Our Doctoral Students
Mateo Cruz
Interests: Stereotype threat & strategic identity management; gender & diversity in organizations; group & team dynamics; organization development & change; multicultural leadership
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I hold a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College,
Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in
Psychology from the University of Portland.
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The Social-Org Psych program appealed to me because of the science-practitioner approach to examining the influence of social dynamics on organizational life. Specifically, the faculty are leading scholar-practitioners in content areas central to my interests including: stereotype threat, diversity management, organization development, group & team processes, and change leadership. It was the perfect place to continue my development as an applied social psychologist committed to increasing the leadership capacity of women and people of color in organizations.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My primary research focuses on the impact of gender and diversity on career outcomes. Although that interest existed early in my studies, my work now is far more specific with a particular emphasis on how people navigate careers under chronic conditions of stereotype threat.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
It depends!...on what you are looking for.
From my perspective, the key strengths of this program as a researcher are: the faculty and their streams of research, the emphasis on a scholar-practitioner model, the hybrid training in social –and- organizational psychology, the perspective on systems thinking and group dynamics, and our Lewinian lineage.
As a practitioner, additional key strengths are: our commitment to applied research, our executive education programs in consultation and change, our history in relation to the field of organization development, and working with faculty who conduct research –and – consult, coach, and design & deliver leadership programming.
As a student, program strengths are: flexibility to work with multiple faculty on a variety of projects, opportunities to work outside of the lab and in organizations, the Columbia network, the unique opportunities for research and practice work, and the exposure and connection to New York City.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
During my time in the program, I have had the opportunity to work in multiple roles across industries and organizations. Since starting my Ph.D., I have taught, trained, coached, and consulted with undergraduate and graduate students, executives, military officers, education leaders, health care professionals, and young adults in urban communities. Currently, I serve as an adjunct associate professor at Barnard College and as faculty in The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership.
Joe Dillard
Interests: Studying colleges and universities as organizations, diversity and diversity training in organizations, executive coaching, leadership development, and organization change
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in a small town in Michigan.
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. I also earned my Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University prior to starting the Ph.D. program.
What interested you about the Social-Org program?
I chose the Social-Organizational Psychology program at TC for a few reasons. First of all, there are several faculty members in the program with research interests that align with mine. In addition, I deeply appreciate and believe in the value of being trained as both a scientist and a practitioner. Many of our faculty members exemplify the scientist-practitioner model, so I wanted to learn from them. Finally, I wanted to live in New York City!
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I am interested in studying colleges and universities as organizations, diversity and diversity training in organizations, executive coaching, leadership development, and organization change.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The faculty and its students.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I am not sure yet. I will likely pursue some combination of opportunities in academia and industry.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I am the Organization Development (OD) Coordinator in the Office of Executive Education Programs in Change and Consultation at Teachers College, and I am learning so much from both the faculty and our students.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
NYC is never dull; there is always something to do! I also appreciate the rich diversity that NYC has to offer.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I like to go to museums, book stores, and amazing restaurants that serve good wine.
Asha Gipson
Interests: Workplace diversity, organizational climate change, demographic minorities, and stereotype/social identity threat
Where are you from?
San Diego, California
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
Pomona College, BA - Psychology, minor in Africana Studies
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
Initially I was attracted to the scientist-practitioner model of the Soc-Org program, which will allow me to gain a strong foundation in both scientific practice and research. In addition, I was also interested in the research that is being done here on demographic minorities. Finally, I love that TC is located in the heart of NYC.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My current interests include workplace diversity, organizational climate change, demographic minorities, and stereotype/social identity threat. Recently I have become interested in non-native speakers as well due to my work with Dr. Roberson.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The greatest strength of the program is the opportunity to engage in scientific research, while gaining invaluable teaching and practical experiences.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to work in an applied setting and also be an adjunct professor at a university.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
Central Park in the Fall
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
In my spare time I like traveling, watching Telemundo TV dramas, cooking Czech food and discovering all that New York city has to offer.
Tony Hacking
Interests: Team innovation; leveraging team heterogeneity; organization change
Where are you from?
