Q: How long have you been a GSA member?
A: I joined in 2023 in the beginning of my PhD here at University of South Florida.
Q: How specifically has membership in GSA benefitted you?
A: GSA has helped me explore new ideas, meet peers who share my interests, and see the field from fresh perspectives. Through different GSA activities, workshops, discussions, and forums, I have deepened my knowledge of aging. Besides that, the feedback and thoughtful questions during my presentations have strengthened my research and confidence.
Q: How did you get interested in the field of aging?
A: My passion for gerontology grew from close relationships with my grandparents and with older women in my church community. I loved being around them and felt deep admiration. So, I chose a career in occupational therapy specially to help older adults and spent eight years in clinical practice, during which I completed a certificate in Gerontology. Wanting a broader impact through research, I returned to school for a PhD in Aging Studies. Studying aging has been the throughline of my education and career.
Q: What projects are you working on in your current position?
A: I am a third year PhD student studying how everyday engagement relates to cognitive aging. I completed a cross-sectional moderation study of social participation and cognition using HRS, and I am finishing a longitudinal study that follows social participation and cognitive change over time. Building on that work, I implemented a longitudinal mediation project testing an epigenetic pathway that may link social connection and cognition. I am excited to focus now on technology engagement and cognitive function for my dissertation. I recently began a certificate in machine learning and artificial intelligence, which has been challenging and very rewarding. I also serve as a research assistant on an NIH R01 in palliative care under the guidance of Dr. Debra Dobbs, which has been a rich learning experience.
Q: What do you love most about your line of work?
A: What I love most is how this topic brings people in. After talks, students, clinicians, and community members share examples from their lives and ask great questions that push my thinking. I feel energized when I present because I truly believe in the impact this work can have for older adults and their families. That sense of purpose makes me excited about the future.
Q: What was the best piece of advice you got early on in your career you’d like to pass on to emerging gerontologists?
A: The best advice I share with friends in the field is simple. Care for your mind, body, and spirit so you can do your best work. Make time for a spiritual practice, regular exercise, and therapy or counseling when needed. Ask your mentors to challenge you, think big, and do not be afraid to try. We grow by stretching. Keep showing up and do not give up. Also make full use of your GSA membership. Read discussion groups, join workshops, and connect with peers and mentors. These resources are excellent tools for learning and support.