This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their contributions in and outside the classroom. Meredeth Crabtree is the winner of this semester in psychological sciences.
The College of Science caught up with Meredeth to learn more about her experiences at the University of Arizona and what’s on the horizon after graduation.
Why did you choose to study psychological science?
I have always been interested in human behavior, emotions and the thought process. The field of psychological science fits my desire to understand why people behave the way they do. I’ve always been drawn to topics like mental health and education, so studying the mind was definitely something I wanted to do.
Tell us about a course or research project that you really enjoyed.
I particularly enjoyed working with Dr. Daniel Sullivan’s Cultural and Existential Psychology lab on their systematic review of collective trauma. This project focused on developing a more coherent definition of collective trauma through an interdisciplinary lens. By reading several different empirical articles, I have gained such an understanding of how collective trauma affects groups and communities. I have enjoyed learning about this topic so much that I am working on a separate revision of my honors thesis focused specifically on intergenerational trauma and transmission mechanisms, also under the supervision of Dr. Sullivan.
What specific memory from your time at UA will you cherish forever?
During my freshman year, I went to a drag show hosted by Delta Lambda Phi – Omega on campus. I always loved drag shows, but seeing students my age participating in drag shows made me feel more connected to what I was watching. Attending this event was like walking into a space where everyone was supporting each other, and it was an extremely powerful experience for me.
What are you most proud of having accomplished during your time at AU?
I am so proud and also very grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me through peer mentoring, whether with middle schoolers or freshmen. It has been incredibly rewarding to help others navigate the challenges of school, especially during the first year of college. I was able to guide students on time management or study strategies and was able to discuss with them their goals or intended career path. Even if I helped just one student succeed or feel more secure in college, that’s a huge accomplishment for me.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, my next step is to pursue an online graduate degree in psychology or education. I would love to specialize in a field like developmental psychology, as one of my greatest passions is connecting psychological principles to educational practice. I also plan to work full-time at American Medical Compliance, an accredited online continuing medical education provider specializing in personalized training.