Faculty/Staff Information

Ph.D., Neuroscience, 2000 with a minor in statistics, Baylor University, Waco, TX. Dissertation title: Age-Related Differences in the Metacognitive Accuracy of Eyewitnesses. Dissertation advisor: Dr. Charles A. Weaver, III.

M.S., General Psychology, 1996, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA. Thesis title: Memories of O.J. Simpson: A Comparison of Potential Flashbulb Memories and Memories of Personally Experienced Events. Thesis advisor: Dr. Ira E. Hyman.

B.A., Psychology with a concentration in human development, 1994, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.

Full Professor, Behavioral Sciences Division, Western Oregon University, 2010-present.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Western Oregon University, 2018-2023. Manage all academic programs at the university, including both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, in addition to other units that support academics.

Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Western Oregon University, 2016-2017. Manage over 30 academic areas and 200 faculty that serve 3500 majors.

Behavioral Sciences Division Chair, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Western Oregon University, 2009-2015. I supervised the Psychological Sciences Department and the Gerontology Department, including over 20 professors and over 500 major and minor students.

Associate Professor, Psychology Division, Western Oregon University, 2005-2010.

Assistant Professor, Psychology Division, Western Oregon University, 2000-2005.

Who’s Who in Collegiate Faculty, 2010

21st Century Award for Achievement from the International Biographical Centre

Included in the 35th Edition of Dictionary of International Biographies

Goodwill Ambassador – Monmouth Senior Center

The Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi, Inducted in 2007

Mario and Alma Pastega Faculty Honors Award, 2005

Who’s Who in America, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008

Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, 2006

Who’s Who in American Education, 2005, 2006, 2007

Who’s Who in Science and Engineering , 2006

Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders, 2007

Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals 2004

Educational Program of the Month, September 2004 from the National Residence Hall Association

Who’s Who in America 2003, 2005

Runner-up WOU Mario & Alma Pastega Faculty Honors Award, 2003

Outstanding Graduate Student of the Semester Award, Baylor University – Spring, 2000

President, Graduate School Association, Baylor University – 1999/2000

Vice President, Graduate School Association, Baylor University – 1999

Finalist, Southwestern Psychological Association’s 1999 Graduate Research Competition

Graduate Student Association Council Member, Baylor University 1998-2000

Outstanding Achievement in Psychology Award, 1994, Western Washington University

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive and Physical Changes in Aging

General Psychology

In the past I conducted research on false and eyewitness memory. Since coming to WOU, I have conducted research on older adults' memory, social support, loneliness and quality of life. I have also been involved in translational research to support medical professionals who work with older adults or people who have experienced a brain injury.

Investigator, Student Reengagement Grant, $447,000 from Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 2021

Collins Foundation Grant, 2003 $20,000

Learning and Memory for Instruction

General Psychology I
General Psychology II
Human Growth and Development
Cognitive Psychology
Introduction to Research Methods
Sensation and PerceptionTheories of Learning
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience: Clinical Gerontology

Cognitive and Physical Changes in Aging
Introduction to Gerontology

Book

Winningham, R.G. (2010). Brain Training: How to Maximize Memory Ability in Older Adulthood, New York, NY: Baywood Publishing Company.

 Winningham, R. G. (2016). Cranium Crunches. Portland, OR: Activity Connection.

Referred Publications

Buckingham, D. N., Mackor, K. M., Miller, R. M., Molloy, K. N., Grigsby, C. C., Kopel, J. L., Graves, A. K., Winningham, R. G. (2013) Comparing the Cognitive Screening Tools: MMSE and SLUMS. PURE Insights, 2 (1), 1-7.

Karr, J. E., Alexander, J. E., & Winningham, R. G. (2011). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cognition throughout the Lifespan: A Review. Nutritional Neuroscience, 14 (5), 216-225.

Winningham, R. G. & Dinius, C. J. (2010). Successful practices for developing effective cognitive enhancement programs. Senior Housing and Care Journal, 18 (1), 67-76.

Winningham, R. G., Templeton, J. H., Dutton, B. E., & Scheck, S. H. (2009). A Grassroots Faculty-driven Initiative to Institutionalize Undergraduate Research: The Ins and Outs of Cultivating Administrative Support. CUR Quarterly.

Winningham, R. G. & Pike, NB. (2007). A cognitive intervention to enhance institutionalized older adults’ social support networks and decrease loneliness. Aging and Mental Health, 11(6), 716-721.

Kelemen, W. K., Winningham, R. G., Weaver, C. A. (2007). Repeated testing sessions and scholastic aptitude in college students’ metacognitive accuracy. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 19 (4/5), 689-717.

Winningham, R. G. (2006). Assisted living. In The encyclopedia of human development (Vol. 1, pp. 119-121). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Winningham, R. G., Anunsen, R. A., Hanson, L., Laux, L., Kaus, K., Reifers, A. (2003). MemAerobics: A cognitive intervention to improve memory ability and reduce depression in older adults. Journal of Mental Health and Aging, 9 (3), 183-192.

