Recent findings from the American Psychological Association show Americans are feeling the highest levels of stress and fatigue in more than 15 years. Old Dominion University Assistant Professor Andrew Bennett will share his research about what workers can do to reduce fatigue and stress, both at work and after-hours, at the next Science Pubs.
The event begins with networking at 6:30 p.m. April 28 and Bennett's presentation, "The Upside of Downtime," at 7 p.m. at Smartmouth Brewing Co., 1309 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk. Science Pubs is free to attend; RSVP here by April 27. The first 20 guests to arrive will receive a beverage ticket.
Bennett was recently named one of the 50 best undergraduate professors in the United States by Poets & Quants, a website dedicated to covering business schools.
Bennett was selected from more than 1,000 nominations from students and faculty across the country. As a professor in the Department of Management, Bennett focuses on employee well-being, negotiations and improving management research and education. He has worked as a researcher and consultant on projects for multiple Forbes Global 2000 companies, the U.S. Army and national nonprofits.
With colleagues in the Strome College of Business, Bennett completed a 2020 study on how videoconference fatigue can be reduced by fostering more online connection among participants. Another study found taking a one-minute break to watch a funny video can reduce fatigue.
In his profile for Poets & Quants, Bennett said he knew he wanted to become a business school professor after experiencing a mix of "fantastic" and "not-so-great" bosses.
"The great bosses helped me become a better manager, and it was then when I realized that so many management skills could be taught - and that I wanted to teach in a business school to help others learn those skills," he said.
As a professor, Bennett most enjoys "how my students continue to challenge themselves and the world they live in and that I get to be part of that journey."
Science Pubs offer an opportunity for the community to engage with ODU researchers in an informal setting for lively and engaging discussion.
