Alex Bishop named a fellow for the Gerontological Society of America

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Media Contact: Katie Lacey | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | katie.l.lacey@okstate.edu

Dr. Alex Bishop, associate professor in the Department of  Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University, has been selected based on merit as a fellow for the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), an honor recognizing outstanding and continuous work in gerontology.

Much of Bishop’s research focuses on centenarians. He spearheaded — along with the OSU Library’s Dr. Tanya Finchum — “Oklahoma 100 Year of Life,” an oral history project recording the life experiences of individuals 100 or older. To date, they have collected the stories of more than 100 Oklahoma centenarians. The ongoing research project’s purpose is to advance pedagogical development for gerontological education.

“My main area of passion lies in studying centenarians,” Bishop said. “Of particular interest is using oral history methods to capture lived experiences through storytelling. We want to incorporate the narratives within gerontology courses to further enhance student-based learning through classroom demonstrations and interactions”

During a recent research sabbatical, Bishop investigated aging-in-prison and how religious oriented activities can help with rehabilitation and improve mental and physical health in older incarcerated individuals. He is also working with Dr. Weihua Sheng from the OSU School of Electrical and Computer Engineering to develop a socially assistive robot for use in the geriatric home health care industry. 

"Having one's work recognized by a professional organization is always an honor. To be selected as one of only 38 fellows for 2021 is recognition of Dr. Bishop's outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology,” said Dr. Sissy Osteen, Human Development and Family Science Department Head. “We are very proud of his accomplishments and this recognition.”     

Bishop will be formally recognized at GSA’s 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting in November.