A brief description of research interests and activities of the faculty at the center.
The Longitudinal Study of Four-Generation Families
Dr. Jon Pynoos (Quicktime Movie 3.8 megs)

The Andrus Center includes a unique blend of research and educational programs. This arrangement has been successfully cultivated over the past 30 years so that each element - scientific study and teaching of students - will supplement the other.

Research generates knowledge -- describing, comparing, and predicting many of the processes of normal and pathological aging. These studies are done both in laboratories within the Center, in local communities, and nationally through mailed surveys. Faculty report at many professional and scientific meetings in addition to publishing articles, books, and research monographs.

This research is important to students in at least three ways. First, the classes at the Andrus Center include the latest research findings in many fields, findings that frequently clarify or contradict previous beliefs. Thus, the course work is up to date and relevant to students' current needs. Second, faculty secure external grants to support their research and use some of the funds to employ students in labs and on projects. This provides excellent learning experiences, good opportunities to develop contacts with faculty, and financial assistance to the students. Third, the large amount of gerontology research makes the Center very visible within the field and leads to student involvement in collaborative projects, internship opportunities, and professional employment in the future. Thus, the ideal is for every faculty member in the Center to be engaged in both research and instruction, contributing to the growth of knowledge and helping students find the information they will use in the future.

For example, Dr. Jon Pynoos conducts research on government and private policy and programs related to long term care and housing for the aged. He teaches an undergraduate course in Policy and Program Development in Aging and is on the editorial board and a frequent contributor to the Washington Post Writers' Group Weekly column "On Aging."

Dr. Bob Knight conducts research on alleviation of caregiver stress, specifically seeking insights into the means they use to cope with high levels of stress. He is the director of the Tingstad Older Adult Counseling Center and teaches graduate courses in Counseling Older Adults.

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