Julia Devoy

Julia DeVoy, Ph.D., a Boston College graduate '06 and an applied psychologist has been involved in social impact, social entrepreneur businesses and social justice work nationally and internationally since 1989. DeVoy, who earned a B.A. from St. Lawrence University (SLU), a M.T.S. from Harvard University, and a M.B.A. from Oxford University in addition to her doctorate in Applied Developmental & Educational Psychology from Boston College, has been affiliated with BC since 1993.

DeVoy was selected as the Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford (GOTO) awardee for best submission of an action oriented project geared towards addressing the complex issue of fresh water scarcity facing the world today. She was also awarded the Dean’s Prize for top MBA class GPA. Since 2000 she has taught undergraduate and graduate Psychology and Education classes; supervised doctoral-level instructors, master’s degree students, and undergraduates.

Devoy has also served as a mentor for numerous Ronald McNair Fellows, Community Research Program Scholars (CRP), Truman Scholars, Fullbright Fellows, and Advanced Study Grant scholars at Boston College. In 2016, she received the Boston College 'Ever to Excel' Reverend John R. Trzaska, S.J. Award, given to a faculty member who expanded the horizons, skills, and value systems of Boston College students by providing support and guidance outside of the classroom.

Her research and teaching has concentrated on the‎ relationship of social class ‎variables to the human lifespan, with a focus ‎on social mobility ‎among low-‎income ‎global citizens that examines ‎personal aspects, as well as ‎ecological contexts‎ such as ‎family, faith, ‎workplace, ‎community and ‎educational ‎settings, which facilitate or constrain development. She is currently investigating ways in which economically disempowered individuals‎ develop dual ‎class-based ‎psychological identities in order to transition to elevated economic levels ‎while maintaining healthy ‎emotional‎ well-being and relational support.‎ In the field, she advises on the design of social impact initiatives as interventions for helping address systemic social inequities.

Education

• M.T.S., Harvard University
• M.B.A., Oxford University
• Ph.D., Boston College

Select Publications

• Blustein, D. L., DeVoy, J. E., Connors-Kellgren, A., & Olle, C. (2014). Self-construction in an unstable world: Guichard’s theory in the era of the Great Recession. In A. Di Fabio & J. L. Bernaud (Eds.), The psychological construction of identity in 21st century. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Publishing, Inc.
• Blustein, D. L., Kenna, A. C., Gill, N., & DeVoy, J. E. (2008). The psychology of working: A new framework for counseling practice and public policy. Career Development Quarterly, 56, 294-308.
• Blustein, D. L., Kenna, A.C., Murphy, K. A., & DeVoy, J. E. (2006). Self-concept. In J. Greenhaus & G. Callanan (Eds.) Encyclopedia of career development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Blustein, D. L., Kenna, A. C., Murphy, K. A., DeVoy, J. E., DeWine, D. B. (2005). Qualitative research in career development: Exploring the center and margins of discourse about careers and working. Journal of Career Assessment, 13, 351-370.
• Chaves, A., Diemer, M., Blustein, D. L., Gallagher, L., Casares, M., DeVoy, J. E., & Perry, J. (2004). Conceptions of work: The view from urban youth. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 51, 275-286.
• DeVoy, J. E. (1995). Integrating Social Studies, Economics and Language Arts with Project-based Learning. Ed., Andover MA: The Network Inc.

Research Interests

• Brand Strategy and Communication
• Change Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Leadership Development
• Management Consulting
• Strategic Marketing