SMARTies

Ashley Sylvara graduated with her PhD in I/O Psychology from Kansas State University in 2025 and joined the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business as a post-doc. She is currently a research associate working with the lab. ✨

Ashley's research centers on improving personality assessment in personnel selection through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. She is also interested in examining how work and life events influence personality development and change. Outside of research, Ashley likes to do rock climbing 🧗‍♀️

If not an I/O psychologist, Ashley would be a barista ☕

Moana Sargent is a fifth-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Kansas State University. 

Moana's research interests lie in occupational health and safety, with emphasis on stress management and identifying and addressing organizational faultlines. She's also interested in integrating NLP methods and OHP research. Moana's leisure interests include most outdoor activities, cooking strangely elaborate dinners, and spending too much time Zillow browsing. 

If not an I/O psychologist, Moana would enjoy being an editor for a reality tv network ✍️

Christine Seitz is a fourth-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Kansas State University.

Christine's research interests primarily include individual differences, psychological measurement, telework, and occupational health. Her applied experiences are broadly in consulting, particularly in people analytics and talent assessment. She has worked on projects with several organizations, including those in the manufacturing, healthcare, and financial industries.

Xavier Heron is a fourth-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Rice University.

Xavier's research focuses on employing advanced statistical techniques and AI-tools to enhance the validity of non-cognitive ability assessments in selection settings. His dissertation research includes building a chatbot to integrate forced choice and text-based methods of measuring personality. Xavier is an avid Iowa State football and basketball fan.

Rebecca Chen is a fourth-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Rice University.

Rebecca's research interests include psychological measurement and psychometrics, AI in talent management, and future of work skills. While in grad school, she has worked as a research consultant for ETS and as a people analytics intern for Google. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys yoga, rock climbing, and baking.

If not an I/O psychologist, Rebecca would open up her own bakery & coffee shop 🍞

Pengda Wang is a third-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Rice University. 

Pengda's primary research interests are centered around leveraging innovative technologies to enhance psychometric assessments and employee selection. He is also interested in advancing open science through the adoption of novel methodologies. More information about Pengda can be found via his website: wpengda.github.io  

Nikolai Ortiz is a first-year I/O Psychology doctoral student at Rice University. He graduated with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Psychology from Northwestern University. Nikolai’s research interests include the integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace (e.g., personnel selection, skill decay) and applied psychometrics. Outside of the lab, Nikolai competes in triathlons, marathons, open water swims, and other endurance races. 

If not a I/O psychologist, Nikolai would be an instructor focused on making advanced topics in mathematics and statistics more accessible🧑‍🔬 The most random talent he has is being able to crochet stuffed animals🧶

Jack Eagle is a second-year I/O Psychology master's student at Rice University. Jack's professional interests lie in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on enhancing cross-cultural communication and collaboration in the workplace. Jack's favorite thing to do outside of school and work is cooking. He has most recently been learning how to make bagels, ravioli, and sushi.

The most random talent Jack has is juggling fire🤹🔥

Alexandra Armer is a first-year I/O Psychology master's student at Rice University. Alexandra's research interests are focused on psychometrics, personnel selection, and individual differences in the workplace. She is interested in leveraging psychometrics to enhance personnel selection, thereby improving both the hiring experience and role success for organizations and candidates. Outside of school, Alexandra enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, especially when she can do both simultaneously. 

If not an I/O psychologist, Alexandra would ideally want to be an architect🌆

Tania García-Jasso is a first-year I/O Psychology master's student at Rice University. Tania’s research interests include hiring and selection assessments, talent management, and advancing neurodiversity and disability inclusion in the workplace. As an aspiring research practitioner, she is excited to apply her research experience to create evidence-based solutions that improve both organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. Outside of work, Tania loves everything music-related (niche artists, concerts, production, DJing), as well as planting, cooking, and going to new cafes!

If not an I/O Psychologist, Tania would be a sound designer 🎛️