$3.26M
External research funding in 2025 (up from $2.14M)
32% from Federal, 51% from the Aging Network, 10% from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, 7% from foundations, totaling $3,000,000
2025 Scripps Impact Report
Scripps Gerontology Center is a nationally-renowned source of practical, evidence-based insights, policy-relevant research, and innovative programs that are helping transform aging and aging services in Ohio and beyond. Scripps is building a better future for all of us as we age.
From the Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
At Scripps, we believe knowledge has the power to transform lives—and in 2025, we embraced that possibility with purpose and optimism. Each question we asked, each partnership we built, and each innovation we advanced was guided by a shared vision: a future where all older adults are supported by systems, communities, and policies grounded in evidence and responsive to what matters most to them.
This year’s impact report reflects the momentum we are building together. Across communities, organizations, and systems nationwide, we are accelerating the use of evidence-based practices—ensuring that what we learn does not remain in journals, but actively shapes programs, policies, and everyday experiences. From advancing person-centered approaches in dementia to strengthening the workforce and informing policy, our work is helping create a more responsive, equitable, and sustainable landscape for aging.
We are energized by what is possible. At Scripps, we are not only generating knowledge—we are helping drive transformation across the many systems that influence how people age. By working alongside practitioners, families, policymakers, and communities, we are creating solutions that endure and building a future where aging is met with dignity, connection, and opportunity.
This progress is only possible because of you. Your partnership fuels innovation, expands our reach, and strengthens our ability to respond to both urgent needs and emerging opportunities. Together, we are investing in people, ideas, and systems that will shape the future of aging.
As you read this report, we invite you to see not only what we have accomplished, but what we are building—together. The future of aging is one of possibility, and because of your support, that future is already taking shape.
With gratitude,
Katherine Abbott, Ph.D., MGS, FGSA
Executive Director, Scripps Gerontology Center
Professor of Gerontology, Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University
Advancing Cutting-edge Research
Scripps excels at conducting rigorous applied research that matters to policymakers and aging services providers, and uses the latest ideas in implementation science to ensure projects are feasible in practice settings. Below we highlight our research numbers, publications, and a story highlighting researchers building trust with community partners.
Research by the Numbers
74%
External research funding accounts for 74% of the Scripps operating budget
13% from Miami University and 13% from the E.W. Scripps Endowment, totaling $4,000,000
30
External grant proposals submitted in 2025
11 funded to date (7 pending)
Advancing Research to Amplify Impact
In 2025, Scripps researchers and fellows published 65 journal articles in 32 different journals. Of those,
- 52 were co-authored in collaboration with external partners;
- 14 of those were co-authored with doctoral students;
- 10 were co-authored with masters students; and
- 1 was co-authored with an undergraduate student.
Featured Publications
An embedded pragmatic clinical trial of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) program
Abbott, K. M., Heid, A. R., Noble, M., Kotterman, A., Unroe, K. T., & Van Haitsma, K.
Changes in federal and state policies on visitation restrictions in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Bowblis, J. R., Li, S., Heston-Mullins, J., Kuo, Y., & Goodwin, J. S.
John Bowblis is a Scripps research fellow and professor in the Department of Economics.
Loneliness in resettlement among multi-ethnic resettled refugees in Ohio
Ghimire, S., Karmacharya, I., Shrestha, A., Danquah, A., Jama, S. J., Asfaw, S., & Adhikari, S. B.
Saruna Ghimire is a Scripps research fellow and an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Gerontology.
“We’re preventing people from going into the most expensive level of care in every way that we can”: Barriers and recommendations for use of local funds
Brekke, B., Janssen, L. M., Dikhtyar, O., Nelson, I., & Applebaum, R.
This is a student-led publication. Bailee Brekke is a Ph.D. student in Social Gerontology at Miami University.
It’s not too late: Physical and social activity slow cognitive decline in those living with mild cognitive impairment
Dhakal, U., McLaughlin, S. J., Kim, S., Vivoda, J. M., Roberts, A. R., & Brown, J. S.
This is a student-led publication. Usha Dhakal '23 graduated with a Ph.D. in Social Gerontology from Miami University.
“I think we just saw happier residents”: Nursing home provider-reported readiness assessment of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) program
Talmage, A., Kunkel, M. C., Kasler, K., Keiser, C., Akter, N., Van Haitsma, K., & Abbott, K. M.
