Hudson Barthes is a 1st-year doctoral student from Navarre, FL. Hudson received his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Creative Writing from Florida State University, as well his Master's Degree in I/O Psychology from the University of West Florida. He is excited to be working with the COFFEE Lab at the University of Georgia at Athens. He is interested in researching how disability (especially Autism Spectrum Disorder), greater diversity, and artificial intelligence fit into the workplace. In his free time, Hudson enjoys reading and writing comics, the secular study of religion, and going on adventures with his wife.

Brandon Smith, Ph.D., is a Senior Manager of Talent Development at Penske Transportation Solutions, where he leads a team responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating director-level leadership development initiatives across the organization.

Brandon’s professional experience spans multiple sectors, including consulting, healthcare, federal government, and the military. His primary focus areas center around leadership development strategy, talent assessment, and leadership coaching. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, Brandon's military service—including a stint as a Drill Sergeant and two tours in Iraq—has deeply influenced his dedication to fostering effective leadership and talent practices within teams and organizations.

Brandon holds a Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development and an M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, both from the University of Georgia. He is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and holds certifications in multiple talent assessments, including Hogan, Korn Ferry, and EQ-i 2.0.