About the Lab

Lab Core Values
WorkTech is a Workforce Technology Research Lab based out of San Francisco State University. The research lab is led by Dr. Diana R. Sanchez and is comprised of  undergraduate and graduate researchers.

In this lab, innovation meets dedication where students are able to gain hands on experience working on a wide scope of quantitative and qualitative research projects. Students spearhead projects in technology-based interventions such as simulation-based training, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, virtual teams, and game-based assessment.

Each semester the Workforce Technology Research Lab hosts guest speakers with a variety of scientific and applied backgrounds from around the world.

Students in the lab gain the knowledge and skills necessary to produce high quality research, effectively manage projects, and understand how technology can be used to improve organizations and the workplace.

The primary goals of the lab are to:
  • Generate conversations and contribute to research on technology-based personnel management.
  • ​Obtain hands-on research experience and advance marketable workplace skills.
  • Generate and disseminate high quality research intended for a scientific publication.
  • Develop verbal and written skills in communicating research related materials.
  • Produce end-to-end rigorous scientific research on valuable topics in I/O Psychology.​
Foster Growth - to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Enabling the development of new skills that are transferable to the workplace and to daily life. Inspiring individuals to freely explore their goals. Challenging individuals to push themselves to reach their full potential.

Provide Community Support - to facilitate an inclusive, interactive environment that hosts a collaborative network of members who support one another. Encouraging individuals to work together and create personal and professional connections.

Create a Safe & Open Environment - to generate a non-judgmental outlet for individuals to step outside of their comfort zone and take risks. An environment that welcomes the unique and diverse ideas, perspectives, and expressions of others. Building an expectation of being receptive and encouraging to the thoughts and feelings of others regardless of their own personal views.
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Generate a Positive & Enjoyable Experience - to build a positive mindset that promotes enjoyment. Emphasizing the importance of positive energy and fun. Empowering individuals to take charge of their own perspective. To acknowledge the responsibility each person has for themselves and their experience; while recognizing the impact each of us has on creating a positive experience for others.

Facilitate Health & Wellbeing - to encourage health in all areas of life. To recognize the individual needs we all have and to empower each of us to express those needs in order to facilitate healthy living. To balance our professional commitments with well-being and wellness. To be supportive in each other’s wellness; including the maintenance of a harmonious work-life balance.