RESEARCH TEAM

Julie M. Slowiak, Ph.D. is a Full Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Founder of the Wellbeing & Behavioral Science Lab. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and brings interdisciplinary training in applied behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, and industrial-organizational psychology to her research and applied work.

Dr. Slowiak earned her B.A. in Psychology and Organizational Communication, M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis. Her research examines how behavioral science can be used to create healthier workplaces and improve worker well-being. Drawing from applied behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, industrial-organizational psychology, and occupational health psychology, her work investigates how workplace environments, leadership practices, and organizational systems influence employee health, performance, and sustainable work.

Dr. Slowiak’s current research focuses on worker well-being and healthy workplaces, with particular emphasis on occupational burnout, work engagement, psychological safety, leadership, organizational climate, and the intersection of chronic health conditions and work. Her research examines these issues within healthcare, human service, and other demanding professional contexts, with the goal of identifying evidence-based strategies that support both employees and organizations.

The Wellbeing & Behavioral Science Lab values collaborative, interdisciplinary research that connects theory, empirical evidence, and real-world applications to improve the experiences of individuals at work. Through the Wellbeing & Behavioral Science Lab, Dr. Slowiak mentors undergraduate and graduate students in applied research addressing socially significant workplace challenges. Her students have opportunities to engage in research involving survey methodology, quantitative analysis, intervention development, and dissemination of findings through presentations and publications.

View Dr. Slowiak's CV

Kira Dupont is a current second-year graduate student at UMD in the Industrial-Organizational track of the MAPS program. She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kira’s research interests include burnout, training and development, human factors in the workplace, and employee health and well-being. Professionally, Kira hopes to pursue a career as an external/internal consultant or training and development specialist. She is also a graduate research assistant with the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Duluth Campus.

In her free time, Kira enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, including hiking and playing pickleball. She also loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

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Maddy Onell is a third year undergraduate student at UMD, majoring in psychology and minoring in cognitive science and sociology. She is the president of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Club. Maddy applied for and was awarded funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and she will carry out her research, Do Faculty And Supervisor Support Relate To Burnout Among Employed Students?, during the Fall 2026 semester. After completing her bachelor's degree, Maddy plans to attend graduate school to obtain her master's degree in I/O Psychology. 

Maddy has research interests in organizational change and development, as well as leadership/management. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going for walks, spending time with family and friends, and watching hockey.