I am an Associate Professor of Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago.  I completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Duke University's Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development in 2013 and received my Ph.D. in social gerontology from the Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University in 2011.  My research and teaching agenda reflects my commitment to the interdisciplinary exploration of aging in the United States.  As a social gerontologist, I investigate complex and pressing problems related to aging, health, and well-being through independent research that integrates the perspectives and methodologies of gerontology, sociology, and women’s studies.  Specifically, my research focuses on resilience with related interests in health and gender.