WORC Researchers

Dr. Chyung has expertise in evaluation and quantitative research methodologies as well as e-learning design and development. Dr. Chyung is an author of three textbooks (“10-Step Evaluation for Training and Performance Improvement” by SAGE and two other textbooks by HRD Press), and over 80 papers in professional and academic research journals and refereed conference proceedings. She has presented numerous papers in international, national, and regional conferences of professional associations such as the American Evaluation Association, the International Society for Performance Improvement, the Association for Talent Development, etc.

Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration from Boise State University. Now in her fifth semester of the OPWL Master’s degree program, Melanie is dedicated to advancing research in Learning and Development. She is a research assistant for Dr. Yonnie Chyung, contributing to workplace and development studies that deliver practical benefits to both practitioners and researchers. As part of her WORC lab activities, she co-authored:

• Understanding deep and surface learning approaches in employee development

Jonathan (Jon) is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning at Boise State University, where he supports faculty research and teaching efforts. His professional interests center on applying cognitive science and semiotic principles to improve workplace facilitation practices.

Jennifer is an OPWL graduate and an OPWL adjunct faculty member. She has been involved in several WORC projects, resulting in the following publications:

• Evidence-based survey design: Ceiling effects associated with response scales
• Evidence-based survey design: The use of negatively-worded items in surveys

While working as a research assistant under Dr. Chyung’s supervision, Andrew published the following articles on LinkedIn:

• Discovering AI Quirks So You Don’t Have To!
• Teaching Adults New Tricks: Putting Theory into Practice

and coauthored the following article, which is published in Performance Improvement Journal:

• Generative AI: How can learning and development professionals leverage these tools for performance improvement?

He also co-presented “The Art of Querying AI: How to Talk to AI” at the ISPI’s Performance Improvement conference in May 2024.

After Douglas graduated from Boise State University’s College of Business in 2014, he spent much of his time working with local nonprofits on projects related to learning & development, recruiting, and risk management. He began his master’s degree in OPWL and started working as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Chyung in August of 2019, and he graduated in 2021.  Key areas of interest include leadership, employee development, and data driven decision making.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Ceiling effects associated with response scales

Thesis completed under Dr. Chyung’s supervision:

• Exploring optimal response labels for constructing an interval type 5-point Likert scale

Megan was born here in Idaho and lives in Boise currently but has also had the opportunity to live around the world visiting Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and several other countries. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Idaho and was admitted to the BSU OPWL masters program starting August 2016. Megan is a member of the ISPI Bay Area/ Boise State chapter as well as the ATD National and local chapters and E-learning guild.

WORC project participated:

• Program evaluation: Strengthening Families Program
• Evidence-based survey design: Use of ascending or descending order of Likert-type response options

Thesis completed under Dr. Chyung’s supervision:

• Using an evaluation capacity tool to build evaluation capacity in a nonprofit organization

Ieva began working with Dr. Chyung as a research assistant when she graduated from OPWL in May, 2016. She was excited to be part of the WORC Lab because she enjoys satisfying her curiosity with a deep dive into research topics, and her corporate role doesn’t provide many opportunities for research or presentation. Her professional development also benefits from team collaboration, which strengthens her individual research and writing abilities.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Use of a midpoint on the Likert scale
• Evidence-based survey design: Use of continuous rating scales in surveys

Campbell is a Technology Tool Specialist with the Online Programs Department in the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University. Previously, she taught English/Language Arts for various public school systems in Florida, both in traditional classroom settings and in online environments. She has also created online training courses for a workforce development and management company in South Florida. Her interests lie in the areas of e-learning, instructional tools, gamification and leadership.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Use of ascending or descending order of Likert-type response options

Jordy is a graduate of Boise State’s College of Business & Economics and is currently enrolled in the Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning master’s program. He is a member of the Associate for Talent Development and is currently works Assistant Director in the Human Resources department at Boise State University.

WORC project participated:

• Program evaluation: Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Max is a human performance technology professional specializing in organizational analysis and evaluation, as well as instructional and research design. He has collaborated in virtual and face-to-face teams to provide his services to numerous influential organizations such as Qlik, Centerbridge Partners, and International Capital & Management Company.

WORC project participated:

• Program evaluation: The Nampa Family Justice Center’s Counseling Services Provided to Children

Katherine participated in a WORC team while pursuing her Master’s degree program and working as a graduate assistant for Dr. Chyung. She graduated in May 2017 with a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Use of a midpoint on the Likert scale
• Evidence-based survey design: Use of continuous rating scales in surveys

Andrea graduated in December 2016 with a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning, and started participating in a WORC team in January 2017.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Use of a midpoint on the Likert scale
• Evidence-based survey design: Use of continuous rating scales in surveys

Julie is the Assistant Manager of Administrative Services at a not-for-profit organization in the domestic nuclear power industry. She has developed e-learning programs and instructor-led training for improving workplace performance. She will complete her Master of Science degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State University in 2017.

WORC project participated:

• Evidence-based survey design: Use of negatively-worded items in surveys

Previous WORC researchers include:

• Valeri Gardin (2016)
• Aly Summers (2016)
• Kate Aument (2016)
• Ben Davis (2014-2015)
• Colleen Olson (2014-2015)
• Stacey Olachea (2014-2015)
• Grayley McWatters (2015)
• Andrea Kelley (2015)
• Annette Wisniewski (2013)
• Susan Virgillio (2013)
• Perri Kennedy (2011-2012)
• Roger Nielsen (2011)
• Shannon Rist (2011)
• Jessica Downing (2009-2010)
• Armi Stephanie Treñas (2009)
• Benjamin Duman (2009)
• Kevin Taylor (2008)
• Shelley Berg Gable (2007-2008)
• Allie Smith-Hobbs (2004-2005)
• Mark Vachon (2004)
• George Aston (2002-2004)