Hands-on, Heart-Centered Education
Student Snapshot: Bridget McMurrer '28
Kindness is key for Bridget McMurrer ’28 (psychology, biology). She values Dickinson’s people-first culture, hands-on opportunities and supportive faculty. Together with her leadership roles on campus and a health-focused internship, she’s developing plans to improve lives as a physician or therapist.
Hometown:
Amherst, Mass.
High school:
Amherst Regional High School.
Major:
Psychology, with a biology minor.
Best thing about my major:
How versatile it is! There are so many different courses and topics to pick from, and there are plenty of opportunities for research and hands-on experiences. I also love the environment of the department. I've felt so supported by both my classmates and my professors.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
The people. I've met so many amazing people through my dorm building, clubs and classes, and even in some unexpected places when I tried something new.
On choosing Dickinson:
"I chose Dickinson because of the personal connection and genuine kindness I felt from everyone I interacted with throughout my application process—from my in-person tour to high school visits and my virtual interview."
Favorite class:
Human Development: Conception Through Childhood. A highlight was when, in one of our class sessions, we had babies come to class. We were able to play with them while determining their ages and stages of development.
Favorite professor:
There are so many amazing professors, but one who stands out is Christine O’Neill, visiting lecturer in chemistry. She made chemistry so much fun, and she took as much time as needed to make sure everyone understood the material.
As I kid, I wanted to be:
A veterinarian. Or a Boston Bruins player.
About my internship:
I was able to shadow physical and occupational therapists at a nursing home in my hometown. Their kindness and care for their patients really stood out to me, and it helped give me some perspective on human interaction and aging.
Clubs and organizations:
MOB (weekend and special events chairs), Liberty Cap Society (tour guide and executive board member), Dickinson College Children’s Center (teacher’s aide) and Pre-Health Society.
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Published February 17, 2026