See Me After Class is a weekly column where a different professor reveals their variety favorites.
Dr. Madison Myers-Burg is a developmental psychologist who specializes in early childhood development. Her research interests include language and social development of young children. Dr. Myers-Burg received her bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University (where she taught for four years before teaching at TU), and received both her Master’s and Ph.D from the University of Arkansas.
What drew you to TU and made you want to move to Tulsa?
Our family wanted to move back to Oklahoma, where I am originally from. I wanted a university that was both research-based, but also focused on teaching. Teaching is my passion, and I knew I wanted to be at a school that felt close, where I could get to know my students. I wanted the best of both worlds, where I could have the research and also have smaller classes to get to know my students.
Is there anything that makes TU different from other schools?
Everyone seems so happy to be here! Both the faculty and students are motivated and excited to be here. The faculty has been so welcoming, and great about checking in to see if there’s anything I need.
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
My mom was a public school teacher and always told me not to become that. I used to play school with my brothers and I just liked explaining things to people and seeing their faces light up when they learned something new or interesting. Throughout high school, I became really interested in psychology and realized I could be a psychology professor. It was a gradual process where I realized I could do that and with college students rather than younger kids.
What do you like to do when you aren’t teaching?
I love to read! I have been reading historical fiction, which I never thought I would get into. “The Covenant Of Water” and “River Sing Me Home” are two I have enjoyed. They show the full spectrum of human emotion and I like that. I also started cross-stitching, which is super calming, and something I can just pick up to do for a little and then put down.
What is your go-to song right now?
I’m on a Chappel Roan kick right now, so any song by her for sure. I listen to a broad variety of music, so it changes frequently, but I love all kinds of different songs.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
I like comedies and things that make me laugh. I like “Darry Girls”, it’s a show I’ll just put on in the background. I recently started watching Ghosts, which is silly but super funny.
If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?
I always thought Bali looked beautiful, that would be my pie-in-the-sky, dream vacation.
Do you have any advice for students?
Get to know your professors! Almost all of the professors here want to see students succeed, support you and want you to actually enjoy your classes. Be kind to yourself, don’t get too wrapped up in one bad grade, or one thing that is stressing you out a lot. Make sure you are making time to physically and emotionally take care of yourself.