Winningham, R. G. (2003). Think again: Assisted Living Facility residents can improve their memory for everyday activities. The Quality Provider, Jan/Feb, 1-3.

Winningham, R. G., Hyman, I. E., & Dinnel, D. L. (2000). Flashbulb memories?: The effects of when the initial memory report was obtained. Memory, 8, 209-216.

Winningham, R. G. & Weaver, C. A., III (2000). The effects of pressure to report more details on memories of an eyewitness event. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 12, 271-282.

Winningham, R. G. & Renken, A. E. (1998). False memories: Remembering things that never happened. In C. A. Weaver, III (Ed.) Laboratory in Cognitive Psychology, Laboratory Manual.

Kelemen, W. L., Virtue, S. M., Winningham, R. G., & Davis, S. F. (1998). Psychology in your life: Principles of learning in the real world. Peregrine Publishers, Inc. [On-line: https://www.psychplace.com].

Invited Publications

Winningham, R. G. (2013). Sleep and Memory: Six Part Series. Restart Retirement. https://www.restartretirement.com/tag/sleep-and-memory/

Winningham, R. G. (2012). Cognitive rehab & memory enhancement: Evidence-based interventions. The Journal of Active Aging, 11 (5), 22-34.

Winningham, R. G. (2012). Physical Exercise: Improving Memory May be Just Steps Away. Restart Retirement. https://www.restartretirement.com/2012/07/02/physical-exercise-improving-memory-steps/

Winningham, R. G. (2012). Train Your Brain: Maximizing Memory Ability by Staying Cognitively and Physically Active.

Restart Retirement, https://restartretirement.com/2012/04/17/train-brain/

Winningham, R.G. (2010, March). Memory: Use it or Lose it. Canby Connection, 3 (2), 11.

Winningham, R.G. (2010). Train your brain: Maximize memory ability by staying cognitively and physically active. Oregon Parks Recreation Magazine.

Winningham, R.G. (2008) How to Maintain a Good Memory Ability with Advancing Age. Oregon Parks and Recreation Magazine.

Winningham, R. G. (2007). Use It or Lose It: The Survival of the Busiest Minds. Providence Healthcare: Over 50 Newsletter.

Winningham, R. G. (2007). Start a cognitive enhancement program at your facility. Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services.

Winningham, R. G. & Dutton, B. E. (2006). Institutionalizing undergraduate research and the 2006 Academic Excellence Showcase. WOU Center for Teaching and Learning Newsletter, 1 (3), 2.

Winningham, R. G. (2005). Assisted living. In N. J. Salkind, (Ed.), The encyclopedia of human development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Winningham, R. G. (2003). Use it or lose it: The survival of the busiest minds. Northwest Senior News, November Edition

Published Abstracts

Steers, M. & Winningham, R. G. (2006). The effects of age on accurate age estimation in older and younger adults. Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 42, 46.

Miles, A. & Winningham, R. G. (2006). An examination of illness among college students. Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 42, 46.

Winningham, R.G., Studer, M.T., & Murray, A.J. (in press). Use it or lose it: The effects of cognitive stimulation on older adults quality of life. Proceedings for the International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence.

Pike, N.L., Winningham, R. G., Tinniswood, J., Powell, T. (2004). An intervention to improve older adults’ social networks and decrease feelings of loneliness. Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 40, 46.

Hanson, L., Kaus, K., Laux, L., Winningham, R. G. (2003). Use it or lose it: The Effects of a cognitive enhancement program on memory ability in older adults. Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 39, 46.

Laux, L., Hanson, L., Kaus, K., Winningham, R. G. (2003). Does enhancing older adults’ social support networks improve their overall well-being? Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 39, 46-7.

Weaver, C.A., Krug, K., & Winningham, R. G. (2002). Tragic Memories: Flashbulb Memories of September 11, 2001. Abstracts of the Psychonomic Society, 7, 20.

Hanson, L., Laux, L., & Winningham, R. G. (2002). The effects of a cognitive intervention on memory in older adults. nbsp; Proceedings of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 38, 57.

Winningham, R. G. (2001). Do older adults make poor eyewitnesses? Proceeding of the Oregon Academy of Sciences, 37, 78.

Invited Workshops and Presentations

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Dementia and Cognition: What’s Lost, What’s Not, and How to Maximize Memory Ability and Compliance. Grand Rounds for Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainsville, GA.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Maximizing Attention and Memory in Cognitively Impaired Patients. Grand Rounds for Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainsville, GA.

