CURRICULUM VITAE
JERUSALEM MERKEBU
13120 Rock Ridge ln. Woodbridge, VA 22191
(202) 316-6073
Jmerkebu@gmu.edu
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Psychology, Concentration in Human and
Organizational Learning, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia Expected
2015
Masters of Science, Organizational Development and Knowledge
Management, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia December 2010
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology May 2007
Marymount University, Arlington, VA August 2002-2003
CERTIFICATION
Certified Trainer and Consultant, Institute of Analytic Interview, June Lake,
California June 2009
 Trained by Dr. Maurine O’Sullivan (University of San Francisco) on the 7
universal emotions and to read micro-expressions
 Gained proficiency in the principles and practices of Analytical Interviewing
 Developed techniques for establishing and maintaining rapport
 Learned to identify masked signs of emotion and gained a scientific perspective
on reading nonverbal communication
 Trained to formulate thoughtful questions that obtain specific information in
various settings
 Practiced Cognitive Interviewing during a simulation
 Successfully conducted interviews to elicit purposeful information by screening
both verbal statements and nonverbal cues
 Discovered methods of obtaining baseline for individual behavior
 Skilled to identify deviations between verbal and non-verbal responses and
detect signs of deception
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant, College of Education and Human
Development, George Mason University Library, Anthony Eamonn Kelly
Ph.D. May 2013- Present
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Independently conducted a literature review on Internet of Things and sensor
data driven decision-making in the classroom
Assessed gaps in intelligent sensor network tools and the current education
literature
Conceptualized and presented new ways of thinking about teaching and learning
in classrooms with virtual, physical, and mental dimensions
Explored the role of augmented reality and its potential impact on self-regulated
learning
Graduate Research Assistant, College of Education and Human
Development, George Mason University Library, Sheri Berkeley Ph.D.
February 2013 – May 2013
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As part of a research team responsible for reliability coding
Received training to systematically apply a coding convention
Identified and reconciled discrepancies between coders
Skilled to distinguish salient characteristics of rigorous research
Excelled in a deadline-oriented research engagement
Graduate Research Assistant, College of Education and Human
Development, George Mason University Library, Sharon Williams van Rooij,
Ph.D. August 2012 – June 2013
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Conducted literature reviews on formal and informal workplace learning
Meticulously examined qualitative data to extract key themes and metrics
Built a codebook for transcribed one-on-one in-depth interviews
Collected and analyzed demographics of study participants
Prepared a manuscript for submission
Produced a report of the preliminary results on how learning executives
measure the impact of employee learning
Submitted a proposal for presentation that was accepted by the Association for
Educational Communication and Technology.
Research Consultant, George Mason University Library, Tojo Thatchenkery,
Ph.D. August 2010 -- February 2011
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Utilizing the organizational analysis framework of Appreciative Inquiry, facilitated
focus groups to identify Core Values or Life Giving Forces
Conducted appreciative interviews by selecting a random sample of employees
across hierarchal levels of the George Mason University library systems
Transcribed individual interviews and coded using thematic analysis
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Proposed recommendation/intervention at the micro and macro aspects;
surmised by amalgamating quantitative/qualitative data and command of theory
Research Assistant, School of Management, George Mason University, Matt
Cronin, Ph.D. September 2006 – August 2009
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Involved heavily in two research projects: 1) Distinguishing respect verses trust
as separate constructs on interpersonal relationships in the work place; 2) The
effects of venting emotions during unfair circumstances on rationalized decisionmaking.
Conducted interviews after developing a standardized questionnaire
Coded and conducted a preliminarily analysis using SPSS
Managed the data collection process
Research Assistant, School of Psychology, George Mason University, Seth
Kaplan, Ph.D. July 2007 – August 2009
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Affective Forecasting Project: This study sought to measure if individuals are
capable of accurately predicting their job satisfaction and job-related affect at a
point in the future. Exogenous variables impacting prediction were also assessed.
Threat Performance Development Project: Project designed to identify factors
that contribute to early threat detection and vigilance as well as implications for
threat detection in job performance.
