The UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology welcomed Jerri Edwards, Ph.D., to the faculty as a professor in January 2024.

Edwards completed her undergraduate studies at Anderson University and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She later pursued her Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology from Western Kentucky University. Edwards continued her academic journey, earning her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from UAB. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center of Research on Applied Gerontology at UAB.

Edwards serves as the co-principal investigator for a $2.7 million randomized controlled clinical trial called Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT), funded by the NIH’s National Institute on Aging. The study aims to determine if a specific set of computer-based brain exercises can significantly lower the risk of cognitive decline or dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, in a healthy and diverse group of adults aged 65 and older.

The PACT study builds on earlier research by Edwards and her colleagues, which suggests that computerized brain training targeting specific cognitive functions and encouraging older adults to improve their performance over time can help maintain both mental and physical abilities.

In addition, Edwards serves as principle investigator for her study, Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) MIND: An adaptive clinical trial of cognitive training to improve function and delay dementia.

Edwards shares more about the expertise she brings to UAB.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Edwards: I became fascinated with the field of psychology when I was in high school and knew early on that I also wanted to pursue a career in research.

Can you share your professional background and experiences prior to joining UAB?

Edwards: Prior to joining UAB, I have been a scientist since I completed my Ph.D. at UAB in 2000.

What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?

Edwards: My primary area of expertise within the field is cognitive training, with broader interests in behavioral interventions that help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on maintaining quality of life and everyday function for individuals as they age.