Student Profiles



Thomas Shaffer Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences BA: Business Admin, Univ. of New Haven MHS: Hlth Policy & Mangement, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health As a new member of the Part D group at CMS, Tom now sees how the theoretical mixes with the day-to-day realities that stem from the implementation (and evolution) of the Medicare Part D program. His dissertation work involves looking at how changes in drug regimens for nursing home residents are associated with adverse outcomes such as hospitalizations. Not very far behind his interest in research is developing more methodological savvy and using it in practical and relevant ways. This interest and his natural curiosity will be put to good use in his current position. Tom plans on staying involved with, or lead, research at either the Federal or University level.

Janet Schreck Track: Epidemiology BA: Speech Pathology/Audiology, Loyola College in MD MS: Speech Pathology, Loyola College in MD CV For the past 20 years, Janet has worked as a speech-language pathologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of cognitive, communicative and swallowing disorders in older adults. She is a part-time student and works full-time as the Executive Director of the Loyola Clinical Centers, an interdisciplinary training center for graduate students in Education, Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology, Psychology, and Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. Janet’s clinical and research interests include cognitive-communication changes and disorders in older adults, tertiary prevention, and rehabilitation of cognitive-communication disorders associated with aging. Her dissertation is examining factors that influence marital satisfaction in spouses of patients with chronic aphasia.

Lynn Keimig Track: Epidemiology BA: English, College of William & Mary MHA: Health Policy, Cornell University Lynn works in the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluating new models in clinical care, community health, and payment and services delivery. She is writing her dissertation on advance care planning and family structure. Lynn began her career as a program analyst with the National Cancer Institute. She has worked as a researcher and project coordinator in the Center for Aging Studies at UMBC investigating quality and transitions in assisted living, social relationships among older adults, and generativity in later life. Her career goals include research, teaching, and program development in aging services.

Susan Hannum Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences B.A.: Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology, UMBC M.A.: Applied Sociology, UMBC CV Susan came to the UMB/UMBC Doctoral Program in Gerontology after working at Thomas Jefferson University’s Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health with Dr. Helen Black. There, she worked on a qualitative research project done in conjunction with Dr. Robert Rubinstein of UMBC (who later became her mentor) that pertained to the experience of suffering among those over the age of 80. For the past two years, Susan worked as a qualitative research interviewer for the Generativity and Lifestyles of Older Women (GLOW) research project, led by Drs. de Medeiros and Rubinstein. This year, Susan has transitioned to focusing on her doctoral dissertation, having recently received a pre-doctoral award from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to support her dissertation research project. This project is entitled: “Chronic Illness Narratives: Conceptualizations of a Cancer Diagnosis among Chronically Ill Older Adults”.

Jennifer Lloyd Track: Epidemiology BA: Psychology/Sociology, Towson University MA: Sociology, UMBC After graduating with her BS, Jennifer worked for a U.S. Department of Justice clearinghouse, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, where she specialized in substance abuse and criminal justice issues. After three years in the field, Jennifer decided to go back to get her Master's in Applied Sociology at UMBC. While working on her Master's, she was the project coordinator for the neighborhood survey portion of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study with the National Institute on Aging. Upon graduation, Jennifer began teaching Introduction to Sociology and The Family courses at TowsonUniversity and UMBC. With a background in Sociology, Jennifer has an interest in studying inequality as it pertains to race, gender, and social class among aging populations. In the first 3 years of the doctoral program, Jennifer worked with Dr. Bruce Stuart at the PeterLamyCenter using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data on prescription drug and Medicare spending among beneficiaries with chronic diseases. In the third year of the doctoral program, Jennifer began working on the Caregiver study, part of the Baltimore Hip Studies while on the Epidemiology of Aging Trainee Grant. Jennifer defended her dissertation proposal, “Bone Mineral Density and Hip Fracture in Overweight and Obese Older Adults” in November 2010 and expects to graduate this Fall.

Amanda Peeples Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences B.A.: Sociology & Psychology, UMBC M.A.: Applied Sociology, UMBC While earning her MA degree, Amanda worked as a research assistant on a project with Dr. Robert Rubinstein examining older adults’ experiences of suffering over the life course. This hands-on experience in doing research among an aged population fueled Amanda’s interest in continuing her education in the field of gerontology. Amanda currently works on the Social Relations in Residential Settings (SRRS) grant with Dr. J. Kevin Eckert. The SRRS project explores social interactions and attitudes towards aging in senior housing communities of various types. Amanda’s dissertation research focuses on attitudes toward and relationships with people who reside in a dementia care unit. Her goal is to pursue a career in research and teaching in gerontology.

