Lisa Kath

Dr. Lisa Kath is an Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology at San Diego State University, part of the Department of Psychology in the College of Sciences. Prior to her academic career, she worked as an organic chemist before transitioning to psychology. Her research focuses on occupational health psychology, particularly worker stress and workplace safety, addressing cultural pressures that prioritize productivity over employee well-being and safety. She examines these issues across diverse industries including healthcare, rail transportation, and retail.

Dr. Kath leads the POWER Lab (Psychology of Organizational Wellness and Effectiveness Research), which engages 2-4 master’s students and 3-5 undergraduates in collaborative research. The lab emphasizes weekly project updates and fosters community through periodic social events. Her work bridges theory and practice, aiming to improve organizational policies and interventions that promote employee health and safety. She is a strong advocate for innovative teaching methods, including integrating memes into psychology education to enhance engagement. Her research has explored topics such as patient safety culture, nurse manager stress, and the impact of AI in construction safety.

Dr. Kath actively promotes I-O psychology through resources like the I-O Psychology Memes page on Flickr, aiming to make the field more accessible and relatable. Her contributions span academic publications, practical training frameworks, and outreach initiatives that highlight the relevance of I-O psychology in modern workplaces.