Current Projects

Cognition in Older Adults

We are exploring predictors of cognitive change in cognitively healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment. An additional focus of study pertains to ethnoracial disparities in cognition. We currently partner with Dr. Robert Newton and Dr. Owen Carmichael at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Examples of current projects include:

  • Exploring associations between depression, cognition, and everyday functioning in healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
  • Evaluating shared norms, beliefs, and values around everyday functioning in Black older adults.
  • Developing and exploring the feasibility of providing cost-free neuropsychological evaluations through a community clinic for underserved populations.

Neuropsychological Assessment and Psychometrics

We conduct studies to both examine the psychometric properties of existing neuropsychological tests as well as to examine these properties for newly developed measures. An emphasis on this work is on using technology in assessment. Examples of current projects include:

  • Examining the psychometric properties of established neuropsychological assessment batteries such as the NAB.
  • Developing and examining the clinical utility of symptom validity measures for neurodevelopmental disorders. 
  • Examining the effect of re-assessment among neuropsychological measures of attention.
  • Validating a new iPad-administered auditory measure of cognitive processing speed.
  • Examining practice effects and other psychometric properties of Smartwatch-based measures of neuropsychological functioning.
  • Investigating the feasibility of videoconferencing. tele-neuropsychological assessment with older adults in the community. 

Rehabilitation and Intervention

Although the majority of our work focuses on neuropsychological assessment, we also conduct studies in a rehabilitation or other intervention context.  Examples of current projects include:

  • Exploring the impacts of metacognitive awareness and positive neuropsychological factors on adherence to treatment recommendations after acquired brain injury.
  • Assessing the feasibility and utility of integrating virtual reality tools (virtual kitchen, driving simulation, and other daily activities) in an outpatient rehabilitation setting to better understand everyday functioning and improve outcomes (e.g., independence, quality of life) across various neurological populations.
  • Developing and examining the effects of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based workshop for long term healthcare workers experiencing work related stress and burnout.