Jessica Neal
Bio
Jessica Neal is from Kinston, North Carolina, where she dedicated eight years to her role as an educator within the Lenoir County Public Schools System. A highlight of her experience was the strong connections she built with students and their families. This passion for fostering relationships has inspired her to advance her education, aiming to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to support the youth and families in her community. Jessica is pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences, with research interests focused on purpose, self-efficacy in career decision-making, and college readiness during adolescence.
While a Master’s student in the YFCS program at NC State, Jessica played a pivotal role in the successful pilot of the OPTICS program in the Fall of 2022 under the guidance of Dr. Jamie Alexander. Since that time, she has continued to collaborate with Dr. Alexander on various extension initiatives related to the OPTICS program. Her responsibilities have included facilitator training, data collection, and the development of program materials.
In her leisure time, Jessica enjoys reading, traveling, attending sports events, and spending quality moments with her family and friends.
Programs and Initiatives
- Opportunities for Purpose-Transformed Identities for Career Success (OPTICS)
Contributing Websites
Education
BS Elementary Education Winston-Salem State University
MR Youth, Family, and Community Sciences North Carolina State University
Area(s) of Expertise
- Career Development
- Family Science
- Purpose
- Adolescence & Emerging Adulthood