Janelle Peifer, PhD

Janelle S. Peifer, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. She is a speaker and consultant for higher education institutions and organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for all individuals to grow, flourish, and succeed. She founded Peifer Psychology and also leads Fleurish Psychotherapy. Dr. Peifer earned her PhD in Clinical and School Psychology at the University of Virginia and is an alumna of Wake Forest University. Her research focuses on college student development, identity/culture, mental health, and complex trauma. Her work has been featured in over 50 public scholarship and media engagements in outlets including HBO, The Boston Globe, SELF, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Science.

Peifer received the 2025 Innovative Research in International Education Awardfor her article: “Developmental Pathways to Intercultural Competence in College Students” in Journal of Studies in International Education, coauthored with Elaine Meyer-Lee and Gita Taasoobshirazi.