Kristopher Struckmeyer

Kristopher Struckmeyer is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), serving as a representative on the HHD Faculty Council Senate Council. His research focuses on aging families, caregiving dynamics, and rural LGBTQ+ older adults' health needs. He holds a Ph.D. (2018), M.S. (2015), and B.A. (2013) in Human Development and Gerontology from Oklahoma State University and Arkansas Tech University, respectively.

Struckmeyer’s work emphasizes improving interactions between older adults and their environments, including health services and social support systems. His research highlights marginalized aging populations, particularly rural communities and LGBTQ+ elders, addressing issues like caregiving barriers, community readiness for aging populations, and intergenerational health programs. He has published extensively on topics such as centenarian loneliness, caregiver resilience, and innovative caregiving education.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Human Development & Family Science (Gerontology), Oklahoma State University (2018)
  • M.S., Human Development & Family Science (Gerontology), Oklahoma State University (2015)
  • B.A., Psychology, Arkansas Tech University (2013)

His teaching philosophy integrates practical applications of aging studies, informed by his personal experiences with caregiving in rural settings. He collaborates with Extension agents and public health initiatives to develop accessible programs for aging families. Publications include peer-reviewed articles in International Journal of Aging & Human Development, Journal of Extension, and Marriage and Family Review.

Struckmeyer’s outreach efforts include creating fact sheets on caregiving strategies, aging-in-place, and LGBTQ+ elder health, emphasizing community education and policy responsiveness.