This is a student-led publication. Alexis Talmage '24 graduated with a master's of Gerontological Studies from Miami University.
Addressing the complexity of culture change in long-term care research: An innovative framework addressing system-level complexity
Elliott, A. E., Abbott, K. M., Noble, M., & Van Haitsma, K.
A case study of aging and intellectual and developmental disability collaboration in Ohio.
Heston-Mullins, J., Primetica, B., Bibbo, J., Bollin, S., Wyrostek, L., Barrett, D., Williman, M., Burman, B., Haas, A., Scharf, L., Huth, M., Hudak, J., & Kinzig, E.
Bridging the Care Gap for People Living Alone with Dementia.
Menne, H. L, Singer, K. J., McSparran, E. H., & Nelson, I. M.
Heather Menne is a Scripps research fellow and associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Gerontology.
See the depth and breadth of topics covered by our 65 journal articles, 5 reports and briefs, and contributions to 7 edited books last year.
- Abbott, K. M., Heid, A. R., Noble, M., Kotterman, A., Unroe, K. T., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). An embedded pragmatic clinical trial of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) program. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26(8), 105700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105700
- Abbott, K. M., Noble, M., Heid, A. R., Kotterman, A., Unroe, K. T., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). Feasibility of implementing the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) program in an embedded pragmatic clinical trial. Clinical Gerontologist, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2025.2547742
- Abbott, K. M., Noble, M., Kotterman, A., Menne, H., Gurwitz, J. H., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). “Anybody who has a heart is going to think that it’s a good idea”: Pre-implementation of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction. The Gerontologist, 65(6), gnaf117. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf117
- Anwar, A., Kurt, G., Yadav, U. N., Huda, M. N., Ghimire, S., Bhattacharjee, S., Arora, A., Ali, M., Mondal, P. K., Rizwan, A. A. M., Shuvo, S. D., & Mistry, S. K. (2025). Prevalence and determinants of quality of life among Rohingya older adults residing in the refugee camp in Bangladesh. BMC Geriatrics, 25(1), 698. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06227-7
- Bangerter, L. R., Kim, Y., Fields, B., Wittke, M. R., & Perepezko, K. (2025). The intersection of successful aging and family caregiving. The Gerontologist, 65(1), gnae054. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnae054
- Bonds-Johnson, K., Batsch, N., Menne, H., Sun, K., Siconolfi, D., Zagorski, W., Perepezko, K., Yeh, J., Robison, J., Noble, M., Baker, C., & Shih, R. (2025). Quality of life outcome measures in original studies of dementia interventions: Policy and practice implications. Public Policy & Aging Report, 35(3), praf017. https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/praf017
- Bowblis, J. R., & Brunt, C. S. (2025). Nursing home staffing expenditures and levels are impaired by high Medicaid payer mix. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105723
- Bowblis, J. R., Li, S., Heston-Mullins, J., Kuo, Y., & Goodwin, J. S. (2025). Changes in federal and state policies on visitation restrictions in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(12), 2027–2034. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251324269
- Bowblis, J. R., Li, S., Kuo, Y., Heston-Mullins, J., Goodwin, J. S., & Xu, H. (2025). Lifting federal visitation restriction and COVID-19 infections in nursing homes. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105682
- Brekke, B., Janssen, L. M., Dikhtyar, O., Nelson, I., & Applebaum, R. (2025). “We’re preventing people from going into the most expensive level of care in every way that we can”: Barriers and recommendations for use of local funds. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(7), 1030–1038. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241298108
- Brunt, C., Bowblis, J., & Applebaum, R. (2025). An assessment of the association between wages and fringe benefits on nurse aide turnover in nursing homes. Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.70019
- Brazier, J. F., Trivedi, A. N., Tyler, D. A., Shield, R. R., & Gadbois, E. A. (2025). Expansion and marketing of Medicare Advantage to persons with end-stage kidney disease. JAMA Network Open, 8(6):e2516359. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.16359
- Bunker, J. N., Singh, Y., Gadkari, G., Bowblis, J., Smith, L., Carder, P., Huang, S., Momotazur, R., Thomas, K. S. (2025). Trends in private equity acquisitions of assisted living facilities. JAMA Network Open, 8(11), e2543864. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.43864
- Cao, J., Janssen, L. M., & Kessler, V. (2025). “Ageism can affect anyone”: Teaching ageism as a threshold concept. Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2025.2512742
