The Mountain & Plains ERC is one of only two NIOSH Education and Research Centers to support a graduate training program in Occupational Health Psychology (OHP).
Occupational Health Psychologists apply the research methods and theories of psychology to protect and promote worker health and safety. Occupational Health Psychology takes a comprehensive view of the work environment, including the way work is organized (e.g. shift work) as well as the "culture" of the organization. Here are some examples of topics that an Occupational Health Psychologist might research:
- Policies and programs that either increase or reduce work-related stress
- The work-related factors that either increase or reduce the occurrence of workplace violence
- The most effective ways to encourage employees to participate in workplace wellness program
Funding
Graduate research assistantships are available on a competitive basis
to qualified students. The number of assistantships may vary from year
to year depending on the level of research funding.
Expectations of Trainees in Occupational Health Psychology
The OHP Training Program is hosted by the Department of Psychology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. OHP
students are required to complete three OHP seminars (Occupational
Health Psychology, Prevention of occupational illnesses and injuries and
Principles of Ergonomics) as well as other courses required by students’
main programs (e.g., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Applied
Social Psychology). In addition to their coursework, OHP trainees
coordinate, deliver, and attend workshops and colloquia. Each student's
OHP program of study is discussed with and agreed upon by the student's
doctoral committee.
Faculty Members in Occupational Health Psychology
The OHP Training Program is currently directed by Dr. Lorann Stallones (an Occupational Epidemiologist), with significant contributions from Drs. Peter Chen (an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist), John Rosecrance (an Ergonomist) and Kimberly Henry (a Psychologist with Expertise in Prevention and Statistics). Other collaborators include faculty from the Department of Psychology, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Department of Construction Management, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Department of Journalism and Technical Communication, as well as OHP Advisory Board Members.