Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates.
Megan Nelson came to Arizona State University with a clear goal: to get involved. Now, as she prepares to graduate this May with bachelor's degrees in psychology and biological sciences, along with a minor in mathematics and a certificate in computational life sciences, her impact at ASU is undeniable.
Nelson has been named the Department of Psychology’s spring 2024 Dean’s Medalist at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Serving as the current president for Psi Chi at ASU and conducting research in multiple labs, the Barrett, The Honors College student took advantage of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.
“I was impressed by the number of resources available to students, including the hundreds of student organizations I could join. I knew that I would be able to explore all my academic and personal interests by coming to ASU,” Nelson said.
Her path, defined by her active participation in multiple schools and programs, stands as a testament to her guidance for fellow students: explore all your personal and academic interests. The numerous accolades she’s received over the years showcase her versatility.
She’s a two-time winner of both the Psychology Scholar Award in the Department of Psychology and the Student of the Year award in the School of Life Sciences, as well as the recipient of the School of Life Sciences’ Outstanding Service Award. Nelson is also a SOLUR Fellow and was recognized with an undergraduate research scholarship. Most recently, she was honored with the Mensch Prize in biological sciences for her honors thesis project.
We caught up with Nelson to learn more about her studies, her extracurricular involvement and her plans for the future.
Question: Can you describe a specific moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue degrees in psychology and biological sciences?
Answer: When I started college, I had a general interest in the brain and behavior, but I was unsure if I wanted to explore these topics from a natural or social science perspective. During my first year, I joined the Cooperation Lab with Dr. Athena Aktipis, where my primary responsibilities included transcribing and promoting the science podcast, Zombified. It was here that I learned about the underrepresentation of women in both preclinical and clinical research on medications. This experience sparked my interest in exploring the physical and neural mechanisms underlying behavior, ultimately leading me to declare a double major in biological sciences (neurobiology, physiology and behavior) and psychology.
Q: What were the results of your honors thesis sequence?
A: I have been working on my honors thesis in the SOCIAL (Study of Circuits in Adolescent Life) Neurobiology Lab under Dr. Jessica Verpeut. My project investigated how sex and the cerebellum impact social behavior in mice. Atypical cerebellar development is commonly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. While autism is more commonly associated with males, it is important to understand cerebellar function in both sexes. I developed a novel behavioral test to assess the behavior of freely moving mice interacting with other social conspecifics and objects for this project.
All my behavioral data were analyzed using machine learning. I trained neural networks to track the position of each mouse, and I independently introduced the lab to a machine learning program that classified interactive behaviors between pairs of mice. I just defended my honors thesis this semester, and I am now working toward publishing it.
Q: Could you elaborate on any specific experiential learning opportunities that significantly influenced your academic and personal growth during your time at ASU?
AnAswer: I have served three years on the executive board of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, at ASU. I began as the director of research and conferences, where I independently planned the Arizona Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference (AZPURC).
This was my first experience organizing a large academic conference, and I was responsible for encouraging students to present their research, securing a keynote speaker and ensuring that room, food and poster stand rentals were all arranged. Currently, I hold the position of president of Psi Chi, where I helped coordinate a psychology and neuroscience teaching booth for the Department of Psychology at ASU Homecoming.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson?
A: One of my favorite classes at ASU was PSY 366: Psychological Disorders, taught by Dr. Carolyn Cavanaugh Toft. I had a very limited understanding of mental disorders coming into this course. This changed not only by learning about the symptoms and treatments for each one but also through the stories Dr. Cavanaugh Toft shared about her time as a clinician. From this experience, I learned that you can gain so much from listening to another person’s experiences, whether that is inside or outside the classroom.
Q: What was your favorite space on campus, whether studying, meeting friends, or just thinking about life?
A: After attending class or working in the lab, I enjoy going back to my dorm in the Barrett Residential Complex. It’s a great place for me to quietly relax or do homework at my desk. If I am unable to do that, then I enjoy hanging out in the Psi Chi office on the second floor of the Department of Psychology.
Q: Can you share more about your plans after graduation? How do you envision your future work contributing to the field of psychology?
A: I will be pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego. I am currently interested in continuing my research on social behavior, as well as exploring how early-life stress and environmental factors can broadly impact brain development, or the intersection between healthy aging and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. All of these research interests tie into the classic psychology debate on how "nature vs. nurture" influences the development of an organism.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I wouldn’t be where I am today without the dedication of my elementary, middle and high school teachers who ensured I received a solid education. Therefore, I would allocate this money towards supporting teachers so that more students can access a quality education, empowering them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
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