Q&A: Meet Psychology Professor Megs Carpenter
Meet your Psychology Mentor
Associate Professor of Psychology Megan “Megs” Carpenter brings curiosity, authenticity, and compassion to everything she does at St. Lawrence University. Since joining the faculty in 2018, Carpenter has become known for creating engaging classroom experiences that invite students to think deeply about relationships, identity, gender, and human behavior.
What surprises students most about you?
It’s definitely that I’m from Hawaii. I always get the question of, “What are you doing here?” The next most surprising thing is probably the tattoos. I think a lot of students come in with some very specific stereotypes of what professors are like—the way that they appear or the things they care about—and many of us challenge those expectations.
Have you embraced any North Country winter activities?
I tried skiing and snowboarding—I understand the concept of pizza and french fry, but my body won’t do it. I do enjoy constructing things from snow. I have a 6-year-old son, and we made a little igloo in our backyard this past winter. I also really enjoy the coziness of cold weather—sitting in front of a fireplace and just cuddling up. I’ve learned to appreciate seasons because I come from a place that doesn’t really have them.
What do students call you?
Just Megs. Some people aren’t comfortable with first names, so I tell them Dr. Carpenter or Professor Carpenter—but not Mrs. or Ms. I went to school for a long time to not be called that.
How do you make your classes engaging?
I like to treat my classes like a dialogue between myself and students. I do a lot of call-and-response questions and group discussion. I think about what students would find surprising, outrageous, or funny—and what they’re really sitting with right now. I get to teach topics that are very relevant to college students, like psychology of gender, human sexuality, attraction and relationships, and the global history of love. They’re living these experiences, so there’s a natural curiosity.
Describe Your Teaching Style
I work really hard early on to build rapport with my students. I show up the same way in class that I do in conversation—I don’t put on a facade. It’s about being real with people, taking their ideas seriously, and establishing norms for respectful engagement, especially when we’re talking about difficult or controversial topics.
What do you most value about your students?
I value their bravery. Going to college is scary—it’s being away from home, building new communities, making big decisions about your future. There’s so much to be anxious about, and they’re doing it. I also value their curiosity. So many students take my classes because they want to learn more, even if they’re not psychology majors. That’s such a wonderful quality, and I hope they maintain that—especially being curious about the experiences of others.
What are your proudest moments as a professor?
When I hear from alums and they tell me that something I taught them or some work we did together was meaningful to where they went—that’s the most impactful moment. It’s realizing that the impact you’re having isn’t time-bound to a semester. You’re affecting not just their lives, but the people they go on to work with.
I had a former student reach out to tell me she’s working as a prevention and wellness specialist and moving into a program manager role. She talked about teaching kids about psychology, relationships, and identity, and creating a safe, inclusive environment. She said our research together prepared her for the work she’s doing now. Moments like that—I definitely cried.
What’s it like to stay connected with former students over time?
It’s really fun to see students become professionals. I’ve been here long enough now that some of my former students are finishing graduate school and showing up at the same conferences I attend. We’ll grab a drink and talk about life, or I’ll give advice about the job market, or they’ll Zoom with current students. It’s that moment of realizing, “Oh my gosh, you are a full-blown professional.”
