Nelson Roque

Nelson Roque is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, and a co-funded faculty member of the Social Science Research Institute. His research integrates cognitive psychology with mobile health technologies to advance aging research through ecological assessment methods.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Florida State University (2018)
• M.S. in Cognitive Psychology, Florida State University (2015)
• B.S. in Psychology, Florida State University (2012)

Dr. Roque's research centers on cognitive aging and mobile health innovation. He develops passive sensing and smartphone-based protocols for high-frequency cognitive assessment in real-world settings, examining how screen time, digital connectivity, and environmental factors impact cognitive trajectories. His work bridges laboratory findings with community applications through the Einstein Aging Study, focusing on subjective cognitive concerns, digital biomarker validation, and adherence mechanisms in technology-based interventions.

His 2024-2025 publications reveal three dominant trends: (1) Mobile cognitive assessment protocols demonstrating superior sensitivity to amyloid status compared to traditional tools like MoCA; (2) Investigations into nomophobia, screen time effects, and digital connectivity paradoxes across the lifespan; (3) Methodological innovations in multi-sensor aging protocols and AI-enhanced detection approaches. These studies consistently emphasize ecological validity and diverse cohort representation.

His scientific recognition includes:

• UCF College of Sciences Excellence in Research Award (2022)
• Mark & Gloria Charness Cognitive Science Award (2017)
• Leslie N. Wilson-Delores Auzenne Assistantship (2017)
• ASAP Doctoral Fellowship (2016)

Dr. Roque directs the Technology and Data Management Core for the Einstein Aging Study and previously held a National Institute on Aging T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship. His funded research explores wireless network proficiency in older adults, develops tools like the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire, and investigates motivational drivers of cognitive training adherence. Current projects include AI-generated image detection studies and air quality monitoring desert identification with public health implications.

He leads interdisciplinary collaborations through Penn State's Center for Healthy Aging, integrating expertise from psychology, gerontology, data science, and environmental health to address cognitive aging through technological innovation and population-level interventions.