Scott E. Wilks

Dr. Scott E. Wilks is a Professor at Louisiana State University’s College of Human Sciences & Education, School of Social Work. He serves as Director of the LSU Healthy Aging Research Center (HARC) and the Louisiana Geriatrics Workforce Education Program. His work focuses on improving geriatric health and wellbeing, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).

• PhD in Social Work, University of Georgia (2004)
• MSW, Our Lady of the Lake University (2001)
• BA in Sociology, Louisiana State University (1997)

Dr. Wilks’s research emphasizes dementia care, caregiver resilience, and psychosocial interventions. He has secured over $12.5 million in grants from organizations like the Health Resources and Services Administration, AARP Louisiana, and the John A. Hartford Foundation. His recent publications analyze Montessori-based dementia therapies, spiritual support for caregivers, and psychometric evaluations of geriatric assessment tools.

Scientific awards include:

• Fellow, The Gerontological Society of America
• John A. Hartford Foundation Faculty Scholar in Geriatric Social Work
• 2018 Distinguished Research Award Recipient

Dr. Wilks leads large-scale funded research programs and collaborates with institutions such as Stanford University’s Faculty Development Institute and the Gerontological Society of America Policy Leadership Institute. His grants focus on behavioral health training for social work interns and community-based dementia support services.