Ozioma Okonkwo
Position title: Professor, Department of Medicine
Email: ozioma@medicine.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 265-4479
Department:
Medicine
Education:
M.A. in Psychology, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, USA
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
Postdoctoral in Clinical Neuropsychology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Research Description:
I am an NIA–funded Paul B. Beeson Scholar with a strong background in imaging and fluid biomarkers of AD, neuropsychology, data analyses, risk and resilience factors for AD, and understanding health disparities. My research agenda comprises two interconnected themes: (1) examining how alterations in brain/fluid biomarkers place some cognitively–normal individuals on a pernicious trajectory that culminates in probable Alzheimer’s disease, and (2) generating new knowledge concerning the modulation of the link between brain/fluid biomarker changes and cognitive decline by both modifiable (e.g., physical exercise, cognitively–stimulating activities) and non–modifiable (e.g., genetic vulnerability) factors. The ultimate goal of my work is translational—the identification of people at greatest risk for Alzheimer’s disease and the development of therapeutic strategies for decreasing their risk.
Research Key Words:
Cognitive Resilience, Alzheimer’s Disease, Neuropsychology, Fluid Biomarkers, Therapeutic Strategies
Diversity Statement:
In my personal and professional life, I aspire to foster an environment where the intellectual contributions, worldviews, and cultural heritage of every person is acknowledged and celebrated irrespective of their sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or other individual differences.
I chaired the Diversity Committee of the UW–Madison Cellular & Molecular Pathology Program, whose mission includes “gathering information on successful methods for recruiting minorities and ensuring the success of minority students that come to the Program” and I also served multiple terms on the Diversity Enhancement Committee of the UW–Madison Neuroscience Training Program.