Katja Wehrle

Dr. Katja Wehrle is an Assistant Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany. Since August 2023, she leads research and teaching in the Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, focusing on (forced) migration, career transitions, and identity at work. She has held visiting scholar positions at Deakin University (Australia) and the University of Michigan (USA), and is actively involved in editorial boards of leading journals such as Journal of Vocational Behavior and Applied Psychology: An International Review.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (2017–2023)
• M.Sc. Psychology with distinction, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (2014–2017)
• B.Sc. Psychology, University of Bonn (2011–2014)
• Study Abroad: Kansas State University, USA (2015)

Research Interests:

Her research spans the intersection of migration, career development, and organizational psychology. She investigates how refugees and displaced individuals navigate career transitions, construct vocational identities, and experience adversarial growth through work. Additional interests include positive organizational phenomena, flexible work arrangements, and the healing potential of meaningful work in times of crisis.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Reviewer Award, Academy of Management Careers Division (2025, 2021)
• Best Symposium Award, Academy of Management Careers Division (2024, 2017)
• Showcase Symposium Organizer, Academy of Management (2025, 2024)

Editorial & Leadership Roles:

• Guest Editor, Applied Psychology: An International Review (Special Issue on Migration)
• Associate Editor, Applied Psychology: An International Review (Work & Organizational Psychology)
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Vocational Behavior and Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
• Head of Research Section, Organizational Behavior & HRM, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen
• EAWOP Impact Incubator Strand Leader (Refugee & Migrant Issues)

Labs & Collaborations:

She is a core member of the Work and Organizational Psychology team led by Prof. Ute-Christine Klehe at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, and an international affiliate of the Deakin University Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education (CREATE) in Australia. Her collaborative network spans institutions in Europe, the US, and Australia, focusing on inclusive research practices and policy-relevant outcomes for migrants and refugees.