Psychology student receives prestigious 2024 SUPER fellowship

In recognition of her outstanding potential in the field of psychology, Gracie Meagher ’25 received an esteemed Summer Undergraduate Psychology Experience in Research (SUPER) fellowship from the American Psychological Association (APA). This highly competitive fellowship recognizes exceptional undergraduate students committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in psychological research.

Each year, the APA awards up to 25 fellowships to students who participate in summer research in a psychological science laboratory, providing invaluable hands-on training and mentorship. Additionally, fellows engage in a series of virtual summer meetings and collaborate with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and other research staff to further enhance the learning experience and professional network. The 2024 SUPER fellows cohort is made up of talented students from 23 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, including Meagher, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who is a Psychology and Social Work double major with a minor in Native American Studies from Cloquet, MN.

Meagher conducted research on the critical topic of “School Environments and Youth’s Understanding of Themselves and Others.” This project aimed to explore middle school children’s perceptions of their school’s climate, knowledge and attitudes about American Indian history and Ojibwe-Anishinaabe culture, and their understanding of their own and other racial groups.

In reflecting on the fellowship, Meagher expressed her enthusiasm: “I am incredibly honored to have received the SUPER fellowship. This opportunity not only allowed me to grow personally but also professionally by deepening my research skills. I feel honored to contribute to the under-represented research focused on how our school environments shape youth’s perceptions of American Indian history and Ojibwe-Anishinaabe culture while emphasizing well-being.

Each research project is student-driven and requires supervision from a faculty member to develop the work from proposal to completion. Participating faculty also commit to regular meetings with the fellow to discuss research objectives, monitor progress and offer academic guidance. Dr. Taylor Hazelbaker, an assistant professor of Psychology, served as Meagher’s research mentor throughout the experience.

“Gracie’s research addresses an important gap in the literature by focusing on how youth are learning about American Indian culture, traditions and history at school,” Dr. Hazelbaker emphasized. “Her project exemplifies the College’s value of love of learning. Supporting students like her with hands-on research experience is essential in fostering the next generation of psychologists who are committed to making the field more diverse, equitable and inclusive.”

The SUPER fellowship offers an invaluable opportunity for emerging researchers like Meagher to deepen their understanding and make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology. By developing her research skills in the fellowship, Meagher is well-positioned for a future in psychology following graduate school.