Over the summer, our panel worked in a variety of areas, ranging from psychological research to community outreach and advocacy. We focused on the ways in which we can improve individual and community wellbeing in areas such as mental and emotional health, social activism, and climate and food justice. Three of our panelists conducted lab research on physiological measures behind emotional health and psychiatric disorders, in the hopes that this knowledge will help people develop strategies to improve their well-being and quality of life. Our other panelists developed creative and educational resource content, collaborated with non-profits and activist groups, and engaged in community outreach and organizing efforts, in order to spread knowledge about these subjects and provide support for vulnerable communities. Through our unique experiences, we all developed skills in communication, compassion, and combating social problems facing our world today.

Moderator:

• Travis Hodges, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Speakers:

• Michela Rawson '24, Psychology major, Philosophy minor
• Natalie Strayton '25, Psychology major
• Meaghan McKenna '24, Neuroscience and Behavior and Latin double major
• Alex Jordan '24, Psychology major
• Olive Rowell '24, Art Studio major, Politics minor, Nexus in Law, Public Policy , and Human Rights