Benefits of Negative Affectivity Lab Project: Study examined the role of negative
affectivity using a computerized task.
Facilitated meetings and lab studies
Independent study, Content Analysis of Effective Leadership, George Mason
University, Gabrielle M. Wood, PhD August 2007 – October 2007
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Meticulously assessed confidential dissertations of army cadets
Completed an intense review of Content Analysis as a methodology
Coded transformational leadership qualities: Individualized consideration
Idealized influence, Intellectual stimulation, and Inspirational motivation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
California University of Management and Sciences
10/2011- Present
English Faculty
 Plan lessons to meet curriculum standards
 Deliver engaging coherent lectures to international students
 Modify activities and assignments to meet the learning needs of individual students
 Select and integrate appropriate instructional materials for classroom instruction
Healthy Companies International
06/2010-Contracts
Associate Research Consultant
 Conducted research on corporate financial performance
 Identified resources and compiled qualitative and quantitative data
 Synthesized and prepared information for product development
 Distinguished high performing healthy organizations for CEO interviews
 Facilitated focus groups using Appreciate Inquiry methodology
 Engaged in a collaborative process with senior leaders to create a benchmark of what
defines a healthy organization
The Body Language Institute
12/2007- 09/2011
Senior Research Consultant
 Provided department-level long-term and day-to-day management of courses and
programs offered by the institute
 Conducted scholarly research on nonverbal communication, deception, and
graphology. Material was utilized for publication (acknowledged in the books)
 Planed, directed, and coordinated with Subject Matter Experts to develop
comprehensive curriculum
 Involved in instructional design
 Facilitated class sessions
 Supervised all levels of testing and formative assessments
 Screened and selected candidates for position
 Conducted entry interviews
 Prepared presentations for speaking engagements at Fortune 500 companies
George Mason University
08/2007-12/2007
Human Resources Internship
 Independently created Human Resources Banner Security Procedures
 Conducted research on Employee Engagement and Motivation
 Assisted with faculty Training and Development sessions
 Supported various office projects and reports
PRESENTATIONS
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Williams, V.S., Merkebu J. (in prep). Measuring the Business Impact of Employee
Learning: A view from the Professional Services Sector. Poster to be presented at the
Association for Educational Communications and Technology International
Convention, Anaheim, California, November, 2013.
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Merkebu J. (2008, April). Tying research into management practice. Alternative
guest lecture presented to School of Management students at George Mason
University.
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Merkebu J. (2007, November). Concepts and fundamentals of research. Included
an introduction to the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. An
informative two-hour lecture presented to undergraduate psychology students
not participating in lab studies at George Mason University.
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Merkebu J. (2006, April). Research Methods: Why do we conduct research? Guest
lectures presented to undergraduate School of Management students electing
not to partake in experiments at George Mason University.
HONORS
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Member of Bloomsbury Honor Society- Highest Honor
Skills
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Proficient in Microsoft Office & SharePoint
Fluent in spoken Amharic and Intermediate Spanish
Professional Affiliations
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American Psychological Association (APA-Division 15)
Association for Educational Communications and Technology
(2012- Present)
(2012- Present)
Service
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Peer Reviewer for Journal of Mason Graduate Research
(2012- Present)
Student Ambassador for School of Public Policy GMU
(2009 – 2010)
Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader at the International Ethiopian
Evangelical Church (IEEC)
(2002 – 2011)
References
David Rippey, EdD, Harvard University, Chief Knowledge Officer
Healthy Companies International
(703) 835-9349
Drippey @healthycompanies.com
Jessica Heineman-Pieper, PhD, Harvard University,
Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy
George Mason University
703-993-2272
jhpieper@gmu.edu
Seble L. Freywot MD, MHSA
Associate Professor, George Washington University
(202)994-4311
seblelf@gwu.edu
Jorge Rodriguez, PhD, Nero-psychologist, Clinical Practice
Reston, Virginia
(571) 275-1086
gindroff@erols.com
Seth Kaplan PhD, Assistant Professor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
George Mason University
703-993-8475
skaplan1@gmu.edu