GMU Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Special thanks to everyone who came out to our annual picnic! 🎃🍂🍁

Are you interested in an online Master’s program? Do you want to further your studies in Psychology? If so, please join us at our Virtual Open House on November 8 to learn more about GMU’s fully online Master of Professional Studies in Applied I-O Psychology program!

✅️ To register, follow the link in our bio!

Started the semester off strong with our first social of the year at The Block! Here’s to a great semester 🥳🕺🏾

The newest edition of the GMU I-ON Newsletter is here 🥳! Come meet our new students, learn about our faculty labs, and more! To read the newsletter, just click the link in our bio!

Looking back on this wonderful evening at . Thank you to all of the alumni, faculty, and students for making the GMU reception such a special event!! 💚

SIOP, here we come!! Congratulations to all of our students and faculty who will present their work at this years SIOP Annual Conference. We are proud of the GMU representation!

Special shout-out to Nottingham et al. and Kim et al. for having their respective posters selected as “Top 10” Posters at SIOP 2023. 🎉

It’s here! 🎉 The newest issue of the Official Newsletter of the IO Program at GMU is amazing!!

The new issue features updates from the GMU Program, a Tribute to Dave Wallace, recent publications from faculty and students, a look ahead toward this years SIOP Annual Conference, and much more exciting news! 💚

Click the link in our bio to check it out!

Speaking at Learning series this week is Dr. Gelaye Debebe!

Gelaye is an Associate Professor of Organizational Sciences at the George Washington University where she also serves as the director of the graduate program in Organizational Sciences. She holds a B.S. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Human Resource Development from the American University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Michigan.

Her research is concerned with how people learn individually and jointly in the face of potentially inhibiting social norms and inequalities. She has explored this question in the context of how individuals representing culturally dissimilar and unequal groups achieve coordination in their interactions, how women learn and develop as leaders in the context of limiting societal gender norms, and how individuals successfully craft talent trajectories in the context of social identity ascription.

Among others, her work has appeared in Research in Organizational Behavior, Journal of Management Education, Advancing Women in Leadership Journal, International Journal of Intercultural Relations, Human Resources Development International, European Journal of Training and Development, Cogent Business and Management, and Development in Practice.

She is the author of two books: Navigating Power: Cross-cultural Competence (Lexington Books) and Women’s Leadership Development: Caring Environments & Paths to Transformation (Routledge). She has guest-co-edited a special issue of the Journal of Management Education on women’s leadership programs.

She is currently guest editing a special issue of the European Journal of Training and Development on authentic talent development in sociocultural context.

Zoom 🔗 in our bio!

Many of us have focused on getting a good job. But how many of us have focused on making a job good? So often at work, we bumble through our days in unintentional ways. What if we recognized the power we have to improve our work lives? What if we directed our attention and intention toward the creation of purposeful and satisfying work?

University of Minnesota Professor Theresa Glomb will present the science and practice of small, practical micro-interventions or “work hacks” designed to create more fulfilling, productive, and satisfying work lives. The session is a unique and engaging blend of research highlights, personal stories, and practical disciplines, woven together with rich examples from employees, executives, and her own efforts at crafting a meaningful and wholehearted work life. Ultimately, Professor Glomb is trying to make work great (or at least a little better).

Theresa is the Toro Company-David M. Lilly Chair of Organizational Behavior in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She received her PhD in social, organizational, and individual differences psychology from the University of Illinois and her BA in psychology from DePaul University.

Her 25 years of research focuses on the well-being of workers, defined broadly to include psychological, affective, physiological, and familial effects. Recent research studies micro-interventions, or work-hacks, small practices aimed at fostering greater reflection, mindfulness, and intentionality at work. Professor Glomb hopes to help others create positive experiences at work by fostering growth, happiness, and satisfaction.

Ph.D. students Zihao Jia and Kevin Loo are speaking soon at Learning Series!

Zihao Jia is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the IO program. His advisor is Philseok Lee. Zihao originally came from Beijing, China, same as the Peking duck. He got his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Beijing Normal University, but the duck didn't.

His major research interests are Psychometrics, Assessments, and Applications of NLP and Machine learning in the IO field. He also loves soccer, snowboarding, and poker.

Kevin Loo is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the IO Psychology program at George Mason University, working with Dr. Lauren Kuykendall.

He received his BS in Psychology from Saint Louis University and his MA in IO Psychology from GMU. His research interests include employee well-being and work-nonwork balance.

