Turning Curiosity into a Career
February is National Psychology Month, and at UNH Manchester, we’re proud to have students and alumni making strides in the field. Like Megan McKinnon ’25, whose internship, job and research experiences are preparing her for a meaningful future in mental health counseling.
Pursuing Hometown Opportunities
A graduate of Manchester Memorial High School, Megan chose UNH Manchester for its close-knit environment and proximity to home.
“Financially, living at home was my best option, so UNH Manchester was one of my top choices,” she says. “As soon as I did a tour and saw the campus, I felt like it was a home away from home.”
Now in her senior year, Megan is majoring in psychology with a minor in communication arts, immersing herself in research and counseling experiences.
Passion for Psychology and Mental Health
Megan’s interest in psychology started in high school when she took an AP Psychology course.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the ‘why’—why people behave in certain ways and why we are the way we are," she says. "Psychology just felt like the right fit."
At UNH Manchester, she has been able to connect her curiosity with hands-on learning, both in the classroom and through research and internships.
Hands-On Research in Child Psychology
Megan has been actively involved in research at UNH Manchester, particularly in the Child and Family Lab with Dr. Nick Mian. She has completed multiple independent studies, working directly with children and mothers to apply psychological concepts in real-world settings. Her research aims to increase awareness among parents and pediatricians about early childhood anxiety and depression, promoting early intervention efforts.
“The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing months of work come together into something that can be useful in the field,” she says.
Real-World Experience at Hope on Haven Hill
Beyond research, Megan is gaining hands-on experience in the field. Last spring, she completed an internship at Hope on Haven Hill, which provides residential, outpatient and recovery support services for pregnant, postpartum and parenting women with substance use disorder.
“The internship gave me another opportunity to apply what I’m learning in class to real-life situations, working with families in a social work setting,” she says.
Megan’s internship turned into a part-time role at the organization, and she continues providing hands-on care to women in recovery and their children as a Recovery Support Specialist.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Mental Health Counseling
After graduating in 2025, Megan plans to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
“I love learning about others, and counseling allows me to help people navigate challenges and make a positive impact in their lives,” she says.
Her experiences at UNH Manchester—through research, internships and faculty mentorship—have shaped her career goals and prepared her for graduate studies.
“The research experience has helped me understand how many people play a role in ensuring a child thrives—from educators and parents to mental health professionals and pediatricians,” she says. “Research like this adds important insight into recognizing early childhood anxiety and depression and intervening early.”
Advice for Future Psychology Students
For students considering research in psychology, Megan encourages them to get involved.
“Being hands-on with research deepens your understanding of the field and provides a more well-rounded learning experience.”
She also advises students to take advantage of everything UNH Manchester has to offer.
“Your professors are there to help you, and they genuinely want to,” she says. “You’ll always have people ready to support you.”
UNH Manchester’s psychology program provides students like Megan with opportunities to engage in meaningful research, gain real-world experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Interested in studying psychology? Learn more about UNH Manchester’s psychology program and how it can prepare you for a meaningful career.