This post is part of a series of interviews with our participants for the “Virtue, Happiness, & Self-Transcendence” 2017 Summer Seminar. Madison Gilbertson is earning her PhD in psychology at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. Valerie Wallace is Associate Director, Communications, for Virtue, Happiness, & the Meaning of Life.
Valerie Wallace: Where are you from?
Madison Gilbertson: I am originally from Southern California, but I have just recently moved to London!
VW: Tell me about your research.
MG: My current research is focused on thriving and human flourishing as they relate to spirituality and religion. I am especially interested in the way that meaning and transcendent experience have an impact on well-being and the development of virtue. I am currently working on a wide variety of projects including virtue interventions for adolescents, virtue and character development in student athletes, the impact of self-transcendent purpose and religious affiliation in university environments, and intergroup contact in religious and university settings.
VW: What are you most looking forward to about this summer’s seminar?