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Denise Tyler’s path to gerontology was shaped by a blend of personal experiences and professional opportunities. While working at the Center on Aging in the University of Kansas Medical Center, Denise conducted interviews with individuals recovering from strokes, and was able to apply her background in anthropology to qualitative research. At the same time, her mother-in-law entered a nursing home, giving Denise multiple perspectives on the complexities of long-term care. These experiences solidified her interest in improving the systems and structures to support older adults and their caregivers.

Over the years, Denise’s career has centered on nursing homes and other long-term services and supports, with a particular focus on direct care workers. She pursued a PhD at the Heller School at Brandeis University, earning a doctorate in social policy with a concentration in aging policy.

Her expertise grew further during her tenure at the Brown University Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research and RTI International, where she contributed to large-scale long-term services and supports initiatives. Her research highlighted the critical role that additional clinical staff, such as nurse practitioners, can play in reducing hospitalizations and supporting direct care workers in nursing homes. Also, Denise played a key part in developing the , a resource providing comprehensive data on nursing homes nationwide.

Now a Research Scientist at Scripps Gerontology Center, Denise continues to focus on the challenges facing direct care workers. Her recent study, published in Medical Care Research and Review, explores how state programs for self-directed home and community-based services impacted personal care assistant wages. Her work emphasizes the need for improved job quality, increased wages, and stronger recruitment and retention strategies for direct care staff.

When asked what makes Scripps special, Denise notes that the center is “made up of such a dedicated group of researchers who are so committed to the field of gerontology…it’s just such a standout for that reason.”

Through her research and policy work, Denise Tyler is dedicated to advancing the field of gerontology, improving systems of care for older adults, and supporting the essential workforce.