Welcome to the Study of Healthy Aging and Applied Research Programs (SHAARP) Lab!
Overview
The SHAARP Lab studies factors that keep older adults independent and mobile. We focus primarily on cognitive and functional abilities that may be modifiable through targeted interventions. Members of this lab have diverse backgrounds and interests (such as gerontology, human factors, neuropsychological assessment, neuroscience), and this is reflected in the variety of approaches we take to study the aging process. Currently we examining the impact of various cognitive and exercise intervention programs on cognitive, physical, and health outcomes in older adults. We are also particularly interested in the real-world implications of our findings. For example, how does the intervention translate into improvements in older adults' ability to carry out the activities of their daily lives? We hope that you will visit our page often for updates and find the provided information and links useful.
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From left to right: Alana Peng, Briana Sprague, Joanne Tian, Sara Troutman, Sara Bickhart, Amber Hurlock, Dr. Lesley Ross, Michelle Huerbin, Sara Freed, Nathanael Jiya
Lab News
Recent Press
SHAARP Lab Awarded NHTSA Grant
June, 2020
Dr. Lesley Ross was awarded funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct the project "State of Knowledge on Older Drivers" along with Dr. Loren Staplin of TransAnalytics. The goal of the project is to conduct a systematic literature review of research published on older driver safety since 2000. The SHAARP team, led by Sara Freed, is currently conducting the systematic literature search and extracting key information from eligible publications to assist in the final report.
SHAARP Lab undergraduate Sara Bickhart wins award!
April 27, 2020
Sara was recognized for her outstanding research during the 2020 Penn State Undergraduate Research Exhibition. Nearly 200 students competed in the exhibition. Sara's poster, titled "Women are Not More Likely to Receive Suggestion to Cease Driving" won third place in the Social and Behavioral Sciences category. Congratulations Sara!
How has COVID-19 changed the SHAARP Lab?
April, 2020
Penn State University has moved all non-essential on campus activities to remote. Therefore, all Faculty, students and staff in the SHAARP Lab are working remotely at this time.
We have also suspended all lab visits for participants until it is deemed safe to resume. We are however, still available to answer any questions about the lab or on-going studies. If you have a question, please call (814) 865-4773.
Congratulations to our May 2020 graduates!
April, 2020
Congratulations to our graduating Research Assistants, Sara Bickhart, Nathanael Jiya, and Anabella Raika! We are proud of you and appreciate all of your contributions to the SHAARP Lab. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.
EFIT Study now recruiting!
April, 2020
The Everyday Function Intervention Trial (EFIT) is now open to recruitment! This study is open to men and women between the ages of 65 and 85. EFIT is a 6 month study investigating the use of cognitive training to improve everyday function in older adults. Please see the Projects/Current Projects tab on the main page of the SHAARP website for additional information. You can also call the SHAARP lab at (814) 865-4773.
February 2019
Penn State Larson Transportation Institute
February 2019
By Kristie Auman-Bauer
Penn State News
Study Suggests How Brain Exercise Gains Transfer to Daily Life
May 2018
Posit Science PR Team
LTI faculty affiliate Lesley Ross to chair TRB Committee on Safe Mobility of Older Persons
April 2018
By Danica Laub
Larson Transportation Institute