Zoom link in bio

I/O Formal 2023!! 🪩💃🕺🏻💚

Joining us at Learning Series today is Dr. Katrina (Katie) Merlini!!

Katie is a Senior Researcher with SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Research. She holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Florida Tech.

She has served as a Faculty Advisor for Florida Tech’s SHRM student chapter and as the Editor of the HR Florida Review magazine. Prior to SHRM, she was the academic program chair for an Organizational Leadership MA program.

She currently teaches graduate-level courses in organizational psychology and leadership for George Mason University and Florida Tech.

She has over a decade of experience conducting workplace research in both private and public sectors and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in the areas of organizational leadership, employee motivation, and workplace inclusion.

Zoom 🔗 in bio.

Students and friends!! Reminder that our IO formal is coming up 💃🕺🏻

Join us at Hawthorne on U Street for a spectacular evening 🎉🪩

Feel free to let us know your coming via the link in our bio 💚

If you'd like to learn more about the George Mason University online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial & Organizational Psychology program, please join our virtual open house this Wednesday, March 15th at 7 pm ET.

To register, follow the link in our bio!

Whether you’re spending it on the beach or on the couch, enjoy the week without classes or deadlines everyone!! 🌞💚

We're thrilled to host an exciting panel of experts at today's Learning Series to discuss careers in IO!

Recia Gomez earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida with a minor degree in International Relations. She specializes in the development and validation of selection and hiring assessments, where she began her career developing entry-level and promotional assessment centers for law enforcement agencies. Recia has led large-scale talent consulting projects across the design, implementation, and evaluation phases. She has consulted for both private and government clients in the North American and Caribbean regions; from start-up technology companies to the selection and hiring of law enforcement officers for large metropolitan cities.

Haylee Gans is currently a Senior Consultant and IO Psychology practitioner at Booz Allen Hamilton. She resides in the Northern Virginia area, and currently works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on a comprehensive job analysis project for Aerospace Safety Engineers. Haylee has been working in the human capital space for over five years, and some of her ever-evolving areas of interest include competency-based solutions, learning and development, survey design and data analytics, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Chelsey Hibbard has 25 years of professional experience (20 in the Federal Government) in workforce planning, competency modeling, human capital evaluation, change management, data analysis, and certification and assessment development. Chelsey is currently a Personnel Psychologist in the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS), Personnel & Readiness division at the Department of Defense. In that role, she serves as program manager for the set-up and implementation of the Qualtrics® survey system to conduct DoD-wide competency assessments and serves as team lead for the competency team.

Zoom link in bio!

Don’t forget to RSVP for the GMU Reception at SIOP this year! We’re so excited to have our students, alumni, faculty, and friends come together 🎉💚

Follow the link in our bio to RSVP ✉️

It was wonderful seeing so many of our faculty, MA, MPS, and PhD students come together yesterday and greet visiting students! Thank you ALL for a great evening!!

Drinks and Codenames in Arlington👌🏻💚

Speaking at today’s Learning Series is Julia Baines!

Julia is a third-year doctoral student in the Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology program at George Mason University, working with Dr. Reeshad Dalal.

Julia received her BS in I/O psychology and Minor in German studies from George Mason University in 2020.

Julia’s research interests include judgment and decision-making (specifically, how advice exchanges inform rational decision-making), situational strength, and within-person variability.

She is working on several projects funded by the National Science Foundation to study how employees' emotions might be regulated with the aid of within-person and personalized interventions.

In terms of extra-curricular pursuits, Julia is co-director for George Mason University’s chapter of the Volunteer Program Assessment, an organization that provides pro-bono consultation services to non-profit organizations.

Held in Krug Building 204
Zoom 🔗 in bio!

Tune into Learning Series this week and hear from PhD students Joanna Zakzewski and JeongJin Kim!

Joanna is a third-year doctoral student in the Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology program at George Mason University, working with Dr. Steve Zaccaro. Joanna's research interests include leadership development, group dynamics, and multiteam systems. She is working on a variety of projects surrounding these topics, including studies involving cross-cultural multiteam systems, inclusive leadership, and more recently, helping behavior in surgical teams.

JeongJin Kim is a third year PhD student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program, working with Dr. Reeshad Dalal. JeongJin is interested in person-situation interface, job performance, personality and individual differences, boredom at work, calling, etc.

Zoom 🔗 in bio!

Join us at learning series today and hear from Macy Cheeks and Shavonne Holman!!

Macy Cheeks, M.S., SHRM-CP is an experienced Human Resources professional with a demonstrated expertise in diversity programs, personnel data analytics and federal Equal Employment Opportunity compliance.

