Gregg J. Gold

Gregg J. Gold is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. He has held leadership roles including Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Professional Studies, and Chair of the Department of Psychology. Dr. Gold holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from UCLA (2000), and prior degrees from UCLA and Cal State Northridge. His research focuses on social influence, power dynamics, cannabis use, environmental policy, and the impact of deception in research. He has advised students across the Academic Research, Counseling, and Environment and Community programs. His grants include leadership roles in projects totaling over $2 million, addressing cannabis entrepreneurship, rural business success, and carbon offset markets. Awards include the QOLT Award (2014/15) and Psi Chi grants. He teaches courses such as Social Power and Influence, and leads research labs with advisors Ava Frankovsky, Sara Romero Payon, and Martin Rojas.

Education: Ph.D. UCLA (2000); M.A. UCLA (1996); M.A. Cal State Northridge (1994); B.A. UCLA (1978).

Research Interests:

• Social Influence and Power Dynamics
• Cannabis Use and Policy
• Environmental Sustainability
• Research Ethics and Deception
• Entrepreneurship in Rural Contexts

Recent work explores cannabis industry perspectives (2023), rural business success indicators (2017), and forgiveness mechanisms (2011). His 2024 article addresses student-to-journalist career pathways.

Grants & Awards:

• $319,712 Orick Microgrid Project (2024)
• $464,997 Cannabis Business Study (2021)
• QOLT Teaching Excellence Award (2014/15)

Labs & Teams: Active research groups focus on cannabis entrepreneurship, environmental policy, and media psychology. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams across psychology, business, and environmental studies.