Winningham, R. G. & Graves, A. (2013, April). Cognitive Oncology: What Can We Do to Maximize Patients’ Cognitive Ability During and After Treatment. Grand Rounds for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G. & Graves, A. (2013, April). Cognitive Ability and Cancer Treatment: Effects and Possible Interventions to Enhance Cognitive Ability. Grand Rounds for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Executive Functioning: What Is It, Is It Important for Persons with Brain Injury, and How Can It be Improved? Presented at the Annual Minnesota Brain Injury Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Cognitive Rehabilitation: Empirically-Based Interventions to be Used Across the Continuum of Impairment. Presented at the Annual Minnesota Brain Injury Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Taking Advantage of Cognitive Abilities that are Retained with Dementia. Workshop presented at the Oregon Health Care Association Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, March). Behavioral Management Strategies and Taking Advantage of Cognitive Abilities that Are PReserved with Dementia. Presented at Aging Services of California Conference, Sacramento, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2013, January). Rehabilitating Your Approach: Maximizing Outcomes in Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Evidence-Based Approaches to Cognitive Rehabilitation: SLPs/SLPAs. Presented at LifeCare Centers of America and Advanced Healthcare Educatin Event. To view the course go to:

https://www.videoce.tv/course/info/105/Rehabilitating-Your-Approach-Maximizing-Outcomes-in-Patients-with-Cognitive-Impairment-and-EvidenceBased-Approaches-to-Cognitive-Rehabilitation–SLPsSLPAs.html

Winningham, R. G. (2012, December). Rehab Your Approach: Maximizing Outcomes in Patients with Cognitive Impairment. Presented at Providence Medical Workshop, Kennewick, WA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, October). Rehab Your Approach: Maximizing Outcomes in Patients with Cognitive Impairment. Presented at American Physical Therapy Association: Geriatrics Section, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, June). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at Waterman Village, Mt. Dora, FL.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, May). Nature, Nurture, and Intelligence: The Role of Epigenetic Factors in Intelligence. Presented at the Philosophy Club Lecture Series, Monmouth, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, April). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at Baywood Court, Castro Valley, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, April). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at Rose Villa, Milwaukee, OR

Winningham, R. G. (2011, April). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at BridgePointe Retirement Community, Los Altos, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, March). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at Vists del Monte Retirement Community, Santa Barbara, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, March). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at Emerald Heights, Redmond, WA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, January). Cognitive Training for Students: Maximize Attention and Motivation. Presented at a district wide training for Bandera School District, Bandera, TX.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, December). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at the Kahala Nui Retirement Community. Honolulu, HI.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, November). Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain and Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Presented at the Emeritus Society Meeting, Monmouth, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, November). A Holistic and Empirically_Based Approach to Mazimximzing Memory, Cognition, and Quality of Life. Presentation sponsored by Leading Age New York, Lake George, NY.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, November). Use It or Lose It: How to Create an Effective Cognitive (and Social) Enhancement Program. Presentation sponsored by Leading Age New York, Lake George, NY.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, September). Brain training: A multifaceted approach to maintaining brain health and quality of life. Touchmark, Boise, ID.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, September). Cognitive Rehabilitation: What works, what doesn’t, and why. Presentation sponsored by Northern Speech Services, Milwaukie, WI.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, September). Rehabilitating Your Approach: Maximizing Outcomes in Patients with Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Dementia. Workshop sponsored by SunDance Rehabilitation, Great Falls, MT

Winningham, R. G. (2011, August). Rehabilitating Your Approach: Maximizing Outcomes in Patients with Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Dementia. Workshop sponsored by SunDance Rehabilitation, Twin Falls, ID.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, August). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement:
Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults: A Certification Course. Seminar sponsored by Washington Aging Services, Spokane, WA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, July). Nutrition and Memory. Presentation at Northwest Senior and Disability Services, Salem, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, June). Overcoming psychological barriers commonly seen in persons with brain injuires. Presentation at the Mayo Clinic’s 18th Annual Brain Injury Conference, Rochester, MN.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, June). What is it, why is it important for persons with brain injuries. Presentation at the Mayo Clinic’s 18th Annual Brain Injury Conference, Rochester, MN.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, May). Brain training: A multifaceted approach to maintaining brain health and quality of life. Benton County Library, Corvallis, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, April). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, Jacksonville, FL.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, April). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, Atlanta, GA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, April). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, Birmingham, AL.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, April). Cognitive Rehabilitation: What works, what doesn’t, and why. Presentation sponsored by Northern Speech Services, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, March). Brain training: A multifaceted approach to maintaining brain health and quality of life. Presented at Crista Shores Retirement Community, Silverdale, WA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement:
Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults: A Certification Course. Seminar sponsored by Washington Aging Services, Silverdale, WA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement:
Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults: A Certification Course. Seminar sponsored by Thelma’s Place, Canby, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, Newark, NJ.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, New Brunswick, NJ.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Seminar sponsored by Cross Country Education, Atlantic City, NJ.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement:
Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults: A Certification Course. Seminar sponsored by Infinity Rehab, Portland, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, February). Cognitive Rehabilitation: What works, what doesn’t, and why. Presentation sponsored by Northern Speech Services, Los Angeles, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, January). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement: Evidence-Based Interventions for Older Adults. Workshop sponsored by Providence Healthcare, Portland, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, January). Build your brain: Memory enhancement activities. Capital Manor Retirement Commuity, Salem, OR.

