Dr. Alison Paglia, associate professor of psychology, has focused on connecting her students with real-world experiences since she began teaching at UNH Manchester 21 years ago.
Centering on research methods, developmental psychology and health psychology, Paglia’s course content often connects service to the community. In her hands-on Community-Based Research course, Paglia’s students partner with local nonprofits to conduct meaningful research within the organization, which have included New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness, YWCA of Manchester and New Hampshire Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
Paglia’s research and service work also have an applied focus, with partnerships including UNH Cooperative Extension, Southern New Hampshire HIV/AIDS Task Force, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services STD/HIV Prevention Section, Easter Seals / Seniors Count, the Manchester YWCA and the Concord Boys and Girls Club.
Paglia’s contributions to the community earned her Campus Compact for New Hampshire’s Presidents’ Good Steward Award and the UNH Manchester Dean’s Award for Service to the Community and College. She has also been awarded multiple professional development, research and fellowship grants for her work.
Paglia earned her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.
What do you like best about your job?
Throughout my many years at UNH Manchester, there has always been an unwavering commitment to student success across our community.
What is your favorite UNH Manchester memory?
When my Community-Based Research students presented their research findings to the New Hampshire Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
Tell us your favorite:
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Manchester restaurant: La Carreta.
- New Hampshire destination: Crystal Lake in Enfield, N.H. – my family has been going there for over 90 years.
- Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
- Movie: Elf! We watch it every Christmas Eve, and I cry every time.
- Childhood book: Not really a book, but I was hooked on Betty and Veronica comics.
- Childhood TV show: The Love Boat.
What are your hobbies?
Kayaking, kayaking, kayaking ... and all things food!
Best vacation ever?
We go to Stowe, Vermont, every summer. Great restaurants, mountains, bike path and places to kayak.
We’d be surprised to know that…
I was switched at birth.
Which 3 famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jacques Pepin and Lyle Lovett.
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
A coroner.
