Hi, I'm Megan, a social scientist, insights researcher, and educator with a passion for data and real-world applications. My career has been fueled by a love of teaching and mentoring, which started when I began tutoring in high school. Since then, I developed training programs at Columbia to develop high school and undergraduate students in rigorous researchers who think like social scientists. I love seeing students experience "aha" moments, and that passion for sharing knowledge, skills, and training has stayed with me throughout my career.
My Philosophy
I believe everyone is a social scientist—we all have questions about the world. I teach students how to turn those questions into scientific hypotheses and use data to answer them. My teaching focuses on:
Critical thinking: How to analyze data independently and think creatively
Secondary data: Leveraging existing data to answer important questions
Clear communication: Making complex ideas accessible
Areas of Expertise
In addition to teaching, my research spans a variety of areas:
Social & Health Sciences: Investigating obesity, linguistics, eating disorders, stress, emotion regulation, and more
Consumer Behavior & Marketing: Understanding decision-making processes and consumer behavior
I have a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s in Statistics, which provide a strong foundation for both my academic and real-world work. My research has been funded by top institutions including
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
American Psychological Association (APA)
I've conducted research in multiple countries, including Argentina, Spain, Mexico, and Singapore.
Professional Experience
Currently, I work as a professional insights researcher in the consumer goods industry, applying my research skills to understand consumer decision-making and behavior. Prior to this, I worked at McKinsey & Co., where I learned how to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively—skills I bring to my teaching and consulting work.
Student Success & Mentorship
I’m incredibly proud of my students, many of whom have gone on to:
Present their research at national conferences
Publish papers
Pursue PhDs in various fields
I view myself as a lifelong mentor, always advocating for my students’ success.
70+
15+
Years Experience
Students Mentored
About Me
20+
Publications
Programming Languages
3
100+
Studies Conducted
About The Academy
The Goldring Academy of Social Science was created to meet a growing need: it has become harder than ever for students to stand out in the college admissions process. Traditionally, ambitious students sought out volunteer positions in university labs at schools like UCLA or USC. But these opportunities are increasingly competitive—and when available, they are often designed to serve the lab’s needs, not to train or mentor the students. The Academy fills this gap by offering rigorous, one-on-one mentorship for young people who aspire to become scholars and researchers, whether in academia or industry.
How it Works
Students at the Academy gain access to real, large-scale datasets—many of which are publicly available but under-analyzed. For example:
Midlife in the U.S. Study
Global Happiness Survey
Open Science Framework (OSF) repositories
By analyzing these datasets in new ways, students contribute fresh insights to the scientific community while learning the skills needed to think like researchers.
Selectivity & Support
Admission to the Academy is highly selective. Only the most motivated and engaged students are accepted, ensuring that every participant receives close mentorship and long-term investment in their success. I build strong, ongoing relationships with my students, helping them:
Present research at national conferences
Publish papers in academic journals
Navigate undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs
Understand how these skills translate into real-world career paths
The Academy is not just about learning research methods—it is about developing the skills, confidence, and accomplishments that set students apart as future learners and leaders.