Brett H. Neely Jr., assistant professor of management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business, earned recognition as a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science (APS), an international organization dedicated to advancing scientific research in psychology and sharing that knowledge to benefit society.
The designation recognizes early-career researchers whose work influences their field and shows strong potential for future impact. Recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and institutions worldwide.
"It's meaningful to be selected as an APS Rising Star alongside recipients from 12 nations and from a variety of disciplines," Neely said. “It celebrates my work while it is still growing, and it signals that the questions I’ve been exploring related to organizational phenomena are contributing to broader scholarly conversations.”
The Rising Star designation recognizes researchers with strong promise for excellence. The selection committee considers significant publications, recognitions and discoveries, methodological innovations, and theoretical or empirical contributions, work with potentially broad impact.
“My research focuses primarily on how we make judgments about leaders, how leaders influence others and how those dynamics play out in organizational settings,” he said. “A central theme in my work is understanding how leadership decisions and perceptions affect people’s opportunities, treatment and outcomes at work.”
Neely also expanded his research to examine organizational dynamics in contexts with broader societal implications. This includes workforce reentry after incarceration and the evolving challenges faced by young men.
“The goal is to better understand how interpersonal processes operate in settings where the consequences are especially meaningful, and where improved practices can have tangible positive effects on people’s lives,” Neely said.
Emre Unlu, associate dean of faculty and research, Paul C. Burmeister College Professor of Investments and professor of finance, said the recognition highlights the impact of Neely's work in the field.
“The APS Rising Star designation recognizes scholars whose research is shaping important conversations in their field, and Brett’s work is already influencing the field of management,” Unlu said. “His research reflects the kind of rigorous, meaningful scholarship this recognition celebrates, and it’s exciting to see him recognized on an international stage.”
Neely said the recognition also reflects the collaborative nature of academic research.
“Mentors, co-authors, friends, family and students who have supported me have shaped who I am and what I have accomplished. Although the Rising Star recognition is an award for research, I see it as closely connected to my teaching and service efforts, where many of my ideas are developed and refined," Neely said. "Being recognized with this award is a powerful reminder of the importance of engaging in work that is rigorous and relevant.”
Neely plans to continue exploring how psychological principles can address emerging workplace challenges, including leader well-being, the relationship between pay and health, and the impact of technology on work and daily life.
