Megan has been part of the Applied Psychology team at University Centre Shrewsbury since its opening in 2015. She is the module leader for Introduction to Psychological Investigation, Introduction to Self and Society, Exploring Psychology in Society, and Applications of Psychology in Business and the Workplace.
What is a typical day at work for you?
Depending on the day you will find me lecturing, meeting with students, writing teaching materials or working on one of the various research projects I’m involved with. No two days ever seem to be the same!
What is your favourite thing about your job?
From day one, our students have the opportunity to apply what they learn to help solve real-world issues. I love watching them feedback their creative and research-informed ideas to the organisations that we work with. It never ceases to amaze me what our students come up with!
What has been your proudest moment whilst working at the University?
Watching our first cohort of students graduate. It was truly rewarding to see how far they had come from when they first walked into UCS as first-year students.
Have you seen anything funny or surprising while working at the University?
Yes…watching students throw wet-sponges at staff members to raise money for World Mental Health Day was definitely funny!
Do you have any exciting upcoming projects?
Yes! I am currently working on a grant proposal to continue our work reinvestigating Milgram’s infamous obedience studies. I am also in the process of publishing work on accent discrimination and organising a conference to address the challenges of language diversity against the backdrop of 21st century immigration. Finally, I have a book deal with Routledge to write a book on self and identity to contribute to their ‘The Basics’ range.
What is the best thing about the course?
The fact that our students don’t just learn psychology…they actually get to ‘do’ it! Working with community organisations to solve real-world problems is embedded in every level of the course. I love seeing our students develop both academically and professionally from these experiences.
If you could have a superpower what would you choose?
I’d love to be invisible – I could find out so much!
What should your students remember about you?
Hopefully they will remember me as making psychology fun and interesting. I also hope I’ve contributed towards them becoming critical thinkers.
What might people not know about you?
I had a lot of crazy jobs before I became an academic; from running an antique shop in Barbados to spending a year rebuilding houses in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
What is the best piece of advice that you could give to a student?
To take advantage of all of the opportunities offered at UCS.
What makes University Centre Shrewsbury unique?
We know our students and they know us. It makes a world of difference to their (and to my) university experience.
Find out the latest news from the UCS Applied Psychology department at their Facebook page. If you'd like to learn more about studying Applied Psychology at UCS, why not come along to one of our upcoming Visit Days? You can book your place here.