Milton, MA
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
BA from Vassar College in Biopsychology with a correlate in Women’s Studies
MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Social-Organizational
Psychology
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I wanted a social–org psych program that combined both research and applied training. I wanted to work with faculty that were committed to the success of their students. The TC program was the perfect choice.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I am interested in the impact of diversity on team effectiveness. I am also interested in the specific leader behaviors that help diverse teams best leverage their talent.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The program offers tremendous research and applied training. The faculty are fantastic and truly committed to the success of their students. The students are brilliant and very supportive of each other.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I will work as a consultant around themes of team effectiveness, diversity, and leadership development. I also hope to teach and to be involved in research as part of a collaboration with full time faculty.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I am the co-founder of C Global Consulting and have done various projects through my company for several years. My practice is primarily around themes related to collaboration, diversity, leadership and team effectiveness. I have led consulting and training interventions in 17 countries for organizations in diverse sectors including Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, IT, Healthcare, and Global Non-Profits.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
I love everything about NYC. It is a wonderful and exciting place to live, study, work, and raise a family.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I enjoy the sport of duathlon.
David Mendelsohn
Interests: organizational culture, leadership, demography, and self-regulation
Where are you from?
New York City
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
BA in Psychology at Princeton University
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
My research interests aligned with that of many faculty members, and I loved the fact that the research at TC is firmly rooted in everyday practice. I believed that I would graduate with highly applicable skills that I could use in a wide range of career paths.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
Currently my research interests include organizational culture, leadership, demography, and self-regulation.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The faculty members are incredible scholars, practitioners, and teachers. At the same time, they are extremely accessible and helpful.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
At this point, I can see myself heading toward academia or consulting. Ideally, I would find a career that allows me to do a little bit of both.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
In no particular order: the West Side bike paths, diverse food options, public transit that runs 24/7, plentiful networking opportunities, and every type of entertainment you can think of.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
Relaxing with friends, playing guitar, reading, writing short stories, listening to podcasts, watching satirical news programs, and exercising.
Duoc Nguyen
Interests: Political orientation, discrimination, persuasion, stereotype threat, diversity at the workplace, stereotype boost, and racial micro-aggression
Where are you from?
Vung Tau, Vietnam and Davenport, Iowa
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
BA psychology and MA I-O psychology at University of Northern Iowa
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I chose the social-organizational program because I thought it was a good fit for me. I was in an I-O program, immersed on the consulting side, but also did social- psychology research. For me, it was hard to choose social or I-O. The social organizational program is the best of both worlds. This program is a hybrid program that pulls from multiple disciplines. These multiple perspectives have allowed me to see life through many lenses.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
Some of my research interests have been in political orientation, discrimination, persuasion, and stereotype threat. Through my practical work experience and workgroup, my research interests have come to also include diversity at the workplace, stereotype boost, and racial micro-aggression.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I think one of the greatest strengths of the Social-Org Psych program is that it pulls from many different disciplines. It focuses on research and practice and is constantly bridging the gap between the two.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
Ideally, I would like to get more practical experience after I graduate. In the long-run, I would like to hold a tenured position at the university level. I feel that I in order to teach and do research about industry that I need to be immersed in it.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
Currently, I’m working at KPMG. I am analyzing and validating a selection test that has implications for the entire U.S. sector of the business.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite thing in NYC is the people that I’ve meet. These people have broadened my horizon and broken stereotypes that I’ve held implicitly. I am so thankful and grateful for all of them.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I use to play basketball and go-moku. Nowadays, I find joy in finding good restaurants in NYC and meeting new people and listening to their life journeys.
Tarani Merriweather Woodson
Interests: Intersectionality; social identity; multiculturalism; stereotype threat; work-life dynamics
Christine St. John
Interests: group relations; leadership and organizational development
Where are you from?
I grew up in Northampton, MA
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
M.A. Social-Organizational Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University; B.A. Sociology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
The combination of social psychology and organizational psychology as well as the balance of research and practice.
Stephanie von Numers
Interests: organizational change; group dynamics; diversity and cross-cultural interactions; effects of emotion in the workplace
Where are you from?
Washington, D.C.
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
B.A. in Psychology and B.A. in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture (University of Maryland)
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I was drawn to TC’s program because of its balanced emphasis on both theory and practice, as well as its integration of social psychological approaches to organizational issues.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
Coming into the program, I was especially interested in the idea of change, from the angle of individual perceptions and reactions to environmental changes, as well as the methods of implementing changes in employee attitudes, behaviors, and overall organizational culture. Nevertheless, I am still in the early stages of the program, and my research focus will certainly evolve over the next few years. Currently, my workgroup is looking into the demography of educational institutions, and I am reviewing the latest literature on employee discipline, termination, and other areas of management.
