Megan Porter Staats

Megan Porter Staats is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, within the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior. She is also affiliated with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, reflecting her engagement in both academic and public behavioral health sectors.

Education:

• PsyD in Clinical Psychology, University of Indianapolis, 2020
• MSc in Clinical Psychology, Loyola College in Maryland, 2015

Her research lies at the intersection of clinical and forensic psychology, with a strong focus on the application of neuroscience in legal contexts. Key interests include psychopathy, competence to stand trial, cognitive functioning in criminal defendants, and the ethical and practical limitations of neuroimaging in reconstructing mental states. Her work critically examines how psychological and neurological data are used—or misused—in courtroom settings.

Her recent publications (2021–2024) demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory in forensic neuropsychology, particularly exploring the neural and cognitive underpinnings of criminal behavior and legal competency. These works frequently address methodological and ethical challenges in applying brain-based evidence to legal standards.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: While no formal advisees or grant funding are mentioned in the provided information, Dr. Staats is actively involved in training and evaluation, including conducting CBT evaluations for psychology interns and psychiatry residents, as well as participating in internship interviews. She also contributes to departmental service, such as fellowship application reviews.

Labs and Teams: No specific lab or research team is mentioned, but her participation in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Subcommittee for Therapeutic Patient Care (2022–Present) indicates involvement in clinical protocol development and interdisciplinary collaboration within her institution.