My current research is addressing issues related to technology use by older adults.  The number of older adults in our society is rapidly increasing and technology has the potential to benefit their lives in many ways, including providing support for age-related declines.  Moreover, technology is becoming so ingrained in our culture that it is becoming a necessity to use it for many activities of daily life.  In one project, we are exploring the range of technologies older adults use in different domains, their likes and dislikes, and their training preferences.  By gaining an understanding of the needs and preferences of older adults, technology and technology training materials can designed to better meet their needs.  I also have a broad interest in cognition and aging and a particular interest in examining the effects of aging on reading and the implications for text design.

Education:

• Ph.D., Cognitive/Experimental Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 2001

  • Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 2001

  • Minor in Quantitative Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 2001

• M.A., Cognitive/Experimental Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 1998

• B.A., Psychology, Beloit College, Beloit, WI, 1992

Selected Publications:

Kemper, S. & Mitzner, T. L. (2001). Production and Comprehension. In J. E. Birren & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Handbook of the Psychology of Aging, Fifth Edition (pp.378-398). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

Mitzner, T. L. & Kemper, S. (2002).  Oral and written language in late adulthood: Findings from the Nun Study.  Experimental Aging Research, 29(4) 457-474.

Mitzner, T. L. & Rogers, W.A. (2006). Reading in the dark: Effects of age and contrast on reading speed and comprehension.  Human Factors, 48(2) 229-240.

Mitzner, T. L., Mayhorn, C. B., Fisk, A. D., & Rogers, W. A. (2006). Ergonomics and aging. In W. S. Marras & W. Karwowski (Eds.), Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational Ergonomics (pp. 17-1 – 17-22). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Psychological Association

• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

• Gerontological Society of America

Curriculum Vitae:

• MSWord version

Contact Information:

• Office: Psychology Building, Room B77

• Tel:404-894-8344

• Fax: 404-894-8905