Research Interests:
Positive Psychology, Forensic Psychology
Dr. W. Steven Saunders is a distinguished licensed psychologist and esteemed faculty member at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he has been contributing to the academic community since 2007. With a commitment to fostering education and research, Dr. Saunders founded the Positive Psychology Research Lab, an initiative designed to provide undergraduate students with invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in empirical research.
An accomplished educator, Dr. Saunders has developed and introduced an original course titled “Positive Psychology” to the UCF curriculum, reflecting his expertise and passion for the subject. His innovative approach to teaching extends to the digital realm, where he has been recognized with the Innovative Online Teaching Award for his creative and engaging web courses.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Saunders has an extensive background in forensic psychology. He lends his expertise to public safety organizations, offering consultation services to police and fire departments concerning the mental health and well-being of their officers.
Dr. Saunders has been an active voice in the professional community for over 26 years, delivering presentations and lectures to his peers in the field of psychology. He is regarded as an expert in the dynamic integration of Artificial Intelligence within mental health practices, contributing significantly to advancements in the field. He presented on AI use in mental health at both the Florida Psychological Association and American Psychological Association
conferences.
Throughout his tenure at UCF, Dr. Saunders has consistently demonstrated a dedication to enriching the educational experience for his students while making significant contributions to the fields of psychology, artificial intelligence, and public safety.