Megan Russ
DO/PhD Candidate, Michigan State University
About Me
Megan Russ (née Penzkofer) is a fourth-year dual-degree student at Michigan State University, working towards both a doctoral degree from the Department of Sociology and a medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Megan studies the social organization of medicine, and the ways in which social behavior may influence health; she is particularly interested in the effects of human relationships and sexual behaviors on health and well-being. Currently, Megan is utilizing quantitative methodology to research the long-term mental and physical health effects of sexual assault, by comparing older adults whose first sexual experience had been consensual with those who had been forced or coerced. They are also working on an ethnographic project that aims to better understand the social organization of end-of-life care in Hospice.
Education
August 2013 - July 2017
Michigan State University Honors College
Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics
Additional Major in Human Biology
Minor in History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science
August 2018 - Present
Michigan State University Department of Sociology
Cumulative GPA 3.93
Completed Qualifying Paper 09/11/2020 - Making Death Acceptable: Personalized Care and the Authoritativeness of Hospice Professionals
August 2018 - Present
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cumulative Class Score: 90.33%
Quintile 4
Curriculum Vitae
Publications
Liu, Hui, Shannon Shen, and Megan Russ. 2022. “Went Along With”: Acquiescence During First Sexual Experience and Late-Life Health. Archives of Sexual Behavior 51(3): 1591-1605.
Presentations
Penzkofer, M. The Overlooked Epidemic: An Analysis of Sexual Risk Behavior among Older Adults. Student Refereed Round tables. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting 2016, Seattle
Menchik, D. Lawlor, D. Bala, A. Giaquinta, M. and Penzkofer, M. Medical Care as Migration Process: Shifting Patient Expectations to Organize Illness Experiences in the Porous Hospital. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting 2017, Montreal
Menchik, D. McCormick, C. and Penzkofer, M. Living and Dying in the Past: The Continuity of Identity in Hospice. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting 2019, New York City
Russ, M. and Menchik, D. Priming and Reiterating Death: Authoritativeness Through Language in Hospice Work. Panel for Qualitative and Ethnographic Studies of Health and Health Care. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting 2021, Virtual Meeting.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Experience
President - MSUCOM American Physician Scientist Association (2020-2021)
Member:
MSUCOM Community Integrated Medicine
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
Michigan State University Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Team
Awards
Rasmussen Doctoral Recruitment Fellowship (2018)
