Faculty & Staff Resources

I am trained as a social worker, sociologist, and gerontologist with specific areas of research on family gerontology, caregiving of ethnic minority older adults with dementia or other cognitive impairment, and health outcomes in later life. I have written extensively on how macrosystems (i.e., culture), ecosystems (i.e., social service, neighbors), microsystems (i.e., family, peers) and individual systems (i.e., age, sex) affect the health outcomes of vulnerable ethnic minority older adults and how to utilize social resources to promote their health and well-being. Since becoming a faculty member, I have been awarded several grants, independently or collaborated with other colleagues, during the past three years. For example, one of my funded research studies involves conducting community-based participatory research with vulnerable ethnic minority older adults to explore how cultural differences, social capital, and social exclusion affect the family dynamics of caregiving as well as the health outcomes of older Chinese immigrants. Study findings will be used to inform the development of culturally competent community services or activities, while eliminating social exclusion, discrimination, and other barriers for Chinese older adults. I also recently completed a pilot study that delivered a psychoeducational intervention for Chinese Foster Grandparents who serve as volunteers for children with special needs in the Dallas metro area. Findings from the study confirm the benefits of volunteering and the importance of creating volunteer opportunities for immigrant older adults. This study will inform culturally tailored interventions or training for minority volunteers related to gaining knowledge and managing stress. In addition, I am collaborating with my colleague, Dr. Fields in conducting an intervention study to utilize senior companions in direct work with dementia caregivers in the African American community, which is a R15 research supported by NIA. Findings from the study will also inform culturally tailored interventions with minority dementia family caregivers. Built on the results of above research projects as well as secondary data analyses, approximately 40 papers have been published in peer-reviewed journals since joining UTA.