Bio

B.S. Psychology, Virginia Tech, 1998M.A. Psychological Science, James Madison University, 2006Ph.D. Social Psychology, University of Virginia, 2012

Jesse Pappas is Assistant Professor of Engineering and Society in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. As one of the only social psychologists in the U.S. with a full-time appointment in engineering, he works at the crossroads of individual experience and technological (e.g., educational) systems to cultivate human potential and keep technology where it belongs, working for us. In the engineering classroom, Jesse strives to demonstrate the capacity for dedicated ethical practice to catalyze professional harmony as well as personal fulfilment. Following grad school, an aversion to research cultures that prioritize theory in a vacuum over impact on the street propelled Jesse into the world of community development, where he worked and taught in Central America, India, and Appalachia for six years. These days, the ongoing socialization of professional engineering guides Jesse’s motivation-based work in applied ethics, organizational culture, and interactive potential. His research has been published in journals like Social Psychology Quarterly, Journal of Personality, and Journal of Cleaner Production. He is also a part-time entrepreneur, serving as Co-founder and Chief Data Officer (emeritus) at The Lupulin Exchange, the industry-leading online hops marketplace that powers the North American craft brewing industry. Jesse lives in Crozet, Virginia with his wife Kristen, and sons Max and JJ.

Selected Publications

  • Social Emotional Learning in STEM Higher Education ABS with H. Ajao and A. Yeaman, in Rahimi, R. (ed.): Exploring Social Emotional Learning in Diverse Academic Settings, 2023
  • Engineering education meets organizational science: Toward best practices for organizational change with O. Pierrakos, Frontiers in Education Annual Conference, 2022
  • Inhibition of growth and ammonia production of ruminal hyper ammonia-producing bacteria by Chinook or Galena hops after long-term storage ABS with M. Flythe, B. Harlow, G. Aiken, G. Gellin and I. Kagan, Fermentation, 2017
  • The sustainable personality: Values and behaviors in individual sustainability ABS with E. Pappas, International Journal of Higher Education, 2015
  • Walking the walk: Conceptual foundations of the Sustainable Personality ABS with E. Pappas and D. Sweeney, 2014
  • The interpersonal basis of stereotype relevant self-views ABS with S. Sinclair and J. Lun, 2009
  • The affective regulation of social interaction ABS with G. Clore, Social Psychology Quarterly, 2007

Courses Taught

  • STS 2600 Engineering Ethics

Featured Grants & Projects

  • Developing Measures of Change for Character and Ethics


    Templeton Religion Trust planning grant (Co-director)