Meet Megan Whitman, the Lillian Friedman Scholarship recipient. Megan is a Psychological Sciences Ph.D. student majoring in Clinical Psychology.
Please give a short overview of your research:
Broadly, I research psychological testing and assessment of personality and psychopathology in several settings. I’m particularly interested in applied assessment in forensic contexts and preemployment evaluations of public safety candidates.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
I decided to pursue my graduate degree at Kent State because there were exciting opportunities for research and clinical work offered both within the Psychological Sciences department and my advisor’s lab. My advisor, Dr. Yossef Ben-Porath, is an expert in the field of psychological assessment and a great mentor!
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
I love that I’m able to engage with the Kent State community in several capacities as a graduate student. I’ve had opportunities to conduct research, teach undergraduate students, and provide mental health services on campus and through local community providers.
What are your future goals?
I hope to continue research and teaching activities in academia and conduct psychological assessments in forensic and preemployment contexts.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
I am honored to receive the Lillian Friedman Scholarship. It recognizes the importance of psychological assessment in the field of mental health, and personally, it validates my hard work in the program so far. Financially, this award will provide me with further opportunities for professional development, such as funding travel to a conference.