Brittany DeFeis

Brittany DeFeis Ph.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology. Currently, she is involved in various studies at the intersection of metabolism, cognition, and aging. Clinically, she conducts neuropsychological assessments in adults with various medical, neurological, neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric conditions. She is involved in graduate teaching and training in neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy.

Dr. DeFeis received her Bachelor of Arts (Russian and Eurasian Studies) from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Her subsequent experiences in the fields of diplomacy and veterans services pushed her towards a career in clinical psychology. Following post-baccalaureate work in psychology at Columbia University, she worked as a research coordinator at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City where she coordinated two large-scale cognitive aging studies on cognitive reserve. During this time she received her Master of Science degree from Teacher’s College at Columbia University in Neuroscience and Education.

Dr. DeFeis earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Health Psychology (Neuropsychology Track) from the University of Florida, where she also completed her Clinical Internship, and completed her postdoctoral training with the Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory.

Dr. DeFeis is broadly interested in examining the neuroanatomical and functional outcomes of various cognitive, medical, and behavioral interventions in pathological cognitive decline, delaying the onset of dementia, and exploring potential targets for intervention. She is especially interested in the role of diet and metabolism in cognitive aging.