HRLR News & Events
For the latest news and events about the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations be sure to follow us on your favorite social channels.
Jason Huang Receives SIOP Award for Research on Personality and Work Performance
Associate Professor, Dr. Tina Riley, and Director of Professional Development, Melanie Zaremba, facilitated the session Leading Multigenerational Teams: Strategies for Inclusive and Effective Leadership for a group of 30+ leaders at the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Peter Berg receives 2026 MSU AgeAlive Research in Aging Award
On behalf of Michigan State University (MSU) AgeAlive, Dr. Peter Berg has been selected for a 2026 MSU AgeAlive Research in Aging Award. This award recognizes the positive impact he has had on supporting individuals and communities as we age. Awardees will be recognized during the MSU AgeAlive Research Forum, "Advancing Mobility Across Settings As We Age," on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the MSU Federal Credit Union Headquarters.
SHRLR delivers Leading Multigenerational Teams: Strategies for Inclusive and Effective Leadership for the Michigan Gaming Control Board
Associate Professor, Dr. Tina Riley, and Director of Professional Development, Melanie Zaremba, facilitated the session Leading Multigenerational Teams: Strategies for Inclusive and Effective Leadership for a group of 30+ leaders at the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
New research reveals how union leaders navigate power relations under algorithmic management
School of Human Resources and Labor Relations assistant professor Hye Jin Rho is a co-author of a new study that examines how union leaders navigate shifting power dynamics under algorithmic management in the hotel housekeeping industry. The article, "Building Power From the Bottom-Up: How Union Leaders Navigate Power Relations Under Algorithmic Management," appears in the British Journal of Industrial Relations.
Tara S. Behrend nominated as incoming Chair for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Board on Human-Systems Integration
The Board on Human-Systems Integration (BOHSI) brings together experts to improve understanding of how people and organizational systems interact with technology. It identifies critical issues in designing, testing, and using human-centered technologies and promotes research to strengthen the scientific basis for effective design. Through studies and convening activities, BOHSI advances knowledge and collaboration across disciplines to ensure technology better supports human performance and well-being.
Michelle Kaminski Contributes to State of Michigan Initiative to Strengthen Workplace Mental Health
The State of Michigan has announced LEADS, a new statewide program designed to help employers assess and improve workplace mental health and well-being. Led by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the initiative brings together researchers and practitioners from across the state to support employers in building healthier, more resilient workplaces.
As part of this collaborative effort, Dr. Michelle Kaminski, professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, is contributing her expertise to the development of the LEADS model, which provides education, assessment tools and evidence-based strategies to help organizations strengthen communication, safety and support for workers.
Peter Berg Publishes New Book on How Organizations Navigate Workforce Aging
Peter Berg, professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, has published a new book titled Organizations and Workforce Aging: Stakeholders, Interests, and Human Capital Management. The book is coauthored with Matthew M. Piszczek, associate professor of management in the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University.
Ryan, Garrett & Pamela J. Martin Sauter Endowed Scholarship Empowers Future HRLR Leaders
The School of Human Resources and Labor Relations celebrates the generosity and impact of the Ryan, Garrett & Pamela J. Martin Sauter Endowed Scholarship, which supports outstanding students pursuing degrees in Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University.
MSU ANDIE Lab Webinar
Accountability for Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
Friday, November 21, 2025
2:00pm - 3:00pm ET
Learn from industry experts, the strategies necessary to preserve Human Intelligence (HI) in the face of growing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Congratulations To Our Two Outstanding Teams Who Represented MSU's SHRLR At The Penn State Case Competition
The event was organized by Penn State's School of Labor and Employment Relations, sponsored by PepsiCo, and hosted at PepsiCo's headquarters in Purchase, New York on October 23-24.
Chenwei Liao Receives Two Prestigious Honors in 2025
Chenwei Liao has been recognized with two distinguished awards in 2025 for his contributions to the field of management and leadership research.
Human-Technology Partnerships at Work - Edited by Tara S. Behrend
As technology continues to reshape industries, this book explores how advancements like artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms are transforming the nature of work across various sectors. From skilled trades and healthcare to hospitality and law enforcement, it examines the evolving demands on workers and the new skills required to succeed.
Maite Tapia Delivered Keynote Address on Low-Wage Work and Worker Precarity at the Industrial Relations in Europe Conference (IREC)
Dr. Tapia's keynote address, "Worker Precarity, Power, and Resistance: Evidence from Amazon and Beyond", explored her research on the conditions faced by Amazon warehouse workers and addressed the broader challenges surrounding low-wage work and worker precarity in the contemporary labor market.
Mevan Jayasinghe Awarded College of Social Science Grant to Study Sri Lankan Cinnamon Industry
Thanks to research funds awarded by the College of Social Science's Small Grants Program, Dr. Mevan Jayasinghe spent this past summer studying whether the adoption of technology and mechanization helps retain skilled workers and attract new workers in the hand-crafted artisan cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka.
HRLR Professors Partner with Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to Address Workplace Mistreatment
Professors Michelle Kaminski and Tina Riley of Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations partnered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to offer the program, Building Respectful and Inclusive Organizations: Combating Mistreatment at Work.