- Clarke, M., Heid, A. R., Eshraghi, K., Abbott, K. M., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). The association of individual characteristics with count of important recreational preferences for nursing home residents. The Gerontologist, 65(11), gnaf211. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf211
- Dhakal, U., McLaughlin, S. J., Kim, S., Vivoda, J. M., Roberts, A. R., & Brown, J. S. (2025). It’s not too late: Physical and social activity slow cognitive decline in those living with mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(11), 1843–1853. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251316955
- Davlyatov, G. K., Bowblis, J. R., Karabukayeva, A., & Miller, C. R. (2025). Social services staffing and quality of care in U.S. nursing homes. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105924
- Elliott, A. E., Abbott, K. M., Noble, M., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). Addressing the complexity of culture change in long-term care research: An innovative framework addressing system-level complexity. The Gerontologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf229
- Elliot, A. E., Bowblis, J. R., Nelson, I., & Menne, H. (2025). What happens behind closed doors? Investigating care practices in nursing home and assisted living memory care units. Health Affairs Scholar, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxaf026
- Ghimire, S., Karmacharya, I., Huff, C., Jama, S. J., Asfaw, S. A., & Adhikari, S. B. (2025). Perceived discrimination and physical and mental health among resettled communities in Ohio. Race and Social Problems. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-025-09452-2
- Ghimire, S., Karmacharya, I., Shrestha, A., Danquah, A., Jama, S. J., Asfaw, S., & Adhikari, S. B. (2025). Loneliness in resettlement among multi-ethnic resettled refugees in Ohio. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02614-3
- Heid, A. R., Noble, M., Van Haitsma, K., & Abbott, K. M. (2025). Alignment of Minimum Data Set 3.0 ratings with staff care partner reports of symptoms of distress for nursing home residents. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26(12), 105928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105928
- Heid, A. R., Rovine, M. J., Eshraghi, K., Akter, N., Abbott, K. M., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). The association of preference-based recreational activity attendance with nursing home residents’ depressive symptoms over time. Aging & Mental Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2025.2468895
- Heid, A. R., Rovine, M. J., Eshraghi, K., Askter, N., Abbott, K. M., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). The association of nursing home residents’ preference-based recreational activity attendance with pain symptoms and functional impairment over time. The Gerontologist, 65(6), gnaf116. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf116
- Heston-Mullins, J., Primetica, B., Bibbo, J., Bollin, S., Wyrostek, L., Barrett, D., Williman, M., Burman, B., Haas, A., Scharf, L., Huth, M., Hudak, J., & Kinzig, E. (2025). A case study of aging and intellectual and developmental disability collaboration in Ohio. The Gerontologist, 65(7), gnaf137. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf137
- Johnson, K. B., Batsch, N., Menne, H., Sun, K., Siconolfi, D., Zagorski, W., Perepezko, K., Yeh, J., Robison, J., Noble, M., Baker, C., & Shih, R. (2025). Quality of life outcome measures in original studies of dementia interventions: policy and practice implications. Public Policy & Aging Report, 35(3), 90–92. https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/praf017
- Kafle, B., Shrestha, A., Ghimire, S., Bhattarai, P., Bhattarai, P., & Poudyal, A. K. (2025). Prevalence of family-based elder abuse and its associated factors in Gandaki Province of Western Nepal: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 20(5), e0323713. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0323713
- Kang, Y., Kang, S., Bowblis, J. R., Down, B., McHugh, M. D., & Xu, H. (2025). Associations of nursing home racial and ethnic composition with staffing levels in nursing homes: 2013–2019. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105496
- Kwon, J. H., Bowblis, J. R., Brunt, C. S., & Xu, H. (2025). Nursing home leadership turnover and its association with star ratings and consumer satisfaction. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105849
- Koumoutzis, A., Heston-Mullins, J., Reece, H. R., Abbott, K. M., Bowblis, J. R., & Applebaum, R. (2025). To opt-in or opt-out? The choice behind financial alignment for dual-eligible beneficiaries in Ohio. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2025.2528582
- Lu, J., Bowblis, J. R., Li, S., Kuo, Y., Heston-Mullins, J., Goodwin, J. S., & Xu, H. (2025). Patterns and predictors of reopening nursing homes to visitors. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26(12). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.105918
