Morgan Robison

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

After experiencing the loss of three family members to suicide, I realized I wanted to move beyond observation and towards scientific exploration to understand and intervene. FSU offered an incredible research program under experienced mentorship, word-class coursework in statistical analysis, and a population facing clinic to employ evidence-based treatments.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Broadly, I study internalizing and externalizing related phenomenon within suicide risk. One promising novel risk factor is self-dehumanization, defined as the internalized denial of human uniqueness and human nature (e.g., what separates us from machines). This work includes a social neuroscience lens (i.e., oxytocin) with the long term goal of developing a novel intervention targeting nonbelonging.

Career aspirations

I would like to continue my research program at an R1 university or through an academic medical center. Additionally, I hope to continue mentoring younger students and teach.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Shoot for the moon! I never could have imagined that I would have ended up working under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Joiner. If you miss, try, try again.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am most proud of our publication in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science which was selected as an American Psychological Association editor's choice article. This work empirically challenged the claim that those with severe forms of Anorexia Nervosa who have a desire to cease treatment should be re-classified as "terminal." Such implications could further stigmatize and exacerbate a sense of hopelessness among people with serious mental illness.