Inquiring Minds

Professor Morgan studies civic and sociopolitical identity development among young people as they take part in efforts to build collective power and promote community wellbeing. As a community-based researcher, she partners with schools and other youth-serving organizations to understand, promote, and sustain empowering community contexts where young people can engage in social change efforts. Her research explores experiential approaches to civic learning and development in schools and communities, guiding interventions aimed at improving youth outcomes.

What factors shape the way we develop, think, and act? What defines our relationships with ourselves and with others? Psychology uses scientific approaches to investigate & understand the human condition. At Sewanee, we aspire to translate that work to a more equitable world. Our students and faculty pursue a more complex and nuanced understanding of thought and behavior, both in its own right and with an earnest commitment to our departmental theme of Psychology for the Public Good. Our dedicated faculty equip students with a rigorous foundational understanding of psychological principles and methods that inform our scientific understanding of the human condition. Students then apply their knowledge and skills to a range of timely and significant disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and societal issues. 

The Nashville Youth Design Team first formed in the midst of the pandemic to provide the next step for civic-oriented young people to make change in their communities. The team does outreach to youth across Nashville and collects data to learn about different needs, specifically how their needs relate to wellness. Then, they put the data into action with design and advocacy projects.