- Meinertz, N. R., Perepezko, K., Lee, J. E., & Dozier, M. E. (2025). The impact of Cooperative Extension programs on late-life mental health outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 13(2), 9. https://doi.org/10.55533/2325-5226.1547
- Menne, H. L., Singer, K. J., McSparran, E. H., & Nelson, I. M. (2025) Bridging the care gap for people living alone with dementia. Public Policy & Aging Report, praf010. https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/praf010
- Miller, E. A., Simpson, E., Cohen, M. A., & Bowblis, J. R. (2025). The effects of Medicaid payment and payment-to-cost ratio on nursing home five-star quality ratings. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2025.106042
- Mois, G., Lydon, E. A., Danilovich, M. K., Myers, D., Chen, X. S., Mudar, R. A., & Rogers, W. A. (2025). A social engagement technology-based randomized controlled trial for older adults: Outcomes and lessons learned. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 47, 101529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2025.101529
- Oh, E. G., Brazier, J. F., Gadbois, E. A., Tyler, D. A., Keohane, L. M., Meyers, D. J., Rahman, M., Nguyen, K. H., & Trivedi, A. N. (2025). Dialysis facility participation in Medicare Advantage networks was highest for large dialysis organizations in 2021. Health Affairs, 44(3). 313–321. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01142
- Okolie, T. J., & Menne, H. L. (2025). Attendance and perceived need for caregiver support services: Implications for emotional wellbeing, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2025.2581978
- Okolie, T. J., & Menne, H. L. (2025). Research studies using data from the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP): A scoping review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(11), 1883–1894. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648251318432
- Perepezko, K., Avery, A., Little, L. M., Dionne, T., & Fields, B. (2025). Breaking silos in caregiving research: Toward unified measures across the lifespan. Social Sciences, 14(11), 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110646
- Poe, L., Brooks, N., Korzaan, M., Hulshult, A., & Woods, D. (2021). Promoting positive student outcomes: The use of reflection and planning activities with a growth-mindset focus and SMART goals. Information Systems Education Journal, 18(1), 14–21.
- Qiu, X., Xu, Z., Sun, N., Hua, C., & Brown, J. S. (2025). Polypharmacy and depressive symptoms in older adults: Does gender matter? Clinical Gerontologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2025.2532526
- Segelman, M., Porter, K. A., Gasdaska, A., Khatutsky, G., Feng, Z., Rowan, N., & Tyler, D. A. (2025). Nursing homes struggled with maintaining staffing and disparities widened during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Aging & Social Policy. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2025.2563440
- Sterns, A. A., Hughes, J. W., Grimm, B., Larsen, L., Ma, F., Ranjan, R., MacMillan, C., Talbot, B. H., Friedman, J. H., & Muir, O. S. (2025). Detecting tardive dyskinesia using video-based artificial intelligence. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 86(3). https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.25m15792
- Talmage, A., Kunkel, M. C., Kasler, K., Keiser, C., Akter, N., Van Haitsma, K., & Abbott, K. M. (2025). “I think we just saw happier residents”: Nursing home provider-reported readiness assessment of the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction program. Aging & Mental Health, 29(3), 506–513. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2024.2401960
- Tyler, D. A., Gadbois, E. A., Brazier, J. F., & Trivedi, A. N. (2025). Medicare Advantage plan and chronic kidney disease care management company partnerships after the 21st Century Cures Act. Medical Care Research & Review, 82(5), 413–425. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775587251349298
- Udeh, K. C., & Menne, H. L. (2025) Impact of adult day service on long-term care placement: A scoping review. Dementia, 24(7), 1388-1403. https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012251334676
- Williams, D., Davlyatov, G. K., Bowblis, J. R., & Braun, R. T. (2025). Eliminating Medicare bad debt payments: Are critical access and rural hospitals at risk? Health Affairs Scholar. https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxaf220
- Xu, H., Bowblis, J. R., Li, S., Kuo, Y., & Goodwin, J. S. (2025). Nursing home visitor policy and COVID-19 infection rates. American Journal of Infection Control. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2025.07.003
- Xu, H., Bowblis, J. R., Pappadis, M. R., Kuo, Y., & Goodwin, J. S. (2025). Medicaid payments and racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s special care units. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.25057
- Applebaum, R., Nelson, M., Dikhtyar, O., & Bowblis, J. (2025). Home and community-based services in Ohio: 1993–2023. Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University.
