Faculty

Jenay Beer is an associate professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) Institute of Gerontology, with a joint appointment in College of Public Health (Department of Health Promotion and Behavior) and the School of Social Work. Beer has an interdisciplinary background and experience in Engineering Psychology. Her research program is a mix of social science and technology implementation to investigate technology applications that promote health and well-being for older adults, particularly those with, or at risk for, dementia.

Our ever-growing older population is living in a world where technological advances in computers, smart homes, and even robotics are shaping healthcare management, aging-in-place, and access to cutting-edge interventions. Beer has investigated the usability, acceptance, and adoption of technology supports and interventions ranging from web-applications to advanced robotics, with over 60 peer-reviewed publications on related to technology interventions for persons with dementia, their caregivers, persons aging with disability, and rural older adults.

In 2019, Beer was selected as one of two inaugural UGA Innovation Fellows. Beer is also the Co-Director (along with Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond) of the Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center, an interdisciplinary hub designated for dementia diagnosis, care, clinical research, and education for rural Georgians.