Jacquelyn Frank

Jacquelyn Frank is a Professor in Human Services and Aging Studies (Gerontology) at Eastern Illinois University, based in Klehm Hall, Charleston, Illinois. Her research focuses on aging in place, dementia in prison, and long-term incarceration, with notable publications including "The Paradox of Aging in Place in Assisted Living".

Dr. Frank's educational background includes advanced degrees in both social sciences and law. She earned her Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Northwestern University and a Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

• Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology, Northwestern University
• M.S.L. in Law, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Her research interests span gerontology and criminology, with a focus on aging in place, residents' perspectives in assisted living, Alzheimer's disease and dementia in prison, long-term incarceration, chronic disease self-management in prison, hospice care in prison, and smart home technology for elder privacy. She has been researching incarceration aspects for over ten years, publishing extensively on assisted living and prison aging dynamics.

Dr. Frank's publications from 2008 to 2020 demonstrate a consistent interdisciplinary approach bridging gerontology and criminology. Key thematic trends include the intersection of aging and incarceration systems, service-learning applications in correctional education, and grief mechanisms among dementia caregivers. Her work frequently employs qualitative methodologies and cross-cultural frameworks, such as U.S.-Finland comparisons in long-term care systems, while addressing practical challenges in academic service-learning recognition.

Recognition:

• Illinois Humanities Grant (2022) for research on aging in prison

Advising and Funding:

• Supervised 3 graduate research projects or theses
• Illinois Humanities Grant (2022) supporting prison aging research

Dr. Frank maintains active institutional engagement through university committee service since 2000, contributing to governance and academic initiatives across six documented committee memberships, reflecting sustained administrative involvement alongside her research agenda.