The three-part webinar series explored how to recognize, respond to, and prevent workplace mistreatment. Sessions addressed topics such as incivility and microaggressions, strategies for responding as a witness, and approaches to conducting respectful and effective workplace investigations.
The collaboration provided practical tools for individuals and organizational leaders committed to fostering more inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplaces across Michigan.
MSU SHRM Student Chapter Receives Merit Award from SHRM
SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management), the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace, awarded a 2024-2025 Outstanding Chapter Award designation to Michigan State University's SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
Michelle Kaminski Recognized with College of Social Science Outreach and Engagement Award
Michelle Kaminski, Associate Professor, has been honored with the College of Social Science Outreach and Engagement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to worker education, advocacy, and community engagement. This award is given to a faculty member for their significant impact on the larger community through creative and innovative outreach or applied knowledge.
Ahleah Miles Awarded APF Lowman-Richardson Consulting and I-O Psychology Research Grant
Ahleah Miles, College of Social Science Dean's Research Associate, has been selected to receive the 2025 American Psychological Foundation (APF) Lowman-Richardson Consulting and I-O Psychology Research Grant. This highly competitive grant supports research related to professional ethics in organizational, consulting, and industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology; the interaction of occupational interests, abilities, and personality in career outcomes; and occupational mental health.
The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Recognizes Tara Behrend with the 2025 Distinguished Service Contributions Award
Congratulations to Tara Behrend, John Richard Butler II Endowed Professor, for being recognized for her service to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
She has dedicated 20 years of service to SIOP, contributing her expertise to 14 committees, including APA Program, Awards, Fellows, Futures Task Force, and External Affairs.
Tara Behrend Quoted in APA Annual Trends Report
Earlier this year, the American Psychological Association (APA) released its annual Trends Report, highlighting 10 emerging trends in psychological science. SIOP members are often quoted in the media on topics like these, and this report was no different.
HRLR's John Richard Butler II Endowed Professor and SIOP Fellow, Tara Behrend, contributed to the article on the emerging trend: Artificial intelligence is impacting the field.
The Association for Psychological Science (APS) Announces Jason Huang as a 2025 APS Fellow
We are proud to congratulate Jason Huang on being named an APS Fellow in recognition of his significant contributions to the field. His work has advanced psychological science through innovative research, leadership, and dedication to shaping the future of the discipline.
Maite Tapia Awarded Grant to Research Worker Voice at Amazon Warehouses
Maite Tapia, Associate Professor of HRLR, is leading an innovative research project examining worker representation at Amazon warehouses across three countries—Germany, Italy, and the US. As one of the world's largest companies, Amazon has become a focal point for studying its employment practices, including its union-busting tactics. Tapia's research explores how various workplace institutions, including works councils in Germany, trade unions in Italy, and labor organizations in the US, are responding to these challenges and advocating for workers' rights.
This 2-year project has been generously funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation.
2025 Annual MSU SHRM Conference Recap
The annual MSU SHRM Conference took place on Friday, February 21, bringing together students, professionals, and alumni for a day of insightful discussions and networking. Centered around this year's theme, Work Redefined: Shaping the Future with Innovation & Talent, the event explored the evolving landscape of human resources and labor relations.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
Michelle Kaminski, Associate Director of HRLR, continues to work with the State of Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on issues related to workplace mental health. Most recently, she conducted a training session on "Workplace Bullying and Its Impacts" with the leadership team of the Office of Employment and Training.
Marquis Who's Who Honors William N. Cooke, PhD, for Expertise in Labor-Management Relations and Human Resource Strategy
Recognized as an expert in union-management relations and human resource strategies, Dr. Bill Cooke has consulted for a multitude of organizations and their unions in negotiations and building high-performance workplace systems. He has also been recognized through numerous publications and journal articles in economics and numerous citations.
HRLR Students Excel at Penn State Case Competition on Artificial Intelligence and HRM
MSU’s MHRLR students recently participated in the prestigious Penn State Case Competition, where they garnered top honors in a challenge focused on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and HRM.
MSU Labor Expert on Strikes and Last Year's Big 3 Walk Out
WKAR's Melorie Begay spoke with Maite Tapia, an associate professor at Michigan State University’s school of Human Resources and Labor Relations, to learn more about strikes, including last year's Big 3 UAW walk out.
HRLR Undergraduate Program Renamed from Human Capital and Society to Bachelor of Human Resources and Labor Relations
We are excited to announce that, effective Fall 2024, our undergraduate major has been officially renamed Human Resources & Labor Relations. Formerly known as Human Capital and Society, this new major name better aligns with the program's focus on the people side of business, preparing students for a wide range of professional careers in fields such as business, government, healthcare, education, labor organizations, and non-profits.
Dr. Jason Huang Appointed Director of Michigan State's School of Human Resources & Labor Relations
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Huang, PhD, to the role of Director of the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations (SHRLR). Dr. Huang assumes the Director role in August 2024 after serving as Associate Director for Graduate Programs for the past four years and as a faculty member in the School since 2015.