Naomi Meinertz

Dr. Naomi Meinertz is an Assistant Professor in Human Development & Family Science and State Specialist in Aging for Health & Human Sciences Extension at the University of Missouri's College of Education & Human Development. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University with minors in Gerontology and Political Science.

Her research focuses on family care experiences and intergenerational relationships in later life, using translational science to bridge research and practice. Research emphases include:

• Family caregiving processes and networks
• Preparation for later life care situations
• Program development and evaluation
• Diverse family structures
• Family abuse in later life

Future research will explore care partnerships in under-researched populations including blended/stepfamilies and racially/ethnically diverse families. She is developing extension programming to address the needs of older Missourians navigating later life issues.