Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Meredeth Crabtree

This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Meredeth Crabtree is this semester's recipient from Psychological Science.

The College of Science caught up with Meredeth to learn more about her experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.

Why did you choose to study Psychological Science?

I have always been interested in human behavior, emotions, and thought process. The field of psychological science aligns with 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 class or research project you really enjoyed.

I’ve particularly enjoyed working with Dr. Daniel Sullivan’s Cultural-Existential Psychology Lab on their systematic review on collective trauma. This project has been focusing on developing a more consistent 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, I am working on a separate review for my Honors Thesis focusing specifically on intergenerational trauma and mechanisms of transmission, under Dr. Sullivan as well.

What is one specific memory from your time at UA you’ll cherish forever?

My freshman year I went to a drag show put on by Delta Lambda Phi - Omega on campus. I have always loved drag shows but getting to watch students my age participating in drag made me feel more connected to what I was watching. Attending that event felt like stepping into a space where everyone was supportive to one another, and that was a super powerful experience for me.

What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA?

I’m so proud and also so grateful for the opportunities I have had peer mentoring, whether it has been with middle school students or undergraduate freshmen. It has been incredibly fulfilling to help others navigate the challenges of school, especially during freshman year of college. I have been able to guide students on time management or study strategies and was able to talk with them about their goals or intended career path. Even if I helped just one student be successful or feel more secure about being in college, that is a huge accomplishment to me.

What is next for you after graduation?

After graduation, my next step is to pursue an online graduate degree in either psychology or education. I would love to specialize in an area like developmental psychology, as one of my biggest passions is connecting psychological principles to educational practice. I am also planning to work full-time at American Medical Compliance, an accredited online continuing medical education provider that specializes in custom training.