What is the greatest strength of the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
From a student perspective, I would say that one of the greatest strengths of the program is having access to so many research opportunities and applied experiences around the city. The collaborative environment also facilitates sharing ideas among faculty and students who may be focusing on very different topics—which can help spark even more innovative research questions.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
Ideally, I would like to split my time between consulting and academia.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
Definitely the diversity. I grew up in a very international family and community, so being surrounded by people of all cultures and backgrounds makes New York feel like home. There is always something new to learn and experience here, so I am excited to explore!
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
Reading, dancing, discovering new music. I love to travel whenever the opportunity presents itself. But really, I can waste hours just walking around the neighborhood or sitting in a room with my favorite people (especially when there is food involved).
Shana Yearwood
Interests: Identity formation, the experience of diverse individuals in the workplace
Where are you from?
Groton, CT
What was your academic background before coming to the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
Majored in Psychology and Anthropology at Columbia
What interested you about the Social-Org Psych Program at TC?
I love that this program combines social and organizational psych, and that the faculty acknowledge there are many routes outside of academia and genuinely help you develop into who you want to be. I also was very interested in the breadth of options for coursework – I remember reading the class list and being excited to take the vast majority of them.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to remain in the consulting field.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The endless options for food!
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I love a good fictional novel to counterbalance the research articles we read for class, but I also love wining, dining and cooking with friends.
Adam Parr
ap3520@tc.columbia.edu
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Where are you from?
Baltimore, MD
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I have a B.A. in Philosophy from Franklin and Marshall College and an M.A. in Psychology from Stony Brook University. I also worked for Harvard GSE researching the influence of discussion and debate on educational outcomes (grades 4-8) in urban public schools in Boston and Baltimore.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
As many others in our program, I was attracted to the prospect of going into academia, industry, or a combination of the two. I strongly believe in the program’s orientation toward integrating theory and practice. Unlike other programs, the Soc-Org Psych program adds an important systems level/organizational perspective that is often overlooked in social psychology programs. The program’s location in NYC is also a plus for forming partnerships with organizations, non-profits, the UN, etc.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
When I started, my interests were focused on language, communication, community development, social networks, and conflict resolution. While these interests have grown, I have also become interested in complexity/complex systems, group processes, leadership, computational modeling, and content analytic ways to map conflicts. I hope to build on these interests and add practical skills in the future.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The greatest strength of the program is the rigor and passion with which faculty members pursue research. In addition to this is the friendliness and support of other doctoral students, its location in NYC, and broader opportunities/resources at Teachers College and Columbia.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to teach in some capacity, but am also interested in practice. I would like to work in conflict resolution, community or organizational development, leadership training, or on US Foreign Policy.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
As a first year, I have not yet undertaken any internships or jobs, but plan to in my second or third year.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite thing about NYC is the energy. It is an ambitious city filled with ambitious people. It is a great place to live and pursue something as ambitious as a doctorate.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I enjoy reading, seeing live music, watching movies, writing, spending time with my friends/family, and trying out new restaurants.
Joshua Elmore
je2467@tc.columbia.edu
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Where are you from?
Tracy, California
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
City College of San Francisco A.A. in Psychology - A.S. in Social and Behavioral Science- A.A. in Anthropology - A.S. in Science and Mathematics - A.A. in Arts and Humanities
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I wanted to learn from and work with the academically diverse faculty who are engaged not just in research at the university but also in applying psychological principals to the workplace. Also, the coursework will provide me a path for rigor in science and competency in the field.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I would like to test ways to induce perspective taking and increase empathy in majority white male members of organizations by using novel induction techniques. I would like to develop programs that encourage cohesiveness between in- and out-groups while reducing threat among majority and minority members. To that end, I am interested in stereotype threat inoculation (e.g. education for anxiety attributions), stereotype boost, and the use of the contact hypothesis to build stronger inter-group relationships. My goal is to develop programs to strengthen egalitarian schemas and reduce the influence that competition and status have on perceptions of in- versus out-group membership as well as to identify and reduce instances where aversive racism might inhibit these efforts. I am in Dr. Caryn Block’s workgroup, Diversity Dynamics, were we are currently focusing on gender differences in letters of recommendation.
