Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond

Institute of Gerontology, Health Promotion & Behavior,

Director, Institute of Gerontology, and Co-Director, Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center
Leonard W. Poon Professor for Innovation in Public Health and Aging
Associate Professor
Courtesy Faculty: Department of Psychology
Interdisciplinary Group Lead, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, UGA Integrated Life Sciences

Institute of Gerontology, Health Promotion & Behavior,

Dr. Renzi-Hammond specializes in lifespan sensory, cognitive and neurological development. She is interested in the functional relationships between underlying brain structure, sensory integrity, plasticity, cognitive function and risk for disease, and the behaviors that promote cognitive vitality across the lifespan. She is also interested in developing novel methodologies for testing cognitive and sensory function in populations ranging from infancy through older adulthood. Most recently, Dr. Renzi-Hammond’s work has expanded to include co-development and co-Direction of the Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) initiative, which exists to provide and improve access to diagnosis, education, and support for those at risk for or living with dementia.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Neuroscience / Nutrition Sciences / Perceptual Systems, University of Texas at Austin, 2009

PhD, Psychology / Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Georgia, 2008

MS, Psychology / Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Georgia, 2005

BS, Psychology, University of Georgia, 2003

Areas of Expertise

aging, nutrition, cognitive function, brain health, sensory function, cognitive training, lifespan development, rural health

Honors, Awards, and Achievements

Awarded the Charles L. Darby Excellence in Teaching Award by the University of Georgia Psychology Department, 2008.
Awarded the Zimmer Award by the University of Georgia Neuroscience faculty for Excellence in Research, 2008.

Affiliations

Director, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society
Member, International Carotenoid Society

Course Instruction

Dr. Renzi-Hammond believes that education is a give- and- take phenomenon, that students do not learn unless faculty are also willing to learn from students. Dr. Renzi-Hammond prefers discussion-heavy classroom environments, in which mutual respect and honest discourse thrive. She teaches course in lifespan health, behavioral medicine , aging, pharmacology, sensory psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Research Interests

Dr. Renzi-Hammond specializes in lifespan sensory, cognitive and neurological development. She is interested in the functional relationships between underlying brain structure, sensory integrity, plasticity, cognitive function and risk for disease, and the behaviors that promote cognitive vitality across the lifespan. She is also interested in developing novel methodologies for testing cognitive and sensory function in populations ranging from infancy through older adulthood. Her specific interests focus on cognition, brain, cognitive training, psychophysics, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and applied optics.

Selected Publications

NIH Profile Publications Listing

Presentations

TEDxUGA – “Know your numbers: What a small yellow spot can tell you about your health” – March 2021

Media Mentions

“Georgia families hope controversial Alzheimer’s drug helps loved ones” – Atlanta Journal Constitution, June 11, 2021
“Two rankings on health put Georgia at the bottom of states” – Georgia Health News, June 9, 2021
“Lutein shows brain health promise beyond ‘Alzheimer’s of the eye'” – Nutra Ingredients, January 2, 2017