- Bowblis, J. R., Brunt, C. S., & Applebaum, R. (2025). Financial retention strategies associated with nurse aide turnover in Ohio nursing homes. Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University.
- Bowblis, J. R., Brunt, C. S., & Applebaum, R. (2025). Understanding the financial performance of Ohio’s nursing homes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University.
- Graham, R., Nelson, M., & Applebaum, R. (2025). Profile of older adults in Clermont County. Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University.
- Nelson, M., Bowblis, J., Applebaum, R., & Dikhtyar, O. (2025). Nursing homes in Ohio: A profile. Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University.
- Karmacharya, I., Ghimire, S., & Kinney, J. (2025). Life course perspective on aging in the context of Nepal. In M. Tausig, J. Subedi, & S. Ghimire (Eds.), Population aging in societal context: Evidence from Nepal. Routledge.
- Sapkota, K., Shrestha, A., & Brown, J. S. (2025). The demographic context of aging in Nepal. In M. Tausig, J. Subedi, & S. Ghimire (Eds.), Population aging in societal context: Evidence from Nepal (pp. 23–37). Routledge.
- Tausig, M., Subedi, J., & Ghimire, S. (2025). Aging in institutional and life course perspective. In M. Tausig, J. Subedi, & S. Ghimire (Eds.), Aging in institutional and life course context (pp. 3–20). Routledge.
- Tausig, M., Ghimire, S., & Subedi, J. (2025). Medical systems and aging. In M. Tausig, J. Subedi, & S. Ghimire (Eds.), Aging in institutional and life course context (pp. 155–174). Routledge.
- Tausig, M., Subedi, J., & Ghimire, S. (2025). Population aging in societal context: Summary of findings. In M. Tausig, J. Subedi, & S. Ghimire (Eds.), Aging in institutional and life course context (pp. 211–229). Routledge.
- Winship, J., & Ivey, K. (2025). Disrupting ageism with intergenerational programming. In T. Gendron (Ed.), Disrupting ageism: From theory to practice. Academic Press.
Delivering Program Innovation and Community Service
To meet the needs of an aging society, Scripps pursues creative approaches and programming. Our staff, faculty, and fellows engage with this work beyond the academic setting—they provide professional service and leadership in many volunteer roles at the local, state, and national levels.
Strengthening Our Impact: ILR Joins Scripps
In 2025, the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Miami University entered an exciting new chapter as its administrative home transitioned to the Scripps Gerontology Center. Scripps has been closely connected to ILR since its inception, helping shape its original vision, making this transition a natural evolution that strengthens continuity, consistency, and long-term sustainability. Through this new structure, Scripps provides strategic oversight, professional development, and expanded visibility, while continuing to collaborate with campus partners to support ILR’s vibrant learning community.
- Between 2024–2025, 653 participants enjoyed 137 ILR courses.
- Educational experiences made possible by over 235 individual volunteers.
- A vibrant learning community that includes 201 instructors, coordinators, and speakers.
The Continued Impact of Opening Minds Through Art (OMA)
64
New OMA Facilitators trained globally
A total of 1,314 OMA Facilitators globally trained as of 2025
221
Submissions to the 2025 Art Show (120 pieces selected, 102 individual artists)
OMA in Pictures
Scroll to view the highlights from 2025.
Grandparents College
Oxford Seniors in March 2025.
Connect and Create reached new heights. At OAGE, participants collaborated on a large-scale piece using paint, stencils, and collage materials to showcase shared experiences and creativity.
Facilitator Training hosted by our partners at Art for the Journey.
OMA’s Founder, Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon, was honored with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel Contribution to Abundant Aging Award from United Church Homes at the Center for Abundant Aging Symposium in October.
Gerontological Society of America, a collaborative workshop with Florida State University and Midwestern University on OMA in university settings
Associate Director Krysta Peterson participated in a weeklong field experience in Okinawa, Japan. During the trip she led an OMA-inspired art session with 25 older adults, 6 university volunteers, and family members at a long-term care community.
Recognizing Leaders in Gerontology
Led by engaged faculty and internationally recognized research scholars, Scripps offers students opportunities to join ground-breaking applied research, learn from experts in real world settings, and get a powerful start to a career in the field of gerontology.
