Dr. Kerry Burnight says a degree in gerontology can apply to any career because aging is living. Learn how her doctorate from the USC Leonard Davis School led to a variety of rewarding positions in academic, non-profit and technology sectors.
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Category: Alumni
An Unprecedented Internship: Living in a Retirement Community during COVID-19
While most USC Leonard Davis students had their internships pivot to a virtual setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson Rubio Argueta’s internship site, Kingsley Manor Retirement Community in Los Angeles, was also his home.
USC Employee Decides to Earn Certificate in Gerontology
It didn’t take long for Athan Bezaitis to catch the gerontology bug. He worked as communications director for the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology before he ever took a class. But after getting to know the school’s faculty and students and learning about their
Master’s in Gerontology Provides Strong Foundation for Senior Living Leadership
With a rapidly aging population in need of support, "professionals who can develop sound solutions and policies will be critical and in demand," says Sahar Edalati MS '13, associate executive director for The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights in New York.
Gerson Galdamez, PhD ’20, aims to improve aging policy and services in Los Angeles and beyond
Galdamez says his years at the Leonard Davis School have provided him with many incredible experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, including opportunities to travel and engage in policymaking and foundation work.
Gerontology PhD graduate to study health disparities, including impact of COVID-19 on Puerto Rican older adults
Catherine Pérez Garcia PhD ’20, a first-generation college student, will continue her research on health disparities in minority populations as assistant professor of sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
From USC Leonard Davis School undergrad to medical doctor fighting COVID-19
Humanitarian Tyler Evans '02 has responded to disease outbreaks around the globe and is now the chief medical officer overseeing the COVID-19 response for the New York City Department of Emergency Management.
Alumni at Work
How the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology helped three graduates explore the gerontology field and forge unique careers in aging and health.
Master’s in Gerontology Provides Flexibility, Valuable Perspective for Senior Living Leadership
"USC was a great option for me because of the hybrid program; it gave the flexibility I needed," says Josh Johnson MAG '09, Chief Operating Officer of West Bay Senior Living and USC lecturer.
Master’s Graduate Shows Credibility and Compassion as a Senior Living Administrator
Larissa Stepanians MS '01, chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, says she wakes up every day “with this feeling that I’m going to make a difference.”