She specializes in implementing common sense diversity and inclusion strategies for Fortune 500 companies with complex organizational structures. Macy graduated from the illustrious Howard University with a Bachelor’s of Psychology in 2012. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology in 2015 from Emporia State University.

Shavonne Holman, M.P.S., IPMA-SCP has over 5 years of experience servicing public service agencies as an I/O Psychology professional.

She has exceptional knowledge of personnel assessment methods, employment hiring and selection procedures, recruitment and retention strategies, and test validation. Shavonne is a proud alumna of Howard University where she received a BS in Psychology. She went on to receive a Masters in I/O Psychology from University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is currently working as a Talent Manager with the USDS, Executive Office of the President.

Zoom 🔗 in bio!!

A+ people 💚 GMU I/O 🤝

Tune into learning series today and hear from Dr. Rajanique Modeste and Thuy Truong!!

Dr. Rajanique Modeste holds a doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and a Masters in Counseling Studies from Capella University, respectively.

Dr. Modeste has over 16+ years in Human Capital Management, primarily working in the government contracting space. Her expertise includes DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB), Organizational Culture, Assessments and transformation.



Thuy Truong is an Organizational Design Senior Associate at KPMG. She has 4 years of experience in human capital experience applying I-O Psychology principles and practices to human capital initiatives in the private and public sector.

Her primary areas of expertise include HR and organizational assessment and transformation, job analysis, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), learning and development, and selection. Her recent and current clients include the VA, OPM, FDA, NSF, FDIC, and the Department of State. Thuy received her BA in Psychology from Southwestern University and her MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Zoom 🔗 in bio.

Joining us this week for Learning Series is Dr. Daniel Shore and Kyana Beckles, M.P.S.!

Daniel is a researcher and consultant with a PhD in I-O Psychology, which he received from the program here at GMU in 2020. He is the Co-Founder of LETS, Leadership & Effective Teamwork Strategies, providing multi-team collaboration training to cybersecurity teams through a curriculum he built from 5 years of DHS-funded research that he was part of during his time at George Mason.

Adding variety to his work, Daniel also conducts teamwork and leadership training for non-profit youth organizations though two other ventures he co-founded.

Kyana is a social entrepreneur; the Founder of Leverage Assessments, a job testing company, specializing in credentialing development, maintenance and administration for Associations. Kyana holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and got her start in testing supporting the development of Promotional Exams for Police Departments.

Kyana is an expert on credentialing, certification development, accreditation, diversity, remote proctoring, new certifications and professional development support for Industry Groups and Associations.

Zoom 🔗 in bio!

The semester doesn’t truly begin without a Caboose social. Here’s to another stellar semester everyone! 🤝

The SIOP Education and Training Online Programs Subcommittee is hosting a free, virtual workshop for I-O psychology graduate students and faculty on Thursday, January 26th from 7:00-8:30 pm.

This session will focus on helping students understand how to market themselves as a professional in the field. This will include helpful tips on creating a virtual presence, understanding oneself, and how to sell oneself in a professional environment.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to practice these skills in the speed networking activity that will follow the address from the Keynote speaker, Dr. NaTasha Jordan, Director of Consulting with The Sasha Group.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more & register!!

Kicking off Learning Series tomorrow is Dr. Ken Yusko!!

Ken is currently the Deputy Director of the University of Maryland Industrial/Organizational Psychology MPS program and co-founder of Siena Consulting, a human capital consulting firm. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Maryland.

Ken is an expert in the design of personnel selection, development, and performance management systems. As a consultant in both the private and public sectors, Ken has worked with sports teams and leagues, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, partnerships, consulting firms, and government agencies.

His recent clients include the United Nations, International Criminal Court, National Football League, Merck, Morgan Stanley, and Jefferson and Arlington County local governments. Ken’s research focuses on the development and implementation of cognitive ability tests for which he and his team have received two IPAC Innovations Awards and two SIOP M. Scott Myers Awards for Applied Research, including last year’s award for their work on talent identification in the NFL.

Their decade-long joint project with Merck on the assessment and development of early leadership talent also received the 2021 SHRM-SIOP HR Impact award.

📍Join via Zoom link in Bio!

Learning Series is almost here!!! 🎉 We’re thrilled to offer an exciting roster of speakers and topics this semester. Check out this semester’s schedule!

For all presentations, go to our link in bio for the Zoom Link.

In person presentations will be held in Krug Hall 204.

See you all there!