WELD Impact Lab · Our people
The people behind
the questions.
WELD brings together researchers and students interested in wellbeing, leadership, and diversity. Our work grows through collaboration—across disciplines, institutions, and career stages.

Lab director
Dr. Phoenix Van Wagoner
College of Business and Economics
California State University, Fullerton
Phoenix’s research focuses on mental health and wellbeing, leadership, and artificial intelligence, with diversity connecting these areas. Through WELD Impact Lab, Phoenix connects workplace research with opportunities for students to contribute to real projects.
Phoenix earned a PhD in Business Administration, specializing in Organizational Behavior, from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Read full profile →Research collaborators
Different expertise.
Shared questions.
Our research network spans mental health, leadership, identity, technology, and inclusion.
Dr. Ksenia Keplinger
Leadership and diversity
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Dr. Jessi Rivin
Curiosity and mental health
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Dr. Sabrina Volpone
Director of the Lived Language Lab
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Dr. Liza Barnes
Identity construction
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Dr. Andria Smith
AI, diversity, and leadership
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Ryan Ragaglia
Mental health and turnover
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Katrin Angerbauer
Accessibility and assistive technology
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Dr. Richard Reed
Online education and wellbeing
Read profile →Mallory Decker
Gender diversity
Read profile →Lab alumni
Part of WELD’s story.
We recognize the former student members who have been part of the lab and its research community.
- Ryan Akhlaghi
- Gulsoom AngarView profile →
- Jazbeth Gonzalez
- Angel Marquez
- Luisa Marquez
- Noah Montalvo
- Eman OmerView profile →
- Aden Orozco
- Tori RhoadesView profile →
Join the lab
Curious about research?
Start a conversation.
We are building our next student team. CSUF students interested in wellbeing, leadership, diversity, or the future of work are welcome to get in touch.
Tell us what you’re studying, what questions interest you, and what you’d like to learn. We’ll share information about opportunities as the team takes shape.