepted a post with the British Council to teach psychology and English in Austria. She studied German at the local university and explored more of Europe and North Africa. During this time she also continued to publish research on the psychological consequences of human services work. Living and working within a second language environment for several years provided greater empathy with the international student experience, something that she aims to bring to her classes. After returning to the UK, she taught at Lancaster University as a postgraduate tutor and associate lecturer and studied part-time for a master’s of arts degree in teaching (distinction).  

She maintains an interest in languages, travel, and improving access to healthcare. As a member of the community group Lancaster for Europe, she is involved in encouraging voter registration, supporting refugee families and campaigning for greater political participation for marginalised groups. She is a British Psychological Society chartered psychologist.