BIO

I teach courses in community psychology and research methods. I view learning and knowledge production as a collaborative and participatory process. An action orientation is also central to my work, my courses center real-world application and project-based learning.

As a community-based researcher, the topics I investigate shift with the community I am working with and their identified needs. However, my approach to research is always rooted in respect for multiple ways of knowing and the experiences of research participants. I mix methods when conducting research but I often focus more on qualitative methodologies, including focus groups, photovoice, open-ended surveys, and interviews.

In my role as Hansberger Chair of Community Collaboration and Engagement, I’ve been able to join a range of community groups to help make connections between the college and the community.

I live with my partner and two young daughters in Boise. I love coffee, dessert, and fantasy books. I enjoy training for triathlons and camping.

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Applied Psychology, Portland State University

M.S., Psychology, Portland State University

B.A., Sociology, Psychology, Biology, University of Louisville

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2025-Present – Full Professor, The College of Idaho

2022-Present – Hansberger Chair of Community Collaboration and Engagement, The College of Idaho

2020-2025 – Associate Professor, The College of Idaho

2016 – 2020 – Assistant Professor, The College of Idaho

2013 – 2016 – Assistant Professor, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Selected Publications:

Patka, M., Murry, A. Wallin-Ruschman, J., & Sabt, M. (2023). Critical Consciousness: The Mixed Effect of Sense of Community on Sociopolitical Action. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.

Patka, M., Wallin-Ruschman, J., Al Rahma, B. A., Zar, A.^, bin Nauman, H.^, Sharif, J. M^….Khanam, Z.^. (2021). Special Olympics Pakistan: Using a Segregated Space to Transition to Independence in Mainstream Settings. Disability & Society, 37(10), 1591-1613.

Wallin-Ruschman, J., Price., A.*, Richey, C.*, & Carns, K.* (2020). Reflections and results from the intersections: Teaching and learning the praxis of intersectionality in the psychology classroom. Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology, 12(1), 13-26.

Wallin-Ruschman, J., Lichty, L., & Palamaro-Munsell, E. (2019). Introduction to the Special Issue Volume 2: Developing Undergraduate Community Psychology Pedagogy and Research Practice, Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, 10(2). Retrieved from https://www.gjcpp.org/en/article.php?issue=32&article=189

Patka, M., Wallin-Ruschman, J., Murry, A. & Minich, N. (2018). Exploring sense of community as a predictor of critical consciousness among youth in Ukraine. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, 9(1), 1-17.

Wallin-Ruschman, J. (2018). “I thought it was just knowledge but it’s definitely a lot of guts”: Exploring emotional and relational dimensions of critical consciousness development. The Urban Review, 50(1), 3-22.

Wallin-Ruschman, J. & Pataka, M. (2016). Learning from critical collective spaces: Reflections on the community-diversity dialectic in safe spaces. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 4(1), 318-331.

* Student co-authors

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Selected Talks:

Wallin-Ruschman, J., Casabar, T.*, LePiane, S.*, Aquino, M.* (2025). Community Engaged Learning in the Classroom: Students and Instructors Reflect and Explore Impact. Presented at the Society for Community Research and Action Biennial Conference, Lansing, MI. [Panel Organizer]

Wallin-Ruschman, J., Ellison, E., Rade, C., & Bielecki, S. (2023). Community Psychology for strategic transformation of institutional community engagement efforts. Presented at the Society for Community Research and Action Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Illanes, K.*, Horton, C.*, Mamba, B.*, Stanciu, J.*, Mbahoze, D.*, Wallin-Ruschman, J., & Heidrich, M. (2022). Campus culture: Exploring perceptions of safety at the College of Idaho. Presented at the Community Research and Action in the West Conference. Online Conference.

Cheesewright, K., Blackwell, S., Wallin-Ruschman, J., Rahimatpure, N.*, & Emele, M.* (2021). Speaking through the power of our difference: Performance, pedagogy, intersectionality, racism. Presented at the Society for Community Research and Action Conference, online conference.

Cabrera, G., Fox., S., Palamaro-Munsell, E., & Wallin-Ruschman, J. (2020). A Seat at the table: Exploring benefits and challenges of undergraduate research. International Conference of Community Psychology. Online Conference.

Weiss, L.*, Wallin-Ruschman, J., Harness, V.*, Hamilton-Rubio, S.* & Heidrich, M. (2019). Exploring experiences of dynamic diversity on campus: A student-led focus group project part of the College as a site of community inquiry: Undergraduates researching undergraduate experiences symposium. Presented at the Society for Community Research and Action Conference, Chicago, IL. [Panel Organizer]

McGraw, J*., Black, R*., Wallin-Ruschman, J., & Heidrich, M. (2017). Exploring student experiences of the PEAK curriculum at the College of Idaho. Presented at Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium Conference, Cincinnati, OH.

Wallin-Ruschman, J., Allegood, V.*, Grim, J.*, & Langston, B.* (2016). Understanding emotions and relationality in the development of critical consciousness in rural contexts. Presented at The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Wallin-Ruschman, J., (2013) Critical Consciousness in a Capstone Classroom: Understanding the role of critical pedagogy, community-based learning, and emotions part of the Critical consciousness-raising: Comparing strategies across academic and community settings symposium. Presented at Society for Community Research and Action Biennial, Miami, FL. [Panel Organizer]

* Student co-authors