Meet Mellisa Watson, a 2022-2023 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Mellisa is a doctoral student majoring in Clinical Psychology.
Please give a short overview of your research.
I investigated sociodemographic influences on an individual’s ability to self-monitor their emotions and behaviors in different social settings. I found that women were more likely to be low self-monitors in comparison to men, and Asian or Pacific Islander participants were more likely to be high self-monitors compared to White participants. These results imply that women and White people, are more likely to express their true thoughts and ideologies regardless of social setting and that men and Asian or Pacific Islander people are more likely to conceal their true thoughts and ideologies to better fit into their social setting.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
After scouring the internet in search of a university that was right for me, I felt as though my research interests would be a perfect match for Dr. Joel Hughes’s lab.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
The professors, students, and staff have all been so welcoming and helpful, making the school environment feel like home.
What are your future goals?
I would like to continue my research investigating various influences on self-monitoring patterns while working at the post-secondary level.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
I am sincerely grateful to receive this award as this opportunity will enhance my future endeavors.