Karen Johnson Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences B.A.: Mathematics,Cedarville College M.S.: Math Science/Stats, Virginia Commonwealth University Karen’s background includes extensive data analytics experience in the fields of epidemiology and health services research. Currently she serves as a senior director in the Performance Measures department of the National Quality Forum. Karen’s major areas of interest include health care quality improvement and issues related to the end of life; her dissertation will focus on hospice providers’ perceptions of healthcare quality and quality improvement initiatives for end-of-life care.

Shannon O’Connor Track: Policy B.A.: Psychology, North Carolina State University M.A.: Sociology, North Carolina Central University CV As a first year PhD student, Shannon was an RA for Dr. Charlene Quinn on the Mobile Diabetes Study, a clinical trial using a telemedicine system to improve diabetes management. Since her second year she has served as an RA for Dr. Marc Hochberg on the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a NIH-funded, multi-site, longitudinal, observational study designed to identify and validate biomarkers for the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Shannon is currently working on her dissertation project, analyzing OAI data to examine incidence and risk factors for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among older adults with end-stage knee OA.

Lisa Reider Track: Epidemiology BS: Biology, Washington College MHS: Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health CV Lisa Reider, MHS, is an Assistant Scientist in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH), Department of Health Policy and Management. She has experience and expertise in coordinating multi-center interdisciplinary research studies. Currently she serves as Director of Protocol Development and Implementation within the coordinating center for an orthopaedic trauma research consortium. Her research interests include musculoskeletal health, osteoporotic fracture and rehabilitation in older adults in addition to improving the quality of their health care.


Nancy Chiles Track: Epidemiology BS: Biology, UMBC CV While earning her B.S. in Biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Nancy conducted research with multiple studies in the field of Gerontology with the National Institute on Aging, including the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study and the InCHIANTI study. These experiences encouraged Nancy to pursue a doctoral degree in Gerontology. Nancy currently works as a graduate research assistant for the Baltimore Hip Studies with Dr. Denise Orwig. Her dissertation research examines diabetes, sarcopenia, peripheral neuropathy and lower extremity function among a diverse population of older adults. Nancy’s goal is a career in gerontological epidemiology with a focus on minority aging.

Katherine Humber Track: SCB BA: English and Psychobiology, Wellesley College Computer Studies, UMUC MA: Clinical/Community Psych, University of Maryland College Park Kathy’s MA focused on self-concept issues in minority populations. During the course of her studies, Kathy developed a dual interest in cross-cultural issues as well as neuropsychological assessment. In the workforce, these interests led to positions in clinical settings as a therapist and counselor for a wide variety of populations. She also served as the neuropsychological coordinator overseeing the administration of clinical protocols for schizophrenic patients. After working in mental health, Kathy took on an administrative role at UMUC as an assistant academic director in the Sciences. Currently, she serves as the academic director of Gerontology and Behavioral Sciences. In this capacity, Kathy has developed an interest in the characteristics of older adults as well as the services and policies which affect them. Kathy's research interests include exploring mental health and cognition in aging from a sociocultural perspective.

Iona Johnson Track: SCB BA: Psychology & Speech Pathology/Audiology, George Washington University MS: Speech Language Pathology, Loyola College in MD Iona is a speech language pathologist with over 20 years experience as a clinician in the medical setting. For the past 9 years, she has worked as a clinical assistant professor at Towson University, in the department of Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Deaf studies. Iona established the Stroke Survivor Group @ TU, a community based group that provides education and support for stroke survivors and their caregivers. As a part-time student in the Gerontology doctoral program, she aspires to develop her skills as a researcher. Iona’s research interests include stroke rehabilitation, cognitive-communication disorders, and quality of life and social participation in elderly who have chronic co-morbidities.

Tara McMullen Track: Policy BA: Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno MPH: Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno Tara has worked as a Graduate Research Assistant on the National Balancing Indicators Contract (IMPAQ International), the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP), and as a student intern with a subsection of the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA). Tara is currently working as a Health Analyst at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Quality Measurement & Health Assessment Group. Tara is also a core team member of the CMS lead initiative, the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. For her dissertation, Tara is conducting research that explores scope of practice issues with Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs). This dissertation work will focus on establishing and expanding a scope of practice for CNAs. Tara's research interests include direct care workforce issues, aging policy, evaluation, and advocacy. Tara's policy career aspirations include drafting mock legislation for the expansion of loan forgiveness for students interested in geriatrics and implementing legislation that protects and retains older workers.

