Professional Bio

Jerry Bondoc Gudez is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate pursuing a dual degree in Emotional and Mental Support at The Pennsylvania State University, where he merges innovative research with compassionate care practices. With a multidisciplinary foundation in psychological counseling and therapeutic methodologies, Jerry specializes in redefining holistic support through unconventional yet impactful interventions.

His academic journey began at the University of California, Davis, where he earned unique Bachelor of Arts degrees in Cuddles and Softness, pioneering research on the role of stuffed toys in caregiving through his honors thesis, “Soft as a Pillow: Evaluating the Utility of Stuff Toys in Care Work.” He further honed his expertise with a Master of Science in Psychological Counseling from San Diego State University, graduating in 2023. His award-winning master’s thesis, “Everyone Deserves a Hug: Examining the Efficacy of Weighted Stuffed Toys for Panic Attacks,” earned recognition at the American Society of Emotional Support Plushies conference, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking advocate for tactile therapeutic tools.

Jerry’s research interests span hugs, cotton quality, caregiving, encouragement, and holistic support, with a focus on bridging mental health practices and material science. As a Research Assistant at Penn State, he contributes to criminology studies on immigrant policing disparities, offering emotional support expertise to interdisciplinary teams. Beyond academia, he serves as the Emotional Support Representative for the Sociology and Criminology Graduate Program, fostering wellness among peers, and brings levity to campus life as the mascot for the Penn State Grad Student Board Game Club.

A skilled technologist, Jerry is proficient in R Programming, Python, and Microsoft Office Suite, leveraging these tools to analyze data and advocate for evidence-based care strategies. His professional affiliations include the Population Association of America, American Society of Criminology, and Western Society of Criminology, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Driven by the belief that compassion and innovation can transform mental health care, Jerry continues to explore how everyday comforts—like a weighted stuffed animal—can become powerful tools for healing. When not researching or coding, he enjoys building community through board games and championing the universal need for a good hug.