Research

Megan's program of research focuses on improving quality of life and well-being among people living with serious illness through holistic (mind, body, spirit) approaches to symptom management and supportive care. Her work explores the role of spirituality in cancer-related symptom experiences, the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies in palliative and supportive care, and opportunities to improve the delivery of spiritual and existential care. Across these areas, she is particularly committed to advancing health equity through community-engaged research, centering patient and community perspectives, and developing approaches to care that are responsive to the needs and priorities of diverse communities.

Her research has been supported by funding from the American Nurses Foundation (ANF), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Foundation, American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), UW–Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances (now the Center for Psychedelic Research and Education), and UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Megan has extensive training and experience in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, with growing emphasis on community-engaged and participatory approaches. See below for selected examples of her work, and visit the Curriculum Vitae page for a comprehensive overview of her research activities.