معرفی
Jennifer Carson is a Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Public Health of the University of Nevada, Reno. She founded and directs the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) Program and leads the Dementia Friendly Nevada initiative through state partnerships. Her work focuses on combating ageism and ableism while improving elder well-being through community-engaged research and education.
- Email: jennifercarson@unr.edu
- Office: Building EJCH, Room 257
Education:
- Ph.D. in Recreation and Leisure Studies (Aging, Health and Well-Being), University of Waterloo
- M.S. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (Therapeutic Recreation), Clemson University
- B.A. in Physical Education, Health and Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation), Eastern Washington University
Research Focus: Jennifer Carson's scholarship integrates gerontology, dementia care, and culture change in aging services with an emphasis on participatory action research. Her work spans dementia-friendly community development, relationship-centered care training, and innovative approaches to leisure in aging contexts. Key themes include:
- Combating ageism through systemic change
- Virtual social support systems during crises
- Appreciative inquiry for organizational transformation
- Creative pedagogical tools (e.g., drama-based education)
- Interdisciplinary geriatrics workforce development
Scientific Awards:
- 2022 Laura Joyner Award (Mensa Foundation) for brain health programming
- 2011 Excellence in Aging Services Award (IAHSA) for collaborative initiatives
- 2017 Ontario Long-Term Care Association Innovation Award
- 2018 Facility Best Practice Award (Friends of Residents in LTC)
- CARF International recognition for memory care innovation
Advising & Grants: Carson serves as principal investigator for multiple grants, including:
- HRSA Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
- ICECAP Nevada interprofessional training initiative
- Nevada CAN rapid response network during the pandemic
She collaborates with institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine’s Sanford Center for Aging and Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging.
Labs & Teams: Carson leads the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research Program and co-created the NEST Collaborative virtual support network. She partners with:
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine’s Sanford Center for Aging
- Carol Woods Retirement Community
- Changing Aging Tour
- State agencies (ADSD, DPBH)
- International research institutes (Schlegel-University of Waterloo)