Colleen Bennett   Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral  BA: Sociology and International Relations, State University of New York College at Geneseo  MS: Gerontology, Marywood University   Colleen comes from a small town in upstate New York. Her interest in aging began as a senior at the SUNY College at Geneseo, where she worked with the IOM Political Rights and Enfranchisement System Strengthening Project researching political displacement and older voters’ issues. As a Graduate Assistant at Marywood University, she focused on recreational and alternative therapies and activity departments in long-term care settings. She also worked closely with Marywood’s Gerontology Advisory Board and conducted research for an upcoming “Gerontological Handbook.” Her research interests have expanded to include family LGBT issues and needs in assisted living and long-term care settings. Colleen now works as an ethnographer with The Center for Aging Studies with Drs. Ann Christine Frankowski and Bob Rubinstein.

Mingliang Dai Track: Policy BA: International Economics, Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade MS: Gerontology, University of Central Missouri CV Ming is interested in the role of supportive housing options such as assisted living facilities and smart homes in quality of life for the current and coming aging population. In particular, he is interested in how local/state/federal policies influence the delivery of these services and shape the experience of older adults with supportive housing. His career goal is to improve residential satisfaction of older adults and use research to inform policy. As a graduate research assistant, Ming has been working with Dr. Bruce Stuart on the impact of prescription drug (Medicare Part D) utilization and adherence on various health outcomes using MCBS and CCW data sets. He also worked as a GRA at the Hilltop Institute for a year when he was involved in evaluation projects of the Maryland Medicaid programs using MMIS data sets. He is currently working with Dr. Gruber-Baldini on her FOCUS-CAS study whose goal is to identify predictors of functional recovery, and walking in particular, for older hip fracture patients with dementia.

Jennifer Howard-Doering Track: Policy BA: Politics, University of California MPP: University of Erfurt, Germany MSW: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Jennifer is a part-time student who works full-time as a Senior Consultant on several federal projects in the area of long-term supports and services for older adults and adults with disabilities. Her interest in aging and disability policy began as a high school student while volunteering at a nursing home. During her graduate work and subsequent employment, she developed an interest in long-term supports and services (LTSS). Jennifer’s research interests are in Medicare and Medicaid duel-eligibility policy, national LTSS rebalancing efforts, LTSS initiatives for special populations, and international approaches to LTSS.

Rasheeda Johnson Track: Epidemiology BS: Biology, UMBC BA: Management of Aging Services, UMBC During Rasheeda’s undergraduate career at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, research and academic experiences prompted her to explore public health via population studies where her fascination with the world of epidemiological studies pertaining to sociology and gerontology was ignited. Rasheeda looks forward to enhancing her research experience with studies geared toward investigating health disparities of underrepresented aging populations as it is influenced by environment or social networks. She is specifically interested in researching social and metabolic risk factors for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease in aging populations focusing on the unequal distribution of such factors in various minority ethnic groups and the true influence of these risk factors on disease outcome and survival. Upon the completion of her graduate studies, she looks forward to taking a proactive role in shedding light on the importance of Aging research in academia by teaching at an undergraduate and graduate level.

Alida Loinaz Track: Epidemiology BS: Occupational Therapy, San Jose State Univesity As a registered occupational therapist and certified American Sign Language interpreter, Alida Loinaz has a background in neurological/orthopedic rehabilitation, human development, adaptation/accommodation, resilience, inclusive care and mind-body interaction. Before moving to Maryland, Alida developed a dementia care expertise and provided caregiver education and support for the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter. At UMB Alida is a GRA for the Baltimore Hip Studies on the Community Ambulation Study looking at hip fracture rehabilitation outcomes.

Michael Brazda Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral BS: Computer Studies, University of Maryland University College BA: Anthropology, University of Maryland Baltimore County MA: Applied Sociology, University of Maryland Baltimore County Michael has always been interested in social and cultural issues. His interest in aging related issues developed while working on his graduate degree at UMBC. While all social and cultural aspects of aging are of interest, Michael is hoping to focus more on the areas of technology and the internet use by older adults and aging related issues pertaining to the Gay and Lesbian communities.

