Two faculty members from the University of Georgia College of Public Health have received seed grants through the Rural Engagement Workshop for Academic Faculty to advance their research and outreach in rural communities. Funding for the seed grants is provided by the Office of the Provost.

Andrew M. Kiselica, PhD

Andrew M. Kiselica, an associate professor in the Institute of Gerontology, will collaborate with partners in McDuffie County to develop procedures for screening older adults for Alzheimer’s disease using blood biomarkers and digital cognitive assessments.

“We’ve seen success with educational initiatives in communities across the state,” said Kiselica. “This seed grant gives us the opportunity to expand diagnostic tools, addressing a critical need for Alzheimer’s screenings in these areas.”

George Mois, PhD

George Mois, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, also received a seed grant. His project will focus on addressing the digital divide among older adults in Hart County.

“This seed grant will help us better understand the needs of older adults in rural Georgia when it comes to technology access and use,” said Mois. “Our goal is to work alongside rural communities to identify challenges and collaboratively develop tools and strategies to meet those needs.”

The digital divide refers to the gap between people who have access to and are able to effectively use modern technologies—like internet, computers, and/or smartphones—and those who do not.

Kiselica and Mois will also collaborate on their projects in addition to working alongside other co-investigators from the College of Public Health, FACS Extension, UGA Public Service and Outreach and the Archway Partnership.

By Mackenzie Patterson