We are thrilled to showcase our Division 21 member, Renato F. L. Azevedo, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Gerontology and the Dept. of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of Georgia (UGA). Azevedo, joined UGA as faculty this August 2024 teaching GRNT 3200e – Introduction to Lifespan Health Psychology, where he brings his extensive expertise in cognition, decision-making, risk perception, and aging to the classroom.
Azevedo completed his in Educational Psychology, concentrating on Cognitive Sciences of Teaching and Learning and Educational Statistics, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) advised by Daniel G. Morrow, PhD. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued Postdoctoral training at the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory within the College of Applied Health Sciences with Prof. Wendy A. Rogers also at University of Illinois.
Azevedo’s research is at the forefront of examining the intersections of cognition, decision making, and expertise in health, education, and behavioral economics. His work often involves designing and developing human-centered technological interventions and data visualizations aimed at facilitating positive behavior changes, enhancing decision-making, and promoting health and wellness. Notably, his research includes exploring how technology, such as mHealth applications, can address and mitigate health disparities.
In his previous role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Azevedo led the Illinois site for a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT). This project focused on developing technology-based systems to improve medication adherence among hypertensive older adults. He is also a key member of a multidisciplinary team involved in another NIH-funded RCT, which is dedicated to assessing needs and conducting usability tests to redesign health technology for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Azevedo is an active leader within the American Psychological Association (APA), serving as a representative of members-at-large, webmaster, and the upcoming Program Chair for the 2025 Annual Convention within Division 21 – Applied Experimental & Engineering Psychology. His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the 2022 George E. Briggs Dissertation Award and the 2019 Honorable Mention in the Division 21 Poster Contest (now the Robert W. Proctor Best Student Poster Award). Additionally, he is affiliated with APA Division 20 – Adult Development and Aging. We extend our congratulations to Azevedo and look forward to the impactful contributions he will make to our field.