Morgan L
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Southern California (USC)
Expertise
Behavioral genetics, genetic and environmental risk factors for dementia/Alzheimer's Disease, health psychology, biological aging
Bio
I have two strong interests that I have blended in my research: loneliness and social support, and epigenetics and biology. Firstly, I study how and why loneliness impacts our health and thinking. Secondly, I am really interested in the intersection between genetics, the environment, and psychology. For example, research shows that our lifestyle (including relationships!) can affect how our genes are expressed, and that's fascinating to me! Outside of academia, I try to maximize my time enjoying the outdoors with my dog. I love hiking, biking, climbing, and swimming at the beach in LA.Project ideas
Do Lonely People Believe Misinformation More Easily?
In this study, a student could expect to read scientific studies about loneliness and belief in misinformation. The student would learn about how loneliness may impact the way we think and process information. Further, if a student was motivated, they could work on analyzing pre-existing data to learn and use statistics! This project could result in a research paper or presentation.
What Can You Do Today to Improve Your Brain Health and Prevent Cognitive Decline?
In this project, a student could examine and research the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in aging. They could write an evidence-based guide for someone in their mid-adulthood to prevent cognitive decline in aging.