Megan’s (she/her) research centers around her broader goal of furthering issues related to diversity and inclusion. Megan is broadly interested in the relationship between discrimination and purpose in life, as well as identifying the personal and situational factors that lead an individual to engage in activism as their purpose in life. In addition, Megan’s research focuses on the relationships between discrimination, sense of purpose, and health, including how sense of purpose may serve as a tool to reduce health disparities. In her free time, Megan also enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her 2 cats, and watching scary movies.
- Megan is interested in understanding the relationship between discrimination, activism, and sense of purpose.
- She is interested in the personal and situational factors that lead an individual to engage in activism as their purpose in life.
- Megan is also interested in the relationship between sense of purpose, activism, and engagement in health-promoting behaviors.
- Wilson, M. E., & Hill, P. L. (2023). Activist purpose orientation: Definition and predictors. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 17(2), e12725.
- Wilson, M. E., & Hill, P. L. (2023). Sense of purpose and experiences of discrimination during older adulthood. GeroPsych: The Journal of Gerontopsychology and Geriatric Psychiatry.
- Wilson, M.E., & Hill, P. L. (2022). From adversity to activism: A psychobiographical case study of Cori Bush. Journal of Personality. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12748
- Lisnek, J. A., Wilkins, C. L., Wilson, M. E., & Ekstrom, P. D. (2022). Backlash against the #MeToo movement: How women’s voice causes men to feel victimized. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 25, 682-702.
Ph.D. Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University – St. Louis
M.A. Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University – St. Louis
B.A. Psychology and Sociology, University of Missouri
Outside of her research, Megan is committed to furthering DE&I initiatives in the department, university, and St. Louis area. During her time in graduate school, Megan served as the student chair of the Psychology Graduate Student Diversity Committee, and a student representative for the Psychological & Brain Sciences Departmental Diversity Committee. Megan also served as the VP of Finance for the Graduate Student Senate. Outside of WashU, Megan also volunteers as a notary and election judge.