Current Members
Dr. Layla Dang
Layla joined the WAVE lab in 2024 as a postdoctoral research associate at Michigan State University, funded by the Strada Education Foundation. She earned her PhD in social psychology from Purdue University in 2024, where her research broadly examined psychological processes that hinder social change and social equity. During her doctoral studies, Layla worked as a graduate research assistant at Purdue’s Office of Undergraduate Research. There, she evaluated undergraduate research programs and studied how research teams adapted to virtual and hybrid environments. This work fueled her current interest in conducting research with tangible impacts on educational and work policies and programs, with an emphasis on questions relevant to the future of work. Originally from Chennai, India, Layla enjoys singing, playing tennis, and reading fiction in her free time.
Ben joined the WAVE lab in 2022 as an RA during his junior year at Purdue University. He has been working as the WAVE Lab Manager since January of 2024 to gain experience for graduate school. His research interests include occupational health, workplace technology, and the future of work. He plans to pursue a PhD in I-O psychology starting in Fall of 2026. In his free time, Ben loves spending time outdoors, playing tennis, reading, and playing guitar and piano.
Ben Blachly
Meaghan joined the WAVE lab in 2023. She grew up in Northern Virginia before receiving her B.S. in psychological sciences at Purdue University where her interest in I-O psychology sparked. Her research interests surround areas in selection, training and development, and sustainable job performance. In her free time, Meaghan enjoys trying new food and watching documentaries.
Meaghan Tracy
Dr. Mauren Wolff
Mauren joined the WAVE Lab in spring 2023. Originally from Bavaria, Germany, she now works as a research assistant and PhD student at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (DE). Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Salzburg (AT), with a specialization in social interactions in business and society. Mauren’s current research focuses on employees’ perceptions of privacy and the use of electronic performance monitoring in the workplace. A particular focus of her research is to examine the social influences that shape these dynamics. In her spare time, Mauren is a dancer in the styles of voguing, waacking and jazz dance, with a love for choreography. She enjoys attending comedy shows and traveling to explore the world.
Leland Huey
Leland joined the WAVE Lab as an RA in 2022. He grew up in the Detroit area before becoming an undergraduate student at Purdue University. He is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Psychological Science and Microbiology from Purdue and his current research interests involve better understanding the differences in how people learn using newer technologies, like AI and VR, compared to more traditional teaching methods. In his free time, Leland also helps run a robotics club and is active in the Purdue campus community.
Sanket Ramchandra Patole
Sanket joined the WAVE Lab in 2024. He is a Senior Consultant HR Analytics at a leading non-profit healthcare organization in the US and a Ph.D. HRD Candidate at The University of Texas at Tyler. Sanket's research interests are Technology (AI), Ethics & HRD. Sanket has pursued a Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Management Studies from the University of Mumbai followed by MS in Business Analytics from The University of Texas at Dallas. Sanket recently served as an Associate Track Chair Editor for Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) 2024 international conference for the Technology and AI in HRD Track. Sanket enjoys learning Indian Classical Music focusing on impact on human moods and emotions.
Manal Chakra
Manal joined the WAVE Lab in 2025. She grew up in various places around the world and holds a BSc in Pure Mathematics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of London. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. Her research interests include the application of Artificial Intelligence and technology in employee selection and within negotiations. Her dissertation focuses on Machiavellianism in the workplace, with an emphasis on understanding the prosocial behaviors of individuals high in Machiavellian traits. In her free time, Manal enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and has recently taken up photography.
Affiliated Researchers
Lauren Koleda
Lauren joined the WAVE lab in 2024. Since growing up in mid-Michigan, she received her B.S. from the University of Michigan-Flint in economics. She recently received her M.A. in economics from Michigan State University. Today, she is pursuing a PhD in Labor Relations at MSU, taking a more interdisciplinary path while continuing her career in research. Her primary research areas of interest are labor economics, the future of work, technological change, trade work, education, and interdisciplinary research incorporating insights and methods from economics.
Ahleah joined the WAVE lab in 2019, and is currently a Dean’s Research Fellow at Michigan State University. She grew up in York, PA and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Ahleah’s interest in I/O psychology began shortly after graduating from high school, and she pursued research in workplace incivility while attending WCUPA. Her research interests have extended to high potential leadership and nontraditional or insecure work. Additionally, Ahleah enjoys trying new recipes and meal-prepping in her free time as well as the occasional game night with friends.
Dr. Ahleah Miles
Dr. Jenna McChesney
Jenna was a member of the WAVE Lab from 2020-2023, and has returned as an affiliated researcher. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Meredith University. Her research bridges occupational health and personnel psychology to explore how individual differences and lived experiences shape employment outcomes, with current work focusing on career interruptions and workplace mental health.
Dr. Kevin Hoff
Kevin Hoff is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology at MSU. Kevin studies the use of psychological assessments (personality, interests, values, and skills) for decision-making purposes, including career planning and human resource management. He also studies issues related to the future of work, such as the impact of automation and technology on people's careers.