Rate My Professor Matthew Jenkins

Dr. Matthew Jenkins is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, within the Division of Health Sciences. He holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Birmingham (2002–2005), an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Staffordshire University (2010–2012), and a PhD in Physical Education – Applied Exercise Psychology from the University of Otago (2014–2017). He has also completed cultural competency qualifications, including Papa Tikanga Level 3 from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (2024) and Kaitiaki Ahurea Award Level 2 from Te Rau Ora (2022).

Jenkins' research focuses on health promotion within communities experiencing mental illness, health service user experiences and co-design processes, the intersection between physical activity and holistic health, nature connection and mental health, and motivational theories including Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He leads key projects such as a co-design study supporting the health and wellbeing of rangatahi experiencing psychosis, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Lottery Health Research, and the University of Otago Division of Health Sciences until June 2026; the Aotearoa component of the international UNILIFE-M cohort study on university students' lifestyle behaviours and mental health; and 'Moving in the Margins', examining physical activity subsidies in marginalised communities. As Postgraduate Coordinator for the Department of Psychological Medicine (Wellington), Partnership Manager at Nuku Ora, member of the Division of Health Sciences Early to Mid-Career Management Committee, and part of the University of Otago Wellington Working Group for Research Impact, he mentors emerging researchers and drives community-engaged initiatives. Jenkins disseminates findings through his Otago-funded radio show and podcast 'One in Four', media commentaries for The Conversation and Otago Daily Times, and conference presentations.

His publications include highly cited works on COVID-19 impacts, such as 'Psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and wellbeing in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study' (PLoS One, 2020) and 'Silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand' (PLoS One, 2021). Recent outputs encompass 'Growing the lived experience voice in psychiatry education and research: An academic department’s journey' (Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2024) and 'Lived experience of health and wellbeing among young people with early psychosis in Aotearoa New Zealand' (Community Mental Health Journal, 2024). Jenkins has earned the University of Otago Early Career Award for Distinction in Research (2023), University of Otago Wellington Emerging Researcher of the Year (2021), University of Otago Wellington Research Paper of the Year (2021), ISBNPA Annual Conference Oral Presentation Award finalist (2023), and University of Otago Supervisor of the Year finalist (2022).