The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has selected Karen Kopera-Frye, a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at New Mexico State University (NMSU), to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. Kopera-Frye began serving a four-year term in January.
According to NMSU, Kopera-Frye was elected by members of GSA, which it described as the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization focused on aging. The journal Gerontology & Geriatrics Education focuses on the exchange of information related to research, curriculum development, program evaluation, classroom and practice innovation, and other topics with educational implications for gerontology and geriatrics.
Kopera-Frye stated her priorities include expanding opportunities for submissions from postdoctoral researchers and early-career academics, increasing international submissions, expanding opportunities for brief reports, and soliciting more submissions from those working with diverse groups and interprofessional education.
NMSU noted Kopera-Frye joined the university in 2016 as an associate dean in what is now the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. She later became a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and helped launch undergraduate and graduate minors in gerontology.
According to the University, Kopera-Frye has an extensive background in lifespan psychology and specialized training in gerontology. She is also a longtime member of GSA and has served as an elected officer while contributing to working groups and task forces.
Her current research focuses on health promotion and healthy aging among diverse groups, particularly Indigenous and Latinx elders. NMSU stated she also serves as a reviewer for several gerontological and psychological journals and federal granting agencies, including the Indian Health Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
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