SAGE Interdisciplinary Research
Collaborate on Interdisciplinary Research on Aging
The Baylor Interdisciplinary Gerontology Research Network
We co-host biannual networking opportunities (either in person or virtually) that bring together faculty from across the Baylor campus from varied disciplines to share their cutting-edge research, explore collaborative projects, and advance the science of aging. These gatherings foster interdisciplinary partnerships and create opportunities for innovative, research-driven solutions in gerontology. Our inaugural event was in the Spring of 2025 at the McMullen-Conally Faculty Center.
Co-hosts: Dr. Jocelyn S. McGee (Diana R. Garland School of Social Work), Dr. Rebecca Meraz (Louse Herrington School of Nursing); Dr. Kelly R. Ylitalo (Robbins College of Health and Human Services)
If you would like to be invited to the next gathering, let us know. Email Dr. Jocelyn McGee.
Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Fellows at Baylor
Baylor University and the Diana R. Garland School of Social work proudly recognize faculty members who have achieved Fellow status in the Gerontological Society of America (GSA)—the world’s preeminent interdisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of research, education, and practice in the field of aging.
Fellow status, the highest category of membership within the GSA, represents an acknowledgment of outstanding and continuing contributions to the field of gerontology. This distinction honors scholars whose sustained excellence in research, teaching, leadership, and professional service has significantly advanced the understanding of aging and improved the lives of older adults.
Baylor’s GSA Fellows exemplify the university’s commitment to academic rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and faith-informed engagement with the complex issues surrounding aging and human development.
Baylor University GSA Fellows:
- James Ellor, PhD, DMin, MSW, MDiv, FGSA
- Jocelyn Shealy McGee, PhD, MSG, FGSA, HSP
- Dennis R. Myers, PhD, MSSW, FGSA
Their recognition reflects Baylor’s ongoing dedication to shaping the future of gerontological scholarship and fostering a deeper understanding of the aging process through evidence-based inquiry, compassionate practice, and service to society.
Faculty Leadership in Interdisciplinary Aging Research Journals
Baylor University faculty members hold prominent editorial positions in leading journals devoted to the study of aging.
Dr. Jocelyn McGee serves as General Editor of the Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging (Taylor & Francis).
The Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging is an interdisciplinary, interfaith professional journal in which the needs, aspirations, and resources of aging constituencies come clearly into focus. Combining practical innovation and scholarly insight, the peer-reviewed journal offers timely information and probing articles on such subjects as long-term care for the aging, support systems for families of the aging, retirement, counseling, death, ethical issues, and more. Providing a crucial balance between theory, research, and practice, the journal informs professionals – administrators, counselors, nurses, physicians, psychologists, recreational rehabilitative therapists, and social workers – about developments in the field of religion, spirituality, and aging. The journal also serves as a resource for religious professionals, such as pastors, religious educators, chaplains, and pastoral counselors who work with aging people and their families.
Dr. Markus H. Schafer serves as Deputy Editor of The Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences (Oxford Academic).He is also Co-Editor of the forthcoming Handbook of the Sociology of Aging, Second Edition (Springer).
The Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences section publishes studies with rigorous methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative. Authors are encouraged to submit papers in areas such as anthropology, demography, economics, geography, human development, political science, social work, and sociology.
Through these editorial roles, Baylor faculty contribute to shaping the direction of scholarly discourse and advancing interdisciplinary research in the field of gerontology.
Multilevel Research Opportunities
Potential research collaborations are open to students, scholars, practitioners, and community members.
Undergraduate Research Courses
We encourage undergraduate student research. Are you an undergraduate with research questions and a desire to know more about aging? Find out how you can get started today.