Name: Gina Lee, Postdoctoral Researcher
Hometown: Born in Austin, TX but grew up in South Korea
Educational Background: BS in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), Iowa State; MS in Gerontology, Iowa State; PhD in HDFS, Iowa State
1. How did you first connect to your field of research?
I wasn’t planning on pursuing Gerontology/HDFS (though I was familiar with Gerontology because my dad is also in this field), but I’ve always loved learning about social relationships and individual differences. When I first took an undergraduate course, “Aging and Family,” which was taught by my doctoral advisor, I decided to study more about aging and follow the same path as my dad.
2. What attracted you to UW-Madison & CDHA?
I cannot pick one, but I would say that Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) was one of the reasons I applied for the T32 postdoc position at CDHA. I have always been interested in looking at longitudinal changes and differences in individuals over the life course, and WLS is one of the best prospective studies that can help me explore my research topics.
3. What are your research interests and current research projects?
My research interests are social relationships and health, and psychosocial factors influencing well-being in later life and longevity. Currently, I am studying the associations between social relationships and cognition. More specifically, I am exploring the relationship between sibling relationships and cognitive trajectories. Besides this main project, I am also collaborating on projects about centenarians/oldest-old adults, family history, cognitive functioning, social support/strain, loneliness, and self-perceptions of aging.
4. What’s one thing you hope people who are exposed to your research will come away with?
I think the main message I want to convey through my research is the importance of social connections and the salutary effect of social support. As the world experienced heightened levels of loneliness with COVID-19, and also with the advancement of technology (social media), being socially engaged and connected is becoming increasingly critical for everyone. I hope my research helps people understand how social support can bring differential benefits to health and the aging process.
5. What future plans and aspirations do you have following your time at UW-Madison?
After my time as a postdoctoral researcher at CDHA, I would like to apply for a tenured track faculty position or a researcher/scientist position in the U.S.
6. What’s your favorite part of summer in Madison so far?
My favorite part of summer in Madison is chilling at the Memorial Union terrace with bulgogi from the food truck.