The Intersection of Trauma and Disaster Behavioral Health (PDF)

Katie E. Cherry, PhD, is a Developmental Psychologist and a Professor at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Her research expertise is the psychology of aging with emphasis on cognition and successful aging. Her current research program focuses on the impact of natural disasters on healthy aging in later life. She has two edited books on disasters from a lifespan perspective and has over 170 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has been funded by the National Institute on Aging, the National Science Foundation, and the Louisiana Board of Regents. In 2002, she was awarded the Emogene Pliner Distinguished Professor of Aging Studies professorship for her contributions to the field of adult development and aging. She is a member of the Gerontological Society of America and is the current co-convener of a special interest group on Disasters and Older Adults.
Allison Gibson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the University of Kentucky's College of Social Work in Lexington. Dr. Gibson's clinical and research focus is grounded in the biopsychological perspective for aging. As a social worker and researcher, Dr. Gibson's research focuses on the relationship between aging, health, crisis response, and social justice. Her research frequently examines individuals' social support, psychological well-being, and health outcomes in the context of disaster response and recovery. She is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older adults. Dr. Gibson has advanced knowledge and translated empirical findings into interventions to support families confronting crises and challenging life events. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and gerontological social work education. She is a member of the Gerontological Society of America and the former co-convener of a special interest group on Disasters and Older Adults.