Meet SIOP Member Ashlyn Kurtz, Human Resources Professional
Name
Ashlyn Kurtz
Position/Employer
Human Resources Professional
How long have you been a SIOP member?
3 years
What roles have you had within SIOP?
I spoke during the 2025 SIOP Annual Conference
Annual Conference Student Volunteer
Ambassador for Newcomers
SIOP Student member
Interest area(s)
My primary research focus is on employee wellbeing, specifically the multifaceted and episodic nature of emotions, occupational wellness, and the interaction of motivation with leadership styles. I am passionate about finding innovative approaches to these topics and am often drawn to integrating diverse research methods and ideas.
What sparked your interest in I-O psychology?
I’ve always had a natural interest in psychology, purposefully seeking opportunities to get involved. While studying psychology in undergrad, I was further drawn to I-O psychology as a discipline. In every course I enrolled in, I found myself asking I-O-driven questions and shaping my research around I-O topics. This growing interest ultimately motivated me to pursue a Master’s program and work toward becoming an active contributor to the field of I-O psychology.
What role do you see I-O psychology playing in the future of work?
As I am currently working in an applied setting, I see I-O psychology playing a key role in laying the foundation for organizational wellness and success in a more accessible way. Science-based practices in the workplace, as I-O psychologists know, are incredibly valuable. I-O psychology provides individuals with the language to communicate essential concepts that lead to beneficial workplace outcomes. I-O psychology’s rigorous, individualized approach is unique, continually evolving to explore all aspects of an organization. I believe the future of I-O will focus on identifying and addressing issues proactively, fostering a continuous evolution in workplace practices.
What work trends are you seeing and hearing about and how can I-O psychology practitioners, educators, and students impact these trends?
One important trend I continually hear about in both applied and academic settings is work-life balance and the search for an ‘idealized’ version of this balance. This is a critical topic, as everyone has their own definition based on their unique experiences. Many I-O psychology concepts intersect with the idea of work-life balance, including leadership styles and organizational size amounting to varying needs. As work-life balance is ever-evolving, I believe I-O psychology’s rigorous, systematic approaches will continue to shape practices and research that help both employees and leaders achieve a healthy balance. By inviting conscientious practices and support, I-O psychology can drive meaningful change. With its limitless applications, I-O practitioners, researchers, educators, and students can contribute valuable insights to further refine and support work-life balance initiatives.
What advice would you give to students or those early in their career?
As a recent Master’s graduate, my advice to students and early practitioners is to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity. Some of my best experiences came from being open to new ideas and taking chances. Even ‘smaller’ opportunities have turned into long-lasting, highly educational experiences. Based on my involvement in the I-O psychology community, I’ve found that everyone is motivated to be a supportive and welcoming resource. It’s important to attend and actively participate in I-O-driven events and never hesitate to ask the first question or start the first conversation.
What is one of your favorite SIOP Annual Conference memories/highlights?
My first SIOP Annual Conference was in Boston, and I loved the opportunity to participate in such a professional event early in my career. A highlight of the conference was building my network and rapport with fellow I-O psychologists. I was truly inspired by the insights, values, and diverse perspectives shared by the speakers and attendees. It was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of the field and motivated me to continue growing as an I-O psychologist.
Please share one non-I-O-related bit of information about yourself.
I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. It is a great way for me to learn new ideas and perspectives while immersing myself into different cultures. I also enjoy spending time in nature, especially by visiting the beach.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I am honored to present my first SIOP Annual Conference submission this year and look forward to using SIOP as a resource for continued growth and learning. I am also grateful for the network I’ve built through active involvement in the community, and I am excited for what the future holds!
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