Maggie McDevitt

Maggie McDevitt is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at McDaniel College, where she combines rigorous research with dynamic teaching. She leads the pigeon laboratory, engaging undergraduate students in experimental studies on learning and behavior. Her work bridges animal and human psychology, focusing on fundamental cognitive processes.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, University of California, San Diego (1997)
• M.A. in Experimental Psychology, University of California, San Diego (1994)
• M.S. in Clinical Psychology, California State University, Stanislaus (1992)
• B.A. in Psychology, California State University, Stanislaus (1990)

Her research focuses on suboptimal behavior, choice dynamics, and conditioned reinforcement, using comparative methods to understand how organisms make decisions. She integrates these themes into innovative courses like The Dark Side of Psychology and The Science of Happiness, promoting critical thinking and lifelong learning.

The recent publications show a consistent trajectory in behavioral decision-making, particularly how delays, probabilities, and information influence choices across species. Her work frequently appears in top journals such as the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and contributes to foundational debates in learning theory.

Scientific Awards:

• 2019 Joseph V. Brady Significant Research Contribution Award (JEAB) for high-impact citation of her 2016 paper

She actively mentors students through hands-on research in her pigeon lab and has developed new courses that reflect current challenges in psychology, including replicability and scientific integrity. Though specific grants are not listed, her sustained research output and lab leadership suggest active funding or institutional support. Her teaching innovations and scholarly contributions reflect deep commitment to both science and education.

She established and maintains the pigeon laboratory at McDaniel College, which serves as a central hub for undergraduate research in animal learning and behavioral analysis. This lab enables students to participate in publishable research, fostering a collaborative and inquiry-driven academic environment.