Student Stories
Association for Professionals in Aging Scholarship
From left to right: Obinna Odo, Krishna Sapkota, Negar Nik Bakht, and Kingsley Udeh all won the 2025 Association for Professionals in Aging (APA) scholarship award.
Colonial Long-Term Care Research Award
The Colonial Senior Services Long-Term Care Research Award is presented to a gerontology graduate student for outstanding research or program development in long-term care. In 2025, this award was presented to four graduate students. From left to right: Oliva Ash, Mercy Kalu, Kate Poppenhagen, and Kingsley Udeh.
56
Student Conference Presentations and Posters
46
Peer Reviewed publications from students in 2025
Best of Luck to Recent Graduates!
Graduated May 2025
- Ahmed Danquah, Master of Gerontological Studies
- Jennifer Justice, Master of Gerontological Studies
- Tochukwu "Tochi" Okolie, Master of Gerontological Studies
- Beatrice Oppong, Master of Gerontological Studies
- Lirisha Tuladhar, Master of Gerontological Studies
- Karen "Sati" Williams, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
- Jenny Kwon, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
Graduated August 2025
- Isha Karmacharya, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
- Reese Moore, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
- Samuel Van Vleet, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
- Akwasi Gyimah, Doctorate in Social Gerontology
The Next Generation of Gerontologists
Ahmed Danquah
Akwasi Adjei Gymiah and Isha Karmacharya
Dr. Katy Abbott, Lirisha Tuladhar, Dr. Heather Menne, and Tochukwu "Tochi" Okolie.
Celebrating New Beginnings and Lasting Impact
Scripps continued to grow this year, welcoming six new team members across key roles and expanding our capacity for impact. The addition of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) further strengthened our community, while new leadership for the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project marked an important transition. We also honor the retirement of Cheryl Johnson, whose decades of leadership provided a strong foundation for Scripps’ continued success.
Welcoming New Talent, Expanding Our Impact
Scripps continued to grow this year, strengthening both our team and our capacity for impact. We welcomed a new program associate, director of finance and operations, and research associate, and established a new director of professional education and consulting services to support future expansion. On August 1, 2025, the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) joined the Scripps Gerontology Center, bringing with it additional expertise and energy as we welcomed the ILR program manager and program associate to our team.
Shana Bollmer, Program Associate
The Program Associate serves as the operational heartbeat of Scripps, managing front-line customer service, communications, scheduling, and day-to-day office logistics to keep everything running smoothly. Shana supports administrative functions, maintains inventories and equipment, oversees student workers, and ensures accurate records, onboarding, and internal documentation. The role also contributes to events, mailings, and stewardship activities. Shana is a central connector across staff, systems, and services.
Taylor Kwalton, Director Finance and Operations
Taylor is responsible for the oversight and implementation of all fiscal management for the Center. This includes monitoring the organizational portfolio, managing accounts, implementing practices that align with Responsibility Center Management (RCM)-based budgeting, ensuring financial accountability in decision-making, preparing and presenting financial reports on behalf of Scripps, and monitoring organizational growth and long-term fiscal sustainability. She also leads strategic planning and benchmarking, and tracks metrics for the organization.
Isha Karmacharya, Research Associate
Isha Karmacharya work as a Research Associate supporting two projects, contributing to both quantitative and qualitative research activities. In ODA Biennial Long-term Care Survey Project, she focuses on project management and development and revision of survey instruments using Qualtrics. In BRICKS project, her role includes study tool development, supporting project intervention design and development, and training the trainers on intervention sessions and materials. Additionally, she contributes in qualitative data management and analysis, and contributes to report and manuscript writing for BRICKS project.
Lydia K. Manning, Director of Professional Education and Consulting Services
Lydia leads the development of professional education, consulting, and technical assistance initiatives that support the long-term services and supports (LTSS) sector and broader aging industry. Additionally, Lydia oversees the Scripps Aging Hub and continuing education offerings for the Center. Her work focuses on translating gerontological research into practical solutions for organizations and communities.
Jenn Laqualia, ILR Program Manager
Jenn is responsible for providing engaging and educational courses and events for anyone 50 years of age and older. These include classes and events with various topics such as art, history, literature, STEM, cooking, and much more.
Rowen Creech, ILR Program Associate
Rowen assists with the planning of the ILR curriculum, the publication of the course catalog, marketing and volunteer outreach, and provides support to ILR instructors and members in person and virtually.
