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Research Labs

We are fortunate and proud to have successful research labs operating within the School of Aging Studies. 

THE MANAGING EMERGENCIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS (MEND)
Lab in the School of Aging Studies at USF combines the research of faculty members concerning disaster preparedness for older adults and caregivers.  This work includes federal and foundation grant-funded projects on the effects of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster preparedness policies and practices.

THE POLICY AND ASSISTED LIVING LAB (PALL)
Analyzes data on assisted living Communities (ALC) throughout Florida and assesses different aspects of services and activities offered to residents, with a focus on memory care. Under the management of Aging Studies PhD candidate, Hillary Rouse, undergraduate and graduate students assess the current locations of ALCs and whether there is a need to expand to locations in potentially underserviced areas.   

SLEEP, STRESS, AND HEALTH (STEALTH) LAB
Studies examine the complex associations among sleep, stress, and health across the lifespan. This research includes causes of poor sleep health, such as work-related stress, health consequences of poor sleep health, such as poor cardiovascular or cognitive health, and interventions for poor sleep health. This research utilizes biomarker data, actigraphy-measured sleep data, daily diary data, and ecological momentary assessments.

POSITIVE AGING (PAL) LAB
PAL is a research laboratory devoted to the translation of innovations in integrative health into practice. We are interested in applying a multidisciplinary approach to promote the integration of social engagement and mindfulness in daily health behaviors (real food, restful sleep, and efficient movement) in mid to late life. We use a combination of primary and secondary data collections/analyses to uncover the power of integrative health and to develop innovative and cost-effective interventions to improve health and wellbeing among middle-aged and older adults. We work closely with our community and industry partners to ensure that the interventions are feasible, efficient, and pragmatic.  

PALLIATIVE CARE EDUCATION IN ASSISTED LIVING (PCEAL) LAB
The Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living (PCEAL) Lab’s mission is to implement interventions to improve quality of end-of-life care outcomes for persons who live in assisted living, educate providers of persons with life-limiting illnesses with dementia in assisted living about how to provide palliative care, and serve as an outlet for educational resources and tools for assisted living communities so they can provide quality palliative and end-of-life care.

THE CENTER FOR HOSPICE, PALLIATIVE CARE AND END-OF-LIFE
The Center for Hospice, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Studies at USF is an innovative research and education center in that we are an equal partnership between an academic medical center/research one university and community provider agencies. Our approach to research is collaborative – in many cases university researchers approach community agencies as sites to conduct research and have access to patient populations. In our work at the Center we conceptualize, conduct, and disseminate research findings as partners.