Overview
My research is focused on developing evidence-based physical activity interventions for older adults with an eye to preserving functional independence and quality of life. I am particularly interested in developing exercise programs to promote physical and psychological well-being among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Medicine
·
2025 - Present
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care,
Medicine
Senior Fellow of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
·
2020 - Present
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Cognitive Impairment Highly Prevalent and Associated With Reduced Physical Function in Older Veteran Clinical Exercise Program.
Other Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognition at entry into the Gerofit program and its association with physical function. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cross-sectional design. SETTING: Gerofit outpatient clinical exercise programs at multiple Veterans Affairs M ... Full text Link to item CiteDeveloping physically and psychologically safe exercise spaces: Insights from women veterans on trauma-informed exercise interventions.
Journal Article Psychol Sport Exerc · November 2025 Exercise benefits both physical and mental health. However, women veterans (WVs) face unique barriers to exercise which may be mitigated by trauma-informed practices such as incorporating lived experience into program development. This study engaged WVs to ... Full text Link to item CiteEvaluation of the Gerofit to Home Model of Care: A Remote Clinical Exercise Program for Older Adults.
Journal Article J Am Geriatr Soc · September 26, 2025 OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift to remote healthcare. In response, the Veteran Health Administration's (VHA) Gerofit clinical exercise program began providing supervised, group-based exercise sessions three times weekly via real-tim ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Patterns of Biological, Cognitive, and Physical Aging in Cancer Survivors and Controls and the Role of Sleep Health: Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of California - Los Angeles · 2023 - 2028Duke CTSA (TL1) Year 5
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2024Physical Resiliencies: Indicators and Mechanisms in the Elderly Collaborative (PRIME Collaborative)
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2024View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign ·
2008
Ph.D.