Coalition on Aging
Focusing on aging, gerontology, long-term care, and policy.
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Coalition on Aging is a research cluster that assembles monthly to share resources, coordinate research efforts, and collaborate on larger initiatives, with the goal of advancing science and policy around aging, gerontology, and long-term care. Since the group's inception in the Spring of 2025, it has quickly become an exciting catalyst for scholarly activity on campus.
For faculty and graduate students looking for more information or who want to participate in upcoming meetings, please view the Office of Research & Scholarship's internal website.
Featured Projects
Understanding Nursing Home Closures and Reducing Mortality and Other Adverse Outcomes (UNHARM)
Exploring how Nursing Home Closures affect healthcare, employment, and communities through statewide workshops with residents, staff, and local leaders.
University of Massachusetts Flagship Initiative on Research-based ADRD Social Therapeutics (FIRST)
UMass FIRST supports local organizations working with people living with dementia, those with intellectual or developmental disabilities at risk for dementia.
Featured Faculty
Raeann G. LeBlanc
Clinical Associate Professor
Raeann G. LeBlanc is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, teaching in graduate and undergraduate programs.
Hyeyoung Park
Assistant Professor
Hyeyoung Park is an Assistant Professor at the UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
Tingzhong (Michelle) Xue
Assistant Professor
Tingzhong (Michelle) Xue, PhD, is an assistant professor at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
Sheila Pennell
Clinical Assistant Professor
Sheila Pennell is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and a practicing Hospice care nurse.
Jeungok Choi
Professor
Jeungok Choi is a professor at the UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
Cynthia S. Jacelon
Professor Emerita
Cynthia Jacelon, PhD RN-BC CRRN FAAN, is a retired professor who continues to mentor faculty and graduate students in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
Heidi Zahra
Lecturer
Heidi Zahra teaches lab skills, simulation, and clinical judgment to undergraduates. Her clinical expertise is in case management and acute care specialties.
Joohyun Chung
Associate Professor
Dr. Chung teaches in both undergrad and grad programs. Her research focuses on application of nursing informatics, biostatistics, and data science in nursing.
