Research Statement
As a gerontologist with a research PhD in Nursing, an MS in Gerontology, and a BA in Theatre Studies, I am prepared to conduct transdisciplinary research using an approach that focuses on enhancing the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers through arts-based interventions. Currently,I am collaborating with the Utah Caregiver Support Program and Walk Ons, Inc (a professional theatre group specializing in performing for underserved audiences) to dissemnate caregiving research using professional performaces of an ethnodrama created in partnership with informal family caregivers. This intervention builds on the work I completed with nursing students and long term care residents to use ethnodrama in an effort to improve attitudes about older adults and aging. I recently received funding to work with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to revise and implement a creative caregiving toolkit in long term care facilities. Our goal is to identify techniques that can improve job satisfaction, empower CNAs, and reduce turnover.
