Susan J. E. Murtha

Faculty & School/Dept.

Faculty of Health - Department of Psychology

Degrees

Ph.D. - 1993
Carleton University
Ottawa

M.Sc. - 1988
Carleton University
Ottawa

Selected Publications

Non-peer reviewed publications

“Using AI in an online graduate course teamwork assignment” Generative AI Teaching Showcase cohosted by Office of the VP Teaching and Learning and the Teaching Commons York University, Jan 24, 2025.

 

Sample of Publications

Francis K., Murtha S. The inclusion and Efficacy of First-Person Narrative in the Design of Long-Term Care homes. Architectural Science Review, accepted April 2021 https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2021.1917336

https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/HXFH3RMRKCPEJXYB7IRJ/full?target=10.1080/00038628.2021.1917336 

McLaughlin P., Curtis, A. Branscombe-Laird, L., Comrie, J., Murtha S. J.E. (2017) The Feasibility and Potential Impact of Brain Training on Cognitive and Emotional Functioning in Middle-aged Adults. Games for Health Journal. Final publication is available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.: http://dx.doi.org/[ http://online.liebertpub.com/toc/g4h/0/0] or http://bit.ly/2FPhBUz, (note this was one of five most downloaded articles from the Games for Health journal from January 2018 to January 2019. 

Curtis, A., Turner G. A., Park N., Murtha S. J. E. (2019) Improving Visual Spatial Working Memory in Younger and Older Adults: Effects of Cross-Modal Cues. Journal of Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition Vol 26 (1), 24-43.

Owston R., York D., Murtha S. (2013) Student perceptions and achievement in a university blended learning strategic initiative. The Internet and Higher Education. 18, 38-46  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2012.12.003

Supervision

Currently available to supervise graduate students: Yes

Currently taking on work-study students, Graduate Assistants or Volunteers: No

Available to supervise undergraduate thesis projects: No

Current Research

Susan's research explores neuro- and cognitive plasticity, i.e., how the brain and certain cognitive abilities adapt and change with aging, and how certain cues may attenuate some types of cognitive declines with aging. More recently, she has become fascinated by how using technology (such as information communication technology, and assistive technology) can contribute to healthy aging. 

She has a range of teaching experiences: from being a “guide on the side” in a 4th-year seminar course to being the “sage on the stage” to 500 students in a first-year Introduction to Psychology course.  She is an avid user of technology wherever appropriate (including using AI in teaching and learning) as long as it's facilitating learning of the content.