Four UNO Gerontology Professors Have Earned Prestigious Gerontological Society of America Fellow Status

The Department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) continues to enhance its reputation as a leader in aging, thanks to its faculty's achievements. Over the past five years, four professors— Dr. Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Dr. Lyn Holley, Dr. Christopher M. Kelly, and Dr. Lindsay Wilkinson—have been named Fellows of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), one of the most prestigious honors in the field. This recognition highlights their individual accomplishments and underscores the department’s broader impact on advancing research, education, and practice related to aging.

The GSA, founded in 1945, is the largest interdisciplinary organization dedicated to the scientific study of aging. The society brings together scholars, health care professionals, policymakers, and practitioners to promote understanding and improve the quality of life for older adults. GSA’s Fellow status is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field through research, teaching, and practice, reflecting leadership and influence in aging.

Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Ph.D., FGSA (2019)
Dr. Boron, a recognized leader in cognitive aging research, was named a GSA Fellow in 2019. At UNO, she directs the CAPACITY Lab, where her research focuses on how cognitive and physical resilience can help older adults maintain a high quality of life. As chair of the doctoral program in gerontology, Boron’s work integrates innovative research with a commitment to preparing the next generation of scholars and practitioners, reflecting UNO’s focus on advancing research and discovery while educating a global workforce.

Her research explores how factors such as personality, health behaviors, and mobility impact cognitive changes in older adults. These efforts not only contribute to the scientific understanding of aging but also align with UNO’s mission of addressing real-world challenges affecting aging populations.

Lyn Holley, Ph.D., FAGHE (2019)
Dr. Holley, the Dr. Chuck Powell Professor of Gerontology at UNO, was named a Fellow of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) in 2019. Her research focuses on public programs and services for aging populations, with an emphasis on improving intergenerational relationships and addressing the needs of minority elders.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as a Fellow of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education,” Holley said. “This recognition reflects the work we are doing at UNO to engage both students and the community in meaningful ways. By fostering intergenerational understanding, we are addressing key challenges facing an aging society.”

Holley’s approach underscores UNO’s commitment to community engagement. She works with local organizations and nonprofits to ensure her research directly benefits the community. Her work helps students apply what they learn in the classroom to improve services for older adults, reinforcing UNO’s broader role in creating sustainable solutions for today’s societal challenges.

Christopher M. Kelly, Ph.D., FGSA (2023)
Dr. Kelly, professor, and chair of the UNO Department of Gerontology was named a GSA Fellow in 2023 through the Social Research, Policy, and Practice Section. His research focuses on long-term care alternatives and strengthening the direct care workforce, critical areas as the population ages and care needs expand.

“Being named a GSA Fellow is a personal milestone, but it’s also a testament to UNO’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of an aging population,” Kelly said. “We’re working to ensure that older adults receive the highest quality of care and support, especially as we see shifts toward aging in place and community-based services.”

Kelly’s work contributes directly to UNO’s focus on workforce and economic development. His research seeks to enhance the direct care workforce, ensuring that caregivers are well-prepared to meet the needs of an aging population. By focusing on community-based care, he is driving initiatives that will have lasting economic and social benefits.

Lindsay Wilkinson, Ph.D., FGSA (2024)
Dr. Wilkinson, whose research explores the connection between health and social inequality across the life course, was named a GSA Fellow in 2024. Her work examines how economic downturns, such as the Great Recession, have long-term health consequences, offering crucial insights into aging-related disparities.
Her research, supported by a National Institute on Aging fellowship, focuses on the social determinants of health, contributing to UNO’s commitment to research and discovery by addressing critical societal issues. By investigating the long-term impacts of adversity on aging, Wilkinson’s work also informs policies that can help improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

A Milestone for UNO Gerontology
The recognition of these four faculty members as Fellows of the Gerontological Society of America is a significant achievement for the UNO Department of Gerontology. Their Fellow status places them among the top scholars and professionals in the field, reflecting both their individual excellence and the department’s role as a national leader in gerontological education and research.

With these recognitions, the Department of Gerontology at UNO continues to make significant strides in shaping the future of aging research, policy, and practice, ensuring that older adults in Nebraska and beyond benefit from their work.

For more information on the UNO Department of Gerontology and its programs, visit UNO Gerontology. To learn more about the Gerontological Society of America, visit geron.org.