USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

06/03/2026

This four-part series explores advancing the field of aging and preparing you to lead in enhancing older adults' lives. Hear from experts, students, alumni, and an admission counselor about groundbreaking research and diverse degree paths to support your career goals.

RSVP: tinyurl.com/nextgen-aging

06/02/2026

Los Angeles Times quoted Susan Enguidanos in a column on hospice fraud. “The biggest complaint,” she said of consumer reviews of hospice organizations on Google and Yelp was that hospice staff didn’t show up as much as expected. “They said they would come,” Enguidanos said, paraphrasing a typical response, “and they just didn’t show up.” The column was widely republished, including in Yahoo, AOL, and MSN.

Read more:

Choosing the right hospice service can be confusing. How to avoid scams and make the best choice.

05/28/2026

This four-part series explores advancing the field of aging and preparing you to lead in enhancing older adults' lives. Hear from experts, students, alumni, and an admission counselor about groundbreaking research and diverse degree paths to support your career goals.

Sessions will take place every Wednesday in June from 4-5pm PDT.
RSVP: tinyurl.com/nextgen-aging

05/21/2026

Congratulations to PhD in Gerontology graduate Mengzhao Yan! 🎓

During his time at USC Leonard Davis, Mengzhao has focused his research on improving services, programs, and products that support older adults and caregivers as they age in place. His dissertation explored how home modifications can better support the health, safety, and well-being of older adults.

As he begins his next chapter as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Mengzhao looks forward to continuing research and advocacy that help create more supportive, age-friendly environments for older adults.

"In this role, I expect to expand my research by examining how to use technologies to create smarter home environments, support disability participations, optimize user experience of smart home technologies, and improve activity performance among older adults and persons with disabilities."

Fight On, Mengzhao! ✌️

https://gero.usc.edu/2026/05/20/mengzhao-yan-phd-in-gerontology/

2026 USC PhD in Gerontology graduate Mengzhao Yan also received his MA in Aging Services Management in 2019 and studies how to help people age in place.

05/21/2026

PsyPost - Psychology Research News featured a study by Roberto Vicinanza and Pinchas Cohen on how adhering to a Mediterranean Diet can increase the amount of mitochondrial microproteins humanin and SHMOOSE.

Read more:

A recent study reveals that following a Mediterranean diet increases levels of Humanin and SHMOOSE. These microscopic cellular proteins help protect the heart and brain from age-related damage, offering a biological explanation for the diet's well-known health benefits.

05/16/2026

Congratulations to the USC Leonard Davis School Class of 2026! 🎓❤️💛 Today, the school celebrated more than 200 graduates of its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs in Founders Park.

"Let life surprise you. Let it redirect you, even if that something looks different than what you imagined today," said 2026 USC Leonard Davis Commencement speaker and alumna Ranyan Lu PhD '98. "Sometimes the best paths and destinations are the ones we never planned to reach."

05/15/2026

Congratulations to PhD in the Biology of Aging graduate Maxim Averbukh! 🎓

During his PhD research, Maxim studied how age-related changes in the actin cytoskeleton influence cellular aging. His findings showed that modulating the cytoskeleton may accelerate or decelerate aging-related processes, suggesting it may play an active role in regulating aging itself. Moving forward, he hopes to continue exploring how cellular architecture and interactions within cells influence longevity and age-associated decline.

“I have especially appreciated how interdisciplinary the program is. ... Being exposed to so many different perspectives has broadened the way I approach scientific questions and has made my training experience especially rewarding.”

As he begins his next chapter, Maxim looks forward to continuing his work in aging research and contributing to discoveries that advance healthy longevity.

Fight On, Maxim! ✌️

USC Leonard Davis scientists study aging across disciplines, which "creates a uniquely holistic way of thinking about aging," says Maxim Averbukh PhD '26.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to PhD in Gerontology graduate Eleanor Batista-Malat! 🎓

Throughout her time at USC Leonard Davis, Eleanor has dedicated her research to improving the lives of older adults, focusing on elder abuse prevention, caregiving, and home- and community-based services. As a doctoral student in the Secure Old Age Lab and USC Center for Elder Justice, she explored how systems can better support vulnerable older adults and their caregivers.

“Gerontology has shown me how research can directly improve people’s lives and strengthen communities.”

After graduation, Eleanor will join the VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Health Systems Research at the VA Los Angeles HSR Center.

Fight On, Eleanor! ✌️

After graduation, Eleanor Batista-Malat PhD '26 will begin a VA fellowship to further her research in improving health services.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging graduate Tiffany Wang! 🎓

As a first-generation college student, Tiffany came to USC Leonard Davis searching for community and purpose. Now, she graduates as an award-winning researcher and student leader helping fellow students find their place and thrive.

Wang, also a COMPASS Fellow and QuestBridge Scholar, says her understanding of gerontology and her place within it has changed over time. Like many students, she worked through uncertainty early on, but the deep level of support she found within the USC Leonard Davis School made a lasting difference.

“Gero isn’t just a major; it’s a community, a family.”

As she begins her next chapter, Tiffany hopes to continue making an impact through medicine, research, and advocacy for healthier aging across communities.

Join us in celebrating Tiffany and the entire Class of 2026. Fight On! ✌️
https://gero.usc.edu/2026/05/08/tiffany-wang-usc-gerontology/

A first-generation college student, BS in Human Development & Aging grad Tiffany Wang treasures the support she found at the USC Leonard Davis School.