Rice University’s Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology program proudly holds the distinction of being ranked #1 in the nation according to US News and World Report. Housed within the School of Social Sciences' Department of Psychological Sciences, the program addresses the growing demand for I-O psychology by leveraging applied research to enhance workplace efficiency, productivity, and quality of life.
Offering both a professional master’s degree and a PhD, the program houses world-renowned experts driving innovation in the field. This year, the program welcomed two new tenure-track faculty members, Rebecca Brossoit and Tianjun Sun, further enriching its academic excellence.
"Welcoming two exceptional rising stars to this already outstanding program reinforces Rice's reputation as a leader in industrial-organizational psychology," said Eden King, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Psychological Science.
Having received a PhD in I-O psychology from Colorado State University, Brossoit joined Rice after serving as an assistant professor of I-O psychology at Louisiana State University and a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon Health & Science University. Brossoit specializes in the health, safety, and well-being of employees, with an emphasis on organizational strategies and interventions to reduce work-related stress and improve sleep.
"This is a truly exciting stage of my career,” said Brossoit. "I couldn’t be happier to join the I-O program at Rice. I look forward to collaborating with my esteemed colleagues and outstanding students, and connecting with organizations throughout Houston, to conduct applied research that is centered on improving the quality of life of working people."
A PhD in I-O psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sun previously served as an assistant professor in Kansas State University’s Department of Psychological Sciences. Sun’s expertise is positioned on employee selection, psychometrics, individual differences, and the use of quantitative methods and innovative technologies to improve decision-making and experiences within organizations.
"Joining Rice is an incredible honor and opportunity,” said Sun. “I am excited to advance innovative research in workforce development and responsible artificial intelligence applications for science and practice. I look forward to contributing evidence-based solutions that enhance workplace effectiveness and support diverse communities, while collaborating with exceptional colleagues and students to address pressing organizational and societal challenges."
The expansion of faculty specializing in I-O psychology strengthens Rice’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research, advancing its vision of delivering personalized instruction and pioneering scholarship spearheaded by leaders in the field.
“The addition of Dr. Brossoit and Dr. Sun enables our I-O program to better address crucial topics in the 21st century such as health, well-being, and artificial intelligence,” said Margaret Beier, professor and chair of psychological sciences. “I’m incredibly excited to have them at Rice.”