The College of Public Health has welcomed nine new faculty this fall. Join us as we get to know Andrew Kiselica, Magnolia Hernandez, Renato Ferreira Leitao Azevedo, Jacob Harth, Chao Huang, Cynthia Carmean, Liyuan Wang, Eunhae Shin and George Mois! Next up in our series is Jacob Harth, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist in the Institute of Gerontology.

• Can you tell us about your background?
  • Throughout my education, I have studied neuroscience, but my research expertise centers on sensory psychophysics. I develop and measure metrics of visual function that prioritize environmental validity, conduct clinical trials for regulatory review, and work with and mentor students that are interested in developing research skills and contributing to research.

• What brought you to UGA and the College of Public Health?
  • The mission of the College of Public Health here at UGA, to advance the health of all, aligns with my own goals. Through my research, in which I hope to involve students and engage communities throughout Georgia, I aim to promote and preserve optimal visual health and function for all persons.

• What excites you or motivates you about being in the classroom and your research?
  • My research is motivated primarily by the importance of sensory function for neurological health and quality of life. I am passionate about learning and research mentorship. Science, at its best, is collaborative. I believe that each person brings a valuable perspective to the research we conduct. As we work and learn together, we each grow and collectively further global understanding.

• How have you partnered with communities to improve health? Is there service or outreach work you’d like to do in Athens or Georgia?
  • I have traveled to health fairs in rural communities to assess the feasibility of using a device that enables measurement of nutritional health in the retina, called macular pigment optical density. I hope to continue to use and develop devices and methodologies that can provide people with important health biomarkers.

• What are you looking forward to this Fall semester?
  • I am looking forward to establishing my research program and getting to share this research with others.

• A few fun rapid-fire questions:
  • Go-to road trip snack? Trail mix
  • Coffee or tea order? Large black coffee (dark roast)
  • One TV show or podcast you can’t stop talking about? Talkin’ Baseball