Verena Rossa-Roccor

Verena Rossa-Roccor is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) in UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, working in collaboration with Generation Squeeze and the Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health (Wellstream). With a background in psychiatry and a Master’s in Population and Public Health, Verena recently completed her PhD at UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability.
Her postdoctoral research focuses on the mental health impacts of climate change on youth and how evidence can be mobilized to inform intergenerationally fair public policy. She explores how feelings of powerlessness in the face of political inaction contribute to climate-related distress, and how empowering youth can foster both individual wellbeing and climate action.
Through her fellowship, Verena aims to strengthen the connection between health research and policy, advancing strategies that promote long-term mental health outcomes for young people in British Columbia by centering their voices and supporting their active role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.