Mary Beth Medvide, PhD

Education

• PhD, Counseling Psychology, Boston College
• MA, Mental Health Counseling, Boston College
• MA, Psychology in Education, Columbia University
• BS, Psychology, Lehigh University
• Predoctoral Internship: Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College

Research Interests

My research focuses on hope as a critical meaning‑making process that supports agency, healing, and collective action, particularly in contexts marked by marginalization and differential opportunity. I use qualitative and phenomenological methods to understand people’s lived experiences.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is rooted in phenomenological and constructivist approaches to learning that help students examine how meaning, identity, and context shape experience. I emphasize reflective practice, collaborative inquiry, and active engagement to support learning and professional development.

Professional Affiliations

Licensed Psychologist in Massachusetts

Achievements

• Suffolk University Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence Innovative Teaching Award, 2024
• Suffolk University Graduate Student Association Faculty Member of the Year, 2021

Selected Publications

Medvide, M. B. (in press). Hope is an antidote: Exploring hope theory and practice in psychology, education, and social justice. Cambridge University Press.

Kenny, M. E., & Medvide, M. B. (2026). Education and working. In D. L. Blustein & K. Autin (Eds). The Oxford handbook of the psychology of working (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Medvide, M. B. (2023, Aug). Hope as the antidote. [Mainstage headline event]. American Psychological Association 2023 Convention, Washington, DC.

Medvide, M. B., & Kenny, M. E. (2022). Hope in the lives of low-income students of color: A qualitative study of experiences in a work-based learning program. Journal of Career Development, 49(2), 297-310. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845320937430