Julian Keith
Professor
Dr. Julian R. Keith is Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he has served since 1990. Dr. Keith is a recipient of the Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award, the Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award, and the 2015 UNCW Distinguished Teaching Professorship.
Dr. Keith's research spans basic neuroscience and clinical applications. His early work on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and memory mechanisms was supported by an R01 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health and employed diverse methodologies including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and sophisticated behavioral analyses. His translational research has addressed cognitive outcomes following cardiac surgery, neurofeedback treatments for ADHD and traumatic brain injury, and novel concussion assessment technologies. Dr. Keith's primary interest is cognitive neuroscience, with special interests in the learning, memory, emotion, and attention.
Dr. Keith frequently presents to community organizations on topics ranging from brain health to Buddhism and modern psychology to artificial intelligence.
Education
Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience), University of Colorado Boulder, 1990
M.A. in Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder
B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy & Religion (Double Major), University of North Carolina Wilmington, 1983
Specialization in Teaching
Dr. Keith teaches courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including:
Experimental Psychology (PSY 355)
Buddhism and Modern Psychology
Graduate seminars in neuroscience and cognitive psychology
His teaching emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and the integration of contemplative practices with empirical psychology. Students characterize his instruction as engaging, intellectually rigorous, and accessible.
Research Interests
Cognitive Neuroscience & Memory Systems
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and functional plasticity
Spatial learning and memory mechanisms
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic plasticity
Neural mechanisms of attention and executive function
Pharmacological modulation of memory (cholinergic systems, SSRIs)
Clinical Applications & Digital Therapeutics
Neurofeedback for ADHD, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury
Mobile neurofeedback and digital health applications
Cognitive assessment following medical procedures
Concussion screening and neuromotor assessment technologies
Machine learning applications in neuropsychological assessment
Mild cognitive impairment detection and diagnosis
Behavioral Science & Decision-Making
Placebo and nocebo phenomena
Mindfulness and attention training
Professional Service
Academic Leadership
Department Chair, Psychology Department, UNCW (2015-2022)
Extensive service on university committees and governance
Community Engagement
Co-founder, MARS Memory-Health Network
Professional Activities
Manuscript reviewer for multiple neuroscience and psychology journals
Consultant on cognitive assessment and neurofeedback implementation
Collaborator on multi-site clinical trials and technology development projects
Community Engagement
Regular presenter to community organizations including:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCW
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UNCW
Cucalorus Connect
Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs
Honors & Awards
UNCW Distinguished Teaching Professorship (2015)
Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award
Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award