Connecting Research to Real-World Change
This year, Scripps Gerontology Center continued to engage with partners across Ohio, bringing research, expertise, and leadership to the conversations shaping long-term care. From contributing to statewide conferences and advisory councils to strengthening leadership within key research initiatives, our work reflects a strong commitment. The following stories illustrate how Scripps is presenting data, supporting providers, and advancing quality across the state.
All Things are Possible with Preference-Based Care
Dr. Abbott presented at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Improving Quality of Ohio Nursing Homes on October 2, 2025.
Scripps Gerontology Center appoints new Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project director
The Miami University Scripps Gerontology Center has selected Heather Menne ’01, associate professor and health policy researcher, to lead the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project (OLTCRP).
Retirement... or as we like to say, Preferment
For decades, Cheryl Johnson served as Director of Finance and Operations, ensuring a stable foundation that allowed research, partnerships, and educational programs to flourish in service our mission. She also played a central role in strategic planning and benchmarking, helping track the metrics that support the Scripps’ long-term sustainability. Beyond the numbers, Cheryl worked closely with principal investigators and research staff to develop grant budgets and proposals, manage pre- and post-award grants, and serve as a liaison with state and national agencies. Through this work, she helped ensure that the infrastructure supporting Scripps’ research remained strong and responsive.
Scripps Executive Director Katy Abbott described the significance of Cheryl’s role in the life of the organization:
“This role is the quiet engine that keeps the entire organization moving and ensures that our mission doesn't just live in our statements, but shows up in our budgets or hiring practices or partnerships in our day-to-day problem solving. It's the role that makes it possible for researchers to conduct research, for students to learn, for collaborators to flourish, and for Scripps to stand tall as a trusted, stable and innovative center even in times of uncertainty. Cheryl has held that role with extraordinary steadiness. She has shaped not just how Scripps functions, but how Scripps endures.”
Suzanne Kunkle, former Executive Director of Scripps, reflected on the long partnership she shared with Cheryl and the trust she built across the organization.
“All of us have come to know Cheryl as a trusted colleague, the source of knowledge about how everything works. As Katy said, she truly is the operational heart of our organization. I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege of building such a deep connection with Cheryl. We worked together for 35 years and share so many memories, moments both good and challenging. Most of the time we worked side by side with an unwavering shared commitment to doing good for people and for the patients we ultimately serve. You really can’t ask for a better partner than that.”
Preferment is a shift in thinking about retirement, choosing activities, engagements, and work that bring joy and satisfaction. And that always means a continued relationship with Scripps.
Scripps is wishing Cheryl endless joy and relaxation as she starts this next adventure.
Thank You to Our 2025 Donors
A special thank you to the donors of $1,000 and more, including Adam R. Scripps Foundation, Sara L. and David Butler, Robert S. and E. Louise Fahs Cottrell, Phyllis A. Cummins, Donald C. Dyche, W.H. and Barbara Eshbaugh, Jennifer M. Kinney, Jodi Isreal Kolada and Mark A. Kolada, Suzanne R. Kunkel, Richard F. Muthig, William J. and Linda Muthig, Elizabeth Senicka Rogers, Lori A. Spencer, Constance Swank, Bernadette L. Unger and James M. Rubenstein, and Carol Anne Young and James A. Longenecker.
