Researcher Interview: Dr. Lisa A. Hollis-Sawyer

Dr. Lisa A. Hollis-Sawyer is an Associate Professor in the Psychology department and Coordinator of the Gerontology program at Northeastern Illinois University. Dr. Hollis-Sawyer has more than fifteen years of experience in publishing research and writing books. Dr. Hollis-Sawyer has co-authored four books, with two books as the first author and primary book developer, and has authored or co-authored 22 scholarly publications. She is also a reviewer for JSBHS.

1. Please briefly describe your current research.

My general research agenda is best conceptualized as encompassing the topic of positive aging and quality of life outcomes into later adulthood. My recent research interests range from the impact of an aging global population on many aspects of individual and societal functioning (e.g., quality of life standards in living environments and associated community planning strategies) to psychological reactions to specific social and environmental contexts (e.g., “aging in place” needs and motivations). 

2. How did you come to be in this area of study?

I have always been interested in working on improving older adults’ quality of life outcomes since I was a young girl growing up with my maternal grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease.  My grandmother’s behavior and memory lapses had a long-lasting impact on my desire to help improve older adults’ lives in a meaningful manner.

3. What do like best about doing research?

I enjoy every step in the research process, from the conceptualization of the research idea to the analyzing and writing of the research study’s culminating results.  It is an exciting process of discovery that stimulates my teaching and community service initiatives also.

4. What do you dislike the most about doing research?

Nothing!  I am always excited to work with colleagues and students to discover new ways of thinking and possible solutions to existing issues of concern with a growing aging population.

5. Advice for new researchers who would like to be published?

My best advice for new researchers who would like to be published is to never be discouraged when receiving feedback from the manuscript submission process and to utilize all feedback received as an opportunity for growth and improvement as a writer.