Lise Abrams, Ph.D (UCLA, 1997). Associate Professor (Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Sciences). Dr. Abrams's research examines the relationship between memory and language processes in young and older adults, specifically the processes involved in retrieving words and the changes in these processes that occur with normal aging. Specific areas of interest include: (1) memory retrieval failures such as the tip-of-the-tongue states, which are naturally-occurring retrieval failures that are characterized by a temporary inability to recall a known word; and (2) language errors such as the production of spelling errors and homophone substitution errors.
Susan Bluck, Ph.D. (University of California, Irvine, 1997). Associate Professor (Developmental Psychology). Dr. Bluck's research focuses on autobiographical memory and reasoning (how people remember and think about the events of their own lives) across the adult life span, and especially in later life. Her specific research interests include age differences and continuities in: (a) the everyday uses of autobiographical memory, reminiscence, and the life story, and (b) the relation of autobiographical memory to self-conceptions and well-being.
Darragh P. Devine, Ph.D. (Concordia University, Montreal 1993), Post-doc (University of Michigan, 1993-1998). Associate Professor (Neurobehavior and Cognition). Major depression is a prevalent and devastating problem in aging populations. One critical factor in its etiology is the changes in brain structures and functions that occur as a consequence of a lifetime of exposure to emotional stress. Dr. Devine uses animal models to investigate the pathological impact of emotional stress on specific brain mechanisms that participate in the processing of emotional stimuli. The goal of this research is to elucidate biochemical mechanisms that underlie individual differences in vulnerability, and the specific changes in limbic parts of the brain that precipitate depression in aged individuals.
Martin Heesacker, Ph.D. (University of Missouri, 1983). Professor (Counseling Psychology). Dr. Heesacker's research focuses on acceptable group stereotyping and bias, attitude change in counseling, and, broadly, the interface of social and counseling psychology. Current investigations include: (a) aging bias in therapeutic relationships (b) cultural contexts influencing internalizations of ageist self talk and (c) factors influencing the subjective perceptions of aging.
Michael Marsiske, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University, 1992). Associate Professor (Clinical and Health Psychology). Dr. Marsiske's research examines cognitive aging, with a particular emphasis on three major areas: (a) interventions to improve cognition in later life, as well as methodologies to assess change in cognition over time, (b) the relationship between cognition and everyday function (e.g., self- and home-maintenance) in old age, (c) relationships between cognition and sensorimotor functioning in aging, and in age-related impairment conditions (e.g., stroke).
Christina McCrae, Ph.D. (Washington University, 1999) Assistant Professor (Clinical and Health Psychology). Dr. McCrae's research focuses on geropsychology, behavioral medicine, sleep disorders, and home-based intervention.
Robin Lea West, Ph.D. (Vanderbilt University, 1980). Professor (Developmental Psychology). Dr. West's research focuses on everyday memory, intervention to enhance memory, and self-regulatory factors that affect memory. This includes: a) the relationship between test performance and self-evaluation of memory (especially self-efficacy), b) techniques for improving the everyday memory skills of older adults, and c) goal-setting and beliefs about memory.change the first full sentence Dr. West's research has focused on practical aspects of memory and self-regulatory factors that affect memory.