This Is What Science Looks Like at NC State: Lori Foster Thompson

Editor’s note: This post comes from Lori Foster Thompson, a professor of psychology at NC State. The post is part of an ongoing series that we hope will highlight the diversity of researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The series is inspired by the This Is What A Scientist Looks Like site.

My name is Lori Foster Thompson, and I’m a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University. I specialize in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, the science of work. My particular focus area concerns how to combine that science with the possibilities afforded by emerging information and communication technologies to empower and enable the well-being and development of people, and the nations they comprise, through satisfying, meaningful, productive work that plays to and builds on their unique strengths.

I’m convinced that I-O psychology research and application can improve human welfare by helping people understand and develop their strengths and interests, giving them the freedom to reach their potential. Understanding people requires scientific measurement of knowledge, skills, abilities, personality, and interests. Understanding people, however, is only half of the equation. What’s also needed is a scientific understanding of work – that is, job requirements, including the capabilities and skills needed to perform various jobs effectively. Through scientific theory, research, and measurement, I-O psychology can be used to maximize the fit between people and their work, for the benefit of all involved.

To understand these issues on a global scale, I do research, observe work and workers, collaborate with colleagues, attend meetings, and give talks in lots of different places around the world. I’m also very involved in integrating perspectives from the behavioral sciences into the work being conducted at the United Nations. (Editor’s note: Foster Thompson is an NGO representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.)

When I travel for work, I also make it a point to travel for fun! I love to see new places and experience different cultures within and outside of the U.S. So, each time I take a trip, I try to figure out what is special about the place I’m visiting, and experience it to the fullest. Whether it is a safari in South Africa, sushi in Japan, surfing in Hawaii, or samba in Brazil, my travels have been the source of many fun and interesting adventures!

(Note: Foster Thompson’s research has been covered by outlets from Marketplace to Scientific American.)