Education

• BSc, Mathematics, The University of Iowa
• MA, Telecommunications (Digital Storytelling), Ball State University
• MSocSc, Gerontology, The University of Hong Kong
• PhD, Gerontology, University of Southern California

Research

• Health Communication
• Public health storytelling
• Palliative Care
• Advance Care Planning
• Spirituality/Religiosity at End of Life

Overview

Deborah Hoe, PhD, is an educator and researcher who embraces the concept of person-centeredness in all aspects of aging. A recent graduate of USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Hoe has extensive experience working with older adults navigate age-related changes and prepare for life transitions in the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong. She has worked with both community-based and institutionalized older adults. While her dissertation research primarily focused on storytelling as a health communication tool among older adults, she is also passionate about economic security in older age, technology and older adults, as well as combating self-directed ageism. Hoe is also certified as a Guided Autobiography Instructor and Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor. She is currently investigating the impact of racial concordance between the messenger and health messaging recipient as well as the impact of patient stories on knowledge retention over time.