My interests are continuously evolving. At the moment I am inspired by Dr. James Westaby’s behavioral reasoning theory.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The support and care given by the faculty, staff, and fellow students.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I intend to work in the field applying the science that I have learned and developed during my time at TC. I plan to learn from the field and write about my insights. I then plan to teach and consult based on my specified niche.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
None to date. Check back in August 2017!
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The unknowable future that it provides.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I enjoy writing songs, seeking excitement, and random conversations with strangers.
Anything else you would like to share?
Before beginning college I toured in a band for six years.
Allegra Chen-Carrel
ac3922@tc.columbia.edu
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Where are you from?
San Francisco, CA
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I recently completed an MA in Global Thought at Columbia. Before that, I went to the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona for an MA in Immigration Management. In 2012, I graduated with a BA in International Affairs from the George Washington University.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I’ve always been interested in the intersection between the psychological and social justice and this program at TC was just the perfect fit. I also love the emphasis on both practice and research.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I’m broadly interested in empathy and the process of building meaningful cross-cultural connections, and am excited to see how my interests evolve through the program.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The people! The program has managed to create a supportive, flexible, and stimulating community.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to become a professor/ practitioner.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The Staten Island Ferry and amazing ramen.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I love practicing yoga and spending time in the city’s secret gardens.
Diego Ramos
1. Where are you from?
Salem, Oregon
2. What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I hold an M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Psychology and Latin American Studies from Willamette University.
3. Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I chose the Social-Organizational Psychology program at Teachers College because it was the perfect fit for me in terms of academic rigor, the research interests of the faculty, and the inclusive program community. Additionally, the extraordinary amount of support that students receive in pursuing their interests and forging their own path was very appealing. I also loved the fact that the program is located in New York City; in addition to being a wonderful place to live, the city provides innumerable opportunities that complement the program very well.
4. What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My main interests revolve around the study of diversity in organizations, stereotype threat, organizational change, leadership development, and Latino organizations in the U.S. and Latin America. Most recently, I have become increasingly curious about social networks and organizations.
I am currently working with Dr. Loriann Roberson to study stereotype threat among non-native English speakers.
5. What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The greatest strength of the program is the immense support and flexibility that students are provided with from day one. Whether it is the faculty, staff, or students, everyone is genuinely invested in helping you thrive. As a student, your most important responsibility is to learn, and every aspect of the program is geared toward that aim.
6. What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to work with organizations to improve workplace conditions and help make the high-quality research being conducted in our field more accessible. I also aspire to teach and conduct research, as well as to one-day work with organizations throughout Latin America.
7. What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I am currently working for the Executive Masters Program in Change Leadership at Teachers College.
8. What is your favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite thing about the city is the immense variety of things there are to see, do, and explore here. I have yet to get bored since moving here; you can always find a new restaurant to try, a new bookstore to visit, or a new part of the city to explore.
9. What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends, and exploring new places around the city. Lately, finding interesting music to listen to has become one of my preferred ways of relaxing.
Aitong Li
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in China.
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I obtained a B.A. in Public Administration from Nanjing University in China, and two masters degrees with one in Political Science from Columbia University and one in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The Social-Org Psych program at TC combines theoretical and applied trainings seamlessly that prepares you for both academia and industry career paths.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My research interests are diversity, inclusion and leadership.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
It’s a very diverse city where you can be who you are and do whatever you like to do.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I like travel, fashion, piano, and workout.
Julian McNeil
Where are you from?
