Profile
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Dr. Renee CountrymanTitle: Professor of Psychology & Dean of Social Sciences
Departments: Neuroscience and Psychology
Degrees: Ph.D., Physiological Psychology, Tulane University 2004
M.S., Experimental Psychology, Western Illinois University 2002 B.S., Psychology, Western Illinois University 1997 A.S., Carl Sandburg College 1994 Email
(Primary)
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Recent Courses
- PSY 101: General Psychology
- PSY 201: Research Methods
- PSY 215: Behavioral Neuroscience (each spring)
- PSY 314: Psychopharmacology
- PSY 315: Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (each fall)
- PSY 416: The Neuroscience of Learning & Memory
- PSY 451: Clinical Neuroscience
Topics Courses:
- PSY 350: Brain Health
- PSY 350: Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
- FYS: The Science and Practice of Yoga and Meditation
Research Interests
My research passions are within the domain of learning and memory. In our animal lab, we study the effect of modifiable lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, etc.) on brain functioning. On the human side, we study relationships between salivary markers (for example, cortisol, tau, testosterone) and modifiable behaviors (stress, exercise, concussion, etc.).
Selected Publications
Reinhardt, M., Findley, M.B., & Countryman, R.A. (2021). Policy liberalism and source of news predict pandemic-related health behaviors and trust in the scientific community. PLoS ONE, 16 (6), e0252670. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252670.
Conference Presentations
Ward, T.; Zhu, M. Choudhary, R. & Countryman, R.A. (2025). The neuroinflammatory and behavioral effects of high carbohydrate and sugar consumption. Austin College Scholars Conference, March 20-22.
Paul, R. & Countryman, R. A. (2024). Interleukin-6 and Cortisol as a Mediators of the Effects of Yoga on Stress. Southwestern Psychological Association, March 28-30.
Fowler, C.; Menta Kishore, R.; & Countryman, R.A. (2023). Sucralose and High-Carb Diet Effect on Brain Health and Behavior in Rodents. Southwestern Psychological Association, March 31- April 2.
Simonin, S.; Paul, R.; & Countryman, R.A. (2023). Adult’s Perspective on Their Perceived Parent’s Parenting Style and Outcomes for Success. Southwestern Psychological Association, March 31- April 2.
*Bold names indicate student authors
Faculty Extras:
I was yoga certified in February of 2016. Since becoming yoga certified, I offer yoga classes for faculty, staff, and partners through the Austin College Wellness program during the academic year. My love of yoga led me Costa Rica and India for further instruction. I also designed a freshman seminar on The Science and Practice of Yoga and a travel Jan Term on The Neuroscience of Nature, Yoga, and Meditation.
Sponsored Organizations:
- Phi Kappa Omega (PKO) fraternity
- Gender Sexuality Alliance – GSA