Gerontology Conference Keynote Address
The annual Russell B. Clark Gerontology Conference brings together faculty and students to learn about and discuss issues that many people deal with in their later years. We hear from leading scholars in the field and at BYU regarding these topics. Due to the growing number of seniors as the US population ages, topics addressed at the Gerontology Conference are likely relevant to everyone on campus either personally, with extended family, or professionally. This conference honors the life and contributions of centenarian Dr. Russell B. Clark, whose support of the BYU Gerontology Conference over the years reflected his long-term interest in promoting education and research on aging issues and enhancing the well-being of older adults.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad
Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.
Dr. Holt-Lunstad is an international scientific expert whose research focuses on the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms, and effective strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection. Her research has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. As the lead scientific editor for a US Surgeon General’s Advisory and Framework for a National Strategy, her work also focuses on translating evidence into practice and policy. She serves as a scientific advisor and regularly consults for organizations across sectors aimed at addressing this issue. She has provided expert testimony in a US Congressional Hearing, served as a member of multiple National Academy of Sciences consensus committees, the UK Cross Departmental Loneliness Team, European Joint Research Council, World Health Organization, and a subject matter expert for the Gravity Project, Commit to Connect the national clearinghouse of interventions and the CDC. Her work has been widely recognized within her discipline, including several awards, and is regularly highlighted in major media outlets.
Students in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences gain Experience Points for attending this lecture. Learn more about Experience Points.