Winningham, R. G. & Coalman, M. (2010, December). Memory enhancement programs: Best practices for your community. Presented at the International Conference of Active Aging, San Diego, CA.

Conference Presentations (last 5 years)

Winningham, R. G. (2013, April). Taking advantage of cognitive abilities that are retained with dementia. Paper presented at the annual Oregon State University Gerontology Conference.

Winningham, R. G., McCallum, T. J., Xie, B., Loeb-Aronin, G., Coppola, J. Intergenerational Activities and Community Involvement: A Winning Plan for Quality Senior Living. Presented at Annual American Society on Aging Conference, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G., McCallum, T. J., Xie, B., Loeb-Aronin, G., Coppola, J. Connecting elderly with social computer networking via intergenerational community-based programs. Presented at Annual American Society on Aging Conference, Chicago, IL.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, November). Brain wellness: How physical activity and nutrition can maximize brain health and decrease the chance of developing dementia. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, New Orleans, LA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, November). Motivating apathetic and depressed individuals to benefit from available programming. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, New Orleans, LA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, September). A Holistic and Research Based Prescription for Brain Health. Workshop presented at the Oregon Health Care Association Annual Conference, Portland, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, September). Executive Functioning: What Is It, Is It Important for Persons with Brain Injury, and How Can It be Improved? 7th Annual Black Hills Brain Injury Conference, Rapid City, SD.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, September). Cognitive Rehabilitation: Empirically-Based Interventions to be Used Across the Continuum of Impairment. 7th Annual Black Hills Brain Injury Conference, Rapid City, SD.

Winningham, R.G., (2012, April). How Effective Leadership Can Create Meaningful Undergraduate Research Experiences, that Benefit Students, Departments, Colleges, and Universities. Paper presented at the Psi Chi Leadership Symposium at the 92nd Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Mackor, K., Molloy, K., Pullam, N., Kopel, J., Grigsby, C., Miller, R., Buckingham, D., Sutter, J., Graves, A., & Winningham, R. G. (2012, April). Comparing the Cognitive Screening Tools MMSE and SLUMS. Poster presented at the 92nd Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, April). Cognitive Train and Rehabilitation: Best Practices to Maximize Memory Ability in Older Adulthood. Paper presented at the annual Oregon State University Gerontology Conference.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, April). Depression and Dementia in Older Adulthood. Paper presented at the annual Oregon State University Gerontology Conference.

Winningham, R. G. (2012, March). Motivating Depressed and Apathetic Individuals to Maximize their Quality of Life. Paper presented at the Oregon Health Care Association Conference, Grand Ronde, OR.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, December). Best Practices for Group-Based Memory Enhancement Programs. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, Orlando, FL.

Winningham, R. G. (2011, November). Cognitive Rehabilitation and Memory Enhancement. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, Orlando, FL.

Winningham, R. G. & Coleman, M. (2010, December). Memory enhancement programs: Best practices for your community. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, San Diego, CA.

Winningham, R. G. (2010, December). Brain training: Implementing Memory Enhancement Programs. Presented at for the International Conference on Active Aging, San Diego, CA.

Templeton, J.H., Winningham, R. G., Dutton, B. E., Scheck, S. H. (2010, June). PURE@WOU: Developing and implementing the Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences. Poster scheduled to be presented at the Council for Undergraduate Research’s National Meeting.

Winningham, R. G. & Coleman, M. (2010, March). From Research Laboratories to the Communities: Best Practices for Memory Enhancement Programs. Presentation application submitted for the Annual American Society on Aging Conference, Chicago, IL.

Brigham, T. L. & Winningham, R. G. (2009, April). The relationship between self-efficacy, effort level, and improvement. Poster presented at the annual Western Psychological Association meeting, Portland, OR.

Karr, J. E. & Winningham, R. G. (2009, February). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Their effects on health, the brain, and their importance in the human diet. Paper presented at the 45th Annual Oregon Academy of Sciences Meeting, Monmouth, OR.

Winningham, R. G., Studer, M. T. (2009, February). Maximizing Skill Development in Cognitively Impaired Patients. Presented at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sessions Meeting. Las Vegas, NV.

McCulloch, K., Dibble, L. Studer, M. T., Winningham, R. G. (2009, February). Paying Attention, Making Choices: The Role of Cognition in Falls Prevention!. Presented at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sessions Meeting. Las Vegas, NV.