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Dr. Shawn Bergman

    Background and Expertise

    About

    Dr. Shawn Bergman’s interests revolve around the application of science, psychology, data and technology to solve problems, help individuals make positive changes and improve peoples' lives. Bergman is the founder and director of the HR Science Research Team at App State. The group advances knowledge within the human resources (HR) field using analytics and technology. His HR Science Research Team project currently focuses on understanding and improving how undergraduate psychology students can leverage the competencies developed in their coursework to their careers. This work has mapped work-ready competencies of undergraduate psychology majors to O*NET occupations and careers and created an interactive, web-based tool to help career advising for undergraduate psychology majors. Bergman is also collaborating with Dr. Tim Ludwig and working with the external industry partners to explore how analytics can be used with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) data to keep people safe at their jobs.

    Additionally, Bergman is partnering with App State’s State College Access Partnerships to conduct research that explores how to increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education. Their current line of research is examining the relationship between specific college access services and postsecondary enrollment. 

    Finally, Bergman is a recognized presenter and educator. He has published 45 academic articles, co-authored over 135 professional and technical reports, and given over 125 keynote addresses and presentations. He has been widely recognized for his energetic and engaging style, receiving numerous awards including being a member of the Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Academy of Outstanding Graduate Mentors, receiving multiple Psi Chi Excellence in Teaching Awards, and earning the App State Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching and Distinguished Graduate Faculty awards.

    Areas of expertise

    • Group and individual performance and the role of problem-solving in job performance.
    • The role of problem-solving in job performance and how technology can help improve both problem-solving and job performance.
    • How analytics and technology can be used to help organizations meet organizational goals. 
    • Organizational change, team performance and implementation of new initiatives to accomplish performance objectives.

    Education/Academic qualification

    Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    … → 2008

    General Psychology, M.A, The Catholic University of America

    … → 2001

    Psychology, B.S., Truman State University

    … → 1998

    Research Interests

    • Social Media used for recruitment, brand manager, and selection and the legal implications for using these sources
    • How analytics and big data can be used to help organizations meet their goals
    • Research and quantitative methodologies in academic and professional settings

    Disciplines

    • Social and Behavioral Sciences
    • Psychology