Boston, Massachusetts
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Advanced Studies in Business Essentials, University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Education, University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Hampton University
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Four salient attractors led me to enrolling in the program. First, the volume of faculty conducting research and consulting on diversity and inclusion in organizations. Second, the opportunities to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary scholarship with academics from across the university. Third, the rigorous training in research methods and applied statistics. And, fourth, the versatility and marketability of graduates on the job market.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I am most interested in identifying ways to counteract bias in high-stakes decision making processes, such as the recruitment and selection of employees. Over time, I have become more interested in group-level analysis and intervention. Moreover, I have become interested in using people analytics and artificial intelligence to create targeted interventions and streamline traditional human resource functions.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The greatest strength of the program is the collegial and cooperative community of faculty, staff, and students. I always can rely on affiliates of the program to support me academically, emotionally, and socially.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I am considering careers in university-level teaching, behavioral science consulting, and/or independent school leadership.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
During my first year in the program, I served as a residence hall director at Barnard College, where I led a team of seven resident assistants and oversaw a residence hall of nearly three hundred freshmen. I also served as a teaching assistant for The Psychology of Diversity, an online class offered through the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The community-based events, such as food festivals and outdoor concerts, that bring together people of all social identities.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I love traveling, listening to music, and participating in competitive recreational activities, including bowling, tennis, air hockey, pool, and board games.
Anything else you would like to share?
You can reach me at jam2417@tc.columbia.edu
Lea Lynn Yen
Where are you from?
Fullerton, California
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Pomona College (’16), BA in Cognitive Science
San Francisco State University (’18)MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
While working towards my MS in I/O Psychology, I began to hone in on understanding the issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. During my search for PhD programs, the faculty and their research areas aligned the best with what I was interested in. The importance of social justice within the TC community was also a big factor.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My research interests are broadly in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Within that realm, I am especially interested in cultural differences and how cultural backgrounds can affect how people feel and act towards various processes in the workplace.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I think the people are what makes the program strong – the faculty cover a wide range of research interests and the students do as well, making the program extremely diverse in thought. The program allows me to learn not only from the faculty, but from my other fellow students’ experiences as well.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to become either a consultant or a researcher for a firm, working in the diversity and inclusion space.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I currently work for Zuora as an HR Business Partner intern, a position I began prior to entering this program.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
It’s still too early to tell, but so far my favorite aspect of living here has been the amazing selection of cuisines to choose from. I also really enjoy how exciting this city is – there is always something cool happening on any given day.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
I enjoy going to concerts and I usually go to at least one concert a month, oftentimes two or three. Also, I enjoy just walking around new places and looking for interesting restaurants and stores, which there are so many of here in NYC.
Anything else you would like to share?
You can reach me at lly2109@tc.columbia.edu.
Eccho Yu
Where are you from?
I am originally from Chengdu, China.
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I was trained as a petroleum engineer in my undergraduate education, and later pursued my master’s degree in social-organizational psychology at Teachers College
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I have always been inspired by the scientist-practitioner model, which TC exemplifies so well. I enjoyed working with faculty members here at TC while I was in the M.A. program and was naturally drawn back.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
Currently, my research interest include network analysis, organizational demography and using computational methods in social sciences.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The faculty members are knowledgeable scholars and experienced practitioners. I continue to learn so much from them as they’re accessible and helpful.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I can really see myself embracing more applied research and consulting opportunities. I love drawing the connection between academia and real-world business problems.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I have been working at Microsoft in their people analytics function as a researcher since finishing my master’s degree.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
Having options to do fun things at almost any time.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
Anything that keeps me active when I need to take a break from reading papers (hiking and skiing). I also love driving.
Abigail Johnson
Where are you from?
I’m from southern Illinois, closer to St. Louis, MO than Chicago.
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Prior to TC I received my BA in psychology from Oral Roberts University and spent my junior year studying at the University of Oxford. I first came to TC for my MA in Social-Organizational Psychology.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I chose the Soc-Org program at TC because of the focus on applied work. At this time I don’t believe I want to go into academia; however, I still wanted to peruse my PhD. I appreciate that this program recognizes the knowledge gained during a PhD can, and should, be transferable to those in industry as well.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My research interests include groups and teams, personality assessments, and vocational assessments. I find my interests are continually evolving based on the classes I have and the opportunities that arise to explore certain topics.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The faculty, the connections you are able to make, and the systems perspective that is emphasized when considering anything happening within an organization.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
At this time I know I would like to work within industry, though I have yet to decide how specifically that will look.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I haven’t taken up any new internships or jobs since joining the PhD program. But during my MA I interned with Hogan Assessment Systems in their innovation/R&D sector, Mind Gym on their solutions team, and have been working with a personality assessment company called Deeper Signals.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite thing about NYC is the energy. It’s palpable and makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
In my free time I enjoy doing yoga, pottery, embroidery, and exploring the city in search of the perfect margarita.
