Aging and Care Research
This page highlights my ongoing research on aging and the meanings of care in the American Midwest. Explore the Projects page to learn more about my current work and how themes of care and aging are woven throughout each project.
Aging and Care Project Timelines
Preliminary Dissertation Research at proposed fieldsite, 2023
In 2023, I conducted preliminary dissertation fieldwork in Dubuque, IA, looking at various independent retirement communities and local non-profit organizations across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. My research focused on examining the available care systems for local residents, delving into questions about who provides care in these communities and the disparities in access. This research was funded by the IU Anthropology SKOMP Pre-Dissertation Fellowship.
Community-Engaged Research Pilot Studies in Senior Centers,
2024-2026
In 2024-2026 I am in the process of collecting ethnographic data with various Senior Centers in Indiana. This data ranges from nutritional, social and healthcare resources, and data surrounding evidence based programing. This research was funded by SoAR (report published in 2025), and the Irsay Institute Graduate Fellowship.
Dissertation Research, 2026-2027
My dissertation project investigates the different meanings of care for older adults in the American Midwest. When resources are lacking, how do aging populations or their caregivers overcome these shortages? I aim to understand how community members maintain consistent care while navigating social, legal, and institutional barriers. This research was made possible by various grants from the Poynter Center, the Center for Arts and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and the Department of Anthropology.
Fieldsite: Dubuque, IA
