Smith, J. Carson
School of Public Health
Brain and Behavior Institute
Dr. Smith's investigations use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing to examine brain function in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Smith, his team of investigators, and collaborators are interested in the potential efficacy for exercise to affect brain function, physical function, and memory in healthy older adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, as well as in patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The ultimate goal is to provide evidence for exercise to delay conversion to Alzheimer's disease and protect against age-related cognitive decline. In addition, Dr. Smith examines how acute and chronic exercise or physical activity may alter emotional reactivity, attention allocation, and cognitive function among healthy adults and patients with anxiety and/or depressive mood disorders.
EDUCATION
2000- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
2005 NIH NRSA – Affective Neuroscience and Psychophysiology
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
NIMH Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention Co-Advisors: Peter J. Lang, Ph.D., Margaret M. Bradley, Ph.D.
1994- Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science 2000 Concentration: Exercise Psychology
University of Georgia, Athens, GA Advisor: Patrick J. O’Connor, Ph.D.
1989- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science 1993 Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Summa Cum Laude, Double Major