Department: Community and Behavioral Health

Year of intended graduation: 2027

Previous Education: BS, Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavior, Illinois State University (2021); MPH, Behavioral Science and Health Education, Saint Louis University (2023)

Research Interest: Healthy aging; mental health, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; long-term care; caregiving; social support networks; intergenerational relationships; community-engaged research; rural health

Current Activities: Emily Killian is a Graduate Research Assistant on the Disaster PrepWise-Caregiver project, which focuses on caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Her long-term research goals are to help improve the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers through community-engaged approaches, with a particular interest in social support networks and rural communities. Outside of her academic life, Emily enjoys group fitness classes, caring for her houseplants, and spending time with her friends, family, and puppy (Cherry).