Lauren Machon

Profile

After completing an MSc in Occupational Psychology at the University of Sheffield, Lauren joined Leeds University Business School as a Research Assistant. During this time, she contributed to a range of applied research projects in collaboration with clients including the NHS, British Gas, ARUP, and Rolls Royce. Her work focused on organisational psychology and socio-technical systems thinking, addressing challenges such as mainstreaming assistive living technologies (MALT), social prescribing in the third sector, and promoting energy-efficient behaviour change in schools.

Following this role, Lauren moved into leadership consultancy within the private sector before returning to the Business School. She subsequently embarked on a PhD, supported by an ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership scholarship. During her doctoral studies, Lauren’s contributions to teaching were recognised through her appointment as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the receipt of a 2022 Business School Partnership Award.

Lauren completed her PhD in 2023 and now serves as Behaviour Lab Manager at Leeds University Business School. In this role, she supports innovative teaching and research initiatives by applying her expertise in organisational behaviour and applied research methods. The Behaviour Lab is equipped with advanced tools including virtual reality and eye-tracking technology, enabling cutting-edge experimental research into human behaviour. Lauren provides technical leadership and operational oversight for the lab, working closely with a team of postgraduate lab assistants to deliver high-quality support for staff and students engaged in behavioural science.

Responsibilities

• Behaviour Lab Manager
• Co-module leader LISS1073 Behavioural Science for Business
• Co-module leader LUBS3014 Behavioural Science in the Contemporary Workplace

Research interests

Lauren’s research centres on innovation adoption and technology acceptance, with a particular focus on how individuals and organisations interact with emerging technologies. She is currently investigating the application of Event System Theory within management studies to better understand how organisational phenomena unfold over time in response to significant events. Her work is grounded in socio-technical systems thinking, integrating theoretical insight with a range of empirical approaches.

Since taking on the role of Behaviour Lab Manager, Lauren has developed expertise in research design and the use of advanced behavioural technologies, including virtual reality and eye tracking. She is actively exploring new ways to leverage these tools to open up novel avenues for behavioural and organisational research.

Qualifications

• PhD Management
• MA Social Research (Interdisaplinery)
• MSc Occupational Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Psychology

Professional memberships

• Associate Fellow of AdvancedHE
• Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society