Molly Forgang
Where are you from?
Westchester, New York
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I completed my B.A. in American Studies and Psychology at Barnard College, Columbia University. After graduating in 2015, I worked in leadership consulting at Russell Reynolds Associates, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, for 3 years.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I was drawn to the program for two reasons–the genuine embrace of the science-practitioner model and the dual focus on social and organizational psychology. From my undergraduate studies, I developed a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research and its value in academic and scientific discourse. By focusing on both social and organizational psychology, the program enables students to gain a more nuanced understanding of social dynamics in the workplace and contribute more multi-dimensional research to the field.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
I am interested in women in leadership, executive leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, and diversity and inclusion.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Beyond the aspects that initially drew me to the program, I think the greatest strength is the wonderful community of engaged and supportive faculty, students, and staff members.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to use my degree in an applied setting, whether in consulting or at a large organization in a talent management function.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I just started the program in September, but I hope to do some consulting and in-house internships.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
All of the arts and culture! I did theatre for most of my life, so I love the vibrant performing arts community and the endless opportunities to see shows!
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
Well definitely seeing shows, but also cooking, exploring new restaurants, and going on adventures with my dog, Teddy!
Angelica Leon
Where are you from?
NYC! I grew up in Chelsea (Manhattan).
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I have a BA in Psychology from Barnard College. After graduating, I worked at Citi in Executive Recruiting. Most recently, I was part of the Intergroup Social Perception Lab conducting research in Honolulu, HI at the University of Hawaii-Manoa (Department of Psychology). There, my primary project examined the role of confrontation and how it impacts the perceptions of racial discrimination.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
TC’s program always stood out to me, even as I applied to an array of doctoral programs (social psychology, organizational behavior, etc.) It’s definitely unique given the integration of both social and organizational psychology. I was also attracted to the program’s scientist-practicioner model but above all, I was drawn to particular faculty members’ research, which strongly aligned with my interests.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My current research interests include diversity, stereotyping and prejudice, leadership, and group dynamics. I’m particularly interested in further understanding gender and racial stereotypes in the workplace and how those stereotypes impact perceptions of leaders. But, I can also see my interests evolving after entering the program.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
Besides the reasons that drew me to the program, the cohesive community that extends from faculty to staff to students would be another strength.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I’m still figuring that out, but I hope a combination of consulting and teaching- in fact, I was first introduced to the field in undergrad by a professor who graduated from this program and I’m looking forward to possibly doing the same for future students.
What internships or jobs have you undertaken since starting the program?
I’ll be starting the program this Fall, but I am excited to explore all the resources and opportunities the program has available.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The fact that there’s always something to do at any hour of the day!
What are some of your hobbies or favorite ways to spend your free time?
Since I spent the last few years living in Hawaii, I became an avid hiker, runner, and beach bum who loves adventuring outdoors. Other than that, I just enjoy making the most out of my day with friends and family.
Ramya Kumar
Where are you from?
Acton, Massachusetts. I grew up in Chennai, India.
What was your academic background before coming to the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
I have an MS in Organizational Dynamics (MSOD) from the University of Pennsylvania; a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management from Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai; and a Bachelor of Commerce from Meenakshi College, Chennai.
Why did you choose the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The program’s goal of developing scientist-practitioners and strong focus on both research and practice is perfectly in alignment with my objective of developing a strong knowledge in theoretical concepts, building basic and applied research expertise, and applying social psychology to solve organizational issues. Also, the program offers a unique integration of social and organizational psychology and an interdisciplinary curriculum encompassing my key research interest areas.
What are your research interests? Have they changed since you started the program? If so, in what way?
My main research interests are organizational development and change, leadership, and group processes. I will be particularly excited to research leading and managing organizational change in an increasingly complex world with rapidly changing workplaces and diverse, global workgroups.
What is the greatest strength of the Soc-Org Psych Program at TC?
The program’s unique scientist-practitioner model, eminent faculty members, and opportunities to engage in basic and applied research, and to practice it in applied settings during the program.
What career do you intend to pursue when you graduate?
I hope to advance my career in organizational development consulting and applied research. I also aspire to teach.
What is your favorite thing about NYC?
The rich diversity, networking opportunities, and endless food and entertainment options!