Maggie McDevitt, Ph.D.

An experimental psychologist who teaches students to explore the science behind learning and behavior.

Empowering | Rigorous | Mentor: Maggie McDevitt has the unique role of maintaining the pigeon lab at McDaniel, which plays a large part in student research into the animal psychology behind learning processes and behaviors. She hopes her courses — with titles like Health Psychology and The Dark Side of Psychology — inspire curiosity and empower her students. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus. She also has an M.A. and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.
What’s your background? Where were you before McDaniel and when did you start here?: I moved to San Diego from central California to complete my Ph.D. and ended up staying for a post-doc to continue my research and to get experience teaching. When I came to interview at McDaniel in 2000, I fell in love. San Diego was a great place to live, and I did take advantage of the perfect weather and being minutes away from the beach, but I was excited to experience seasons again. I love a good snow day as much as my students do!
Why did you choose McDaniel as a place to work? What inspired you to become part of the Hill?: I chose McDaniel because it really was my dream job. I love doing research and I love teaching, and combining those two things is the best of both worlds. I went to large state universities and missed out on the experience of a small liberal arts college, but I get to help provide that experience for my students now.
What have you enjoyed most during your time at McDaniel?: What I have enjoyed the most is the sense of community here at McDaniel. When I moved here, it felt like coming home. The relationships with my colleagues and my students make it all worthwhile. If I have to be more specific, I think my happiest moments are in class when my students and I are swept away by whatever topic we are discussing, captivated by the ideas.
What do you hope students take away from your courses?: I hope students are inspired and empowered to use what they learn to make their lives better. Psychology trains you to think critically, which never stops being useful. I want students to see that so much of what they learn will continue to benefit them after they graduate — not just the content, but also the skills and life lessons they pick up along the way. I also hope my classes feed students’ curiosity, so they will keep learning and growing.

Directory Profile for Maggie McDevitt

Maggie McDevitt, Ph.D.

About Prof. McDevitt