In alphabetical order:
Institute for Learning in Retirement
- Michele Black Abrams
- Carole Wilson and Saul W. Adelman
- Mary Allen and Paul S. Allen
- Mary Jane Berman
- Patricia Looman Brooks
- Charles F. Brumbaugh
- Tina Brunner and Richard H. Brunner
- Jenny Prewitt Carson
- Phyllis Cox and Milton Cox
- Donald A. Daiker
- Lorraina Orth Daker
- Richard A. Daniels
- Sharon R. Gaston
- Jane Goettsch and Stephen Goettsch
- Greater Oxford Community Foundation
- Donald Hanson
- William J. Heine
- Martha Hemker Henry
- Leah M. Janssen
- Marilyn S. Johnson and Robert C. Johnson
- Carol Millard Kosarko
- John M. Krafft
- Virginia Hodgins Layton
- Debbie MacDonald and Jeff MacDonald
- Jeffrey A. Mack
- Judy C. Macke and Joseph Macke
- Sante Matteo
- Lynne Mattox and Benjamin P. Mattox
- Karl R. Mattox
- Christine McCullough
- Marilyn McKnight and William McKnight
- Diane G. Miller
- Sonya Montana
- Rose Morgan
- Joseph Murphy
- Roderick E. Nimtz
- Janice Kendall Nye
- Karen Dittmann O'Hara
- Melissa M. Oney
- Norma Pennock and David G. Pennock
- Sarah Lewis Persinger
- Rebecca B. Quay
- Rob Schorman
- Jacquelyn Gerrard Self
- Cecilia M. Shore and Andrew Garrison
- Connie Sidley and Patrick J. Sidley
- Lydia Skoglind and Christopher Skoglind
- Martha Slager and James B. Slager
- Edna C. Southard
- Gabrielle Rosselot Strand
- Janice Szuhay
- Dorothy A. Varchol
- Ronda Lancaster Velazco
- Diana Zitello and Elias D. Vuicich
- Elizabeth Haley and Richard Wiener
- Cheryl D. Young
Opening Minds through Art (OMA)
- Anne Asman
- Lynn Stevens Bakker and Cornelius N. III Bakker
- Angela D. Barger
- Carrie Cherrington and Richard Barnett
- Dawn Hatch Barrett
- Theresa Condetti Beck and Michael Beck
- John Beilenson
- Mickey Bement and Rich Bement
- Sharon Bonadies
- Meghan A. Brady
- Marilyn Button and Harvey M. Juarez
- Maureen Cunningham and Michael Cunningham
- Carol Defonso and David Zack
- Oksana A. Dikhtyar and Dmitriy Garmatyuk
- Heather Dunsmore
- Stephanie A. Eson
- Cynthia Hann and Michael E. Ripberger
- Coleen A. Hanna
- Jennifer L. Heston-Mullins and Dean Mullins
- Rachel M. Instone
- Lora Lloyd Lawrence and Donald Lawrence
- Caroleigh M. Lee
- Emily LeFevers
- Elizabeth J. Lokon and Bradford L. Simcock
- Connie Malone
- Elise Roberts and Steven J. Martin
- Ruth Yokel McDiffett
- Caryn Merrill-Mori and Timothy Mori
- Kathryn T. Myles
- Matt Nelson
- Kathy L. Newton and Loren D. May
- Rosemarie Oakman
- Cynthia S. Osborne and David Osborne
- Carol Price
- Suzanne Lynch Rechter and Richard P. II Rechter
- Julie Saltz and Marc A. Rubin
- Susanne Brower and Steven R. Sadler
- Brianne L. Safer
- Tiffany A. Shea
- Cecilia M. Shore and Andrew Garrison
- Elizabeth Stuckman Creehan and Bryan Creehan
- David R. Sunderland
- James M. White
- Anita C. Wilson
Scripps Gerontology Center
- Katherine Abbott and Aaron M. Abbott
- Robert A. Applebaum
- Linda L. Barrett
- Sarah Goode Boehle
- Stacey L. Brekke and Brent D. Brekke
- Jennifer R. Bulanda and Ronald E. Bulanda
- Mary Ryan Burr
- Ashlee M. Cordell
- Maureen M. Cunningham and Michael Cunningham
- Lynne A. Cusick and Joe F. Kowalski
- Usha Dhakal
- Oksana A. Dikhtyar and Dmitriy Garmatyuk
- Emily A. Fenster
- Marisa A. Scala-Foley
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- Christopher J. Hensey
- Abigail Hermesch
- Jennifer L. Heston-Mullins & Dean Mullins
- Kathleen A. Janssen
- Leah M. Janssen
- Kamryn L. Kasler
- Megan E. Kelley
- Lydia K. Manning
- Pamela S. Mayberry and Dan P. Schumann
- Kent L. McRea
- Heather L. Menne
- David E. Mitchell
- Kristen A. Muthig
- Carol A. Myles and Wallace R. Myles
- Kathryn T. Myles
- Matt Nelson
- Julie A. Paladino-Kaminski
- Quanhong Qiu
- John M. Rhoads
- Amy Restorick Roberts and Jason Roberts
- Sheila K. Salyer
- Abby J. Schwartz
- Mark C. Sheidler and Charles R. Sharp
- Diana L. Spore
- Jane Straker and Scott D. Straker
- Katherine Sandker Tatarko
- Jonathon M. Vivoda
- Takashi Yamashita
Scripps Team
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