Kian Casey

Background

About Kian Casey

I’m a 4th-year Psychology major at Oregon State University, driven by a curiosity of perceptions, and how those perceptions shape behavior in both personal and organizational settings. My academic focus lives at the intersection of social and industrial-organizational psychology, where I explore how social cognition, leadership, and group dynamics influence decision-making, collaboration, and culture. Raised in Puerto Rico within a multi-national family, I bring a unique, cross-cultural perspective that shapes how I see the world and connect with others. This background instilled in me a relentless drive and deep appreciation for diversity, which I channel into every academic, professional, and personal endeavor. I’m always seeking new opportunities to grow, collaborate, and apply psychology to real-world challenges—especially those that empower teams, enhance leadership, and create lasting impact. My professional and academic path has been anything but traditional—and that's one of my biggest strengths. Currently, I work for Oregon State University’s Division of Research and Innovation, specifically within the Office for Sponsored Research and Award Administration. As a project assistant, I manage and maintain critical document systems, support financial information workflows, and ensure compliance across key administrative processes. This role has sharpened my attention to detail, organizational awareness, and understanding of how research is funded and operationalized at an institutional level. I also conduct research as part of OSU’s Applied Social Cognition Lab, where I explore how people form judgments, process social information, and perceive others. This experience has deepened my interest in impression formation and the subtle psychological processes that influence everything from hiring decisions to leadership perception. Before transitioning into psychology, I earned an A.S. in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Campus. During that time, I developed hands-on leadership and communication skills as a manager at Togo’s Sandwiches. Together, these experiences have shaped a skill set grounded in leadership, research, and strategic thinking—qualities I aim to bring into future roles that sit at the crossroads of psychology and organizational development.