Dr. Meghan Richards
As a psychology graduate student, the now Dr. Meghan Richards had the best of both worlds. Studying the influence of endocrine systems on neurological and reproductive functioning, she had the opportunity to link elements of both clinical and biological psychology into one dynamic research project.
The focus of Richard's dissertation was the influence of estradiol, a sex hormone, on the visual functioning, vision-specific memory, and eye-movement circuitry in women. From her lab work, she was able to make inferences about different neurological circuits as they relate to these functions. To present her findings, Richards travelled to numerous conferences in Berlin, San Francisco, San Diego, Washington DC, and other international cities. At a few of these, she simultaneously volunteered as a representative of the Association for Psychological Science.
Following the completion of her dissertation, Richards accepted an internship with River Valley Health in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She currently works at two hospitals affiliated with this program where she carries out psychological assessment, intervention, and consultation. With her eyes on a career in academia, she's simultaneously trying to publish a few papers.
Looking back on her graduate experience, Richards is particularly grateful for the people and preparation that Lakehead had to offer. The faculty, she explains, proficiently prepares students for careers in their field and allows them to explore their own ideas through independent research projects. She adds that the university provided her with a considerable amount of financial support in the form of external scholarships, internal awards, and student bursaries.
Understandably, Richards encourages all considering PhD studies to take this next step in their education. "I believe the study of any discipline at the doctoral level is an opportunity to better understand how to critically evaluate information, formulate ideas, and appreciate how, despite superficial differences, all disciplines are interrelated."