Laura Girling Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral BS: Psychology, Clemson University MS: Clinical Psychology, Loyola University, Maryland Prior to coming to UMBC, Laura worked within Johns Hopkins Hospital as the Division of Medical Psychology’s Research Coordinator. Her work predominantly focused on performing neuropsychological assessments on cognitively normal older adults as well as individuals diagnosed with memory disorders, primarily Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or mild cognitive impairment. Laura’s clinical and research interests include cognitive testing, early detection of memory impairment, examining the role of generativity in psychological well-being, and dementia care.

Flavius Lilly Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Flavius’ interests in gerontology began as an undergraduate when he worked as a research assistant for the Fels Longitudinal Study. His interests in older populations continued during graduate school in public health and into his career as a hospital executive. His research interests are in examining the physical environments and social inequalities of neighborhoods and their affect on the health and wellbeing of people as they age.

Cristan Smith Track: Social, Cultural, and Behavioral Sciences BA: Criminology & Criminal Justice, UMCP MA: Applied Sociology, UMBC Cristan’s interest in gerontology began when she worked as a research assistant for the Baltimore Experience Corps Study. Her current research interests include mental health and aging, substance abuse in later life and the aging prison population. She’s worked as a GRA with Dr. Paul Sacco on the Healthy Drinking in Retirement Study and is currently working with Dr. Denise Orwig on the Caregiver study.

Laura Frazier Track: Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences M.S: Applied Gerontology, Towson University, 2012 B.A: Sociology, University of Maryland, 2008 Laura received her B.A in Sociology from the University of Maryland in 2008. Shortly after graduation, she took on a position as a Direct Care Supervisor at an adult day care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Here, Laura developed a strong interest in the welfare of aging individuals with developmental disabilities. Her experience in direct care also sparked her research interest in the study of the caregiving dyad and how a caregiver’s various characteristics can positively or negatively impact their care receivers. Laura was awarded her M.S in Applied Gerontology from Towson University in 2012. Laura has interned at the Older Women’s League (OWL) where she assisted with the review and compilation of research for two of the organization’s annual “Mother’s Day Report” publications (2011 and 2012). Laura has also worked at Abt Associate’s as a BOND Specialist on the Social Security Administration’s BOND Project, a national demonstration that examines how SSDI beneficiaries can keep more of their SSDI benefits as their earnings from work activity increase. Laura enjoys spending time with her cats Bailey and Bowser, traveling, and volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. Laura’s future goals include either pursuing a career academia or the social sciences research field.

Emma Sheldon Track: Epidemiology BA: Mathematics, Wells College Emma received her BA in mathematics at Wells College in upstate New York. Starting this fall, Emma will work with Dr. Orwig on the Community Ambulation Study. She will also be pre-doctoral fellow on the Epidemiology of Aging Training Grant. Her research interests include hip fracture rehabilitation, hospital epidemiology, and how socioeconomic influences create health disparities.

Jing Xu Track: Policy M.A.: Anthropology, East Carolina University B.S.: Biotechnology, Fudan University Jing’s interests in aging developed when she was a senior, participating in a research project about long-term care among low-income population in Shanghai. She was an intern at Vidant Health in 2011, and focused her graduate project on ethical dilemmas in palliative care delivery. She graduated with a masters in Anthropology in May 2012. Jing looks forward to gaining extensive knowledge about health policy and elderly care while pursuing her doctoral degree in Gerontology. Her career goal is to teach at the university level or be a research analyst in aging policy.

Elizabeth Couser Track: Social, Cultural and Behavioral B.A.: Psychology and Music, Saint Michael’s College MSW: Concentration in Clinical Geriatrics (Completed the John Hartford Internships in Aging Program), SUNY Albany Elizabeth’s research is focused in neuro-ophthalmology and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). She is interested in many areas of this field, from optic biomarkers for AD to the design of living environments to fit changing visual perceptions as AD progresses. Her love for gerontology began as a child, when she would play the piano for nursing home residents. This hobby developed into volunteer and employment positions in memory care facilities, internships in college, a concentration in a Master’s of Social Work program, and finally, to a Gerontology Doctoral program. She began her Gerontology Doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky and transferred to the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2012. Her recent lab experience includes the completion of immunohistochemistries with human brain tissue samples for a study funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).