Highlighted Researcher: Allison Bay

What is your professional background?
I grew up on a family dairy farm and went to Tri-Valley High School in Ohio. I got my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College. After graduation, I joined the Peace Corps and served as a Children, Youth, and Families’ volunteer in the Philippines from 2013-2015. Upon completing my service, I came back to the USA and got my Master of Public Health degree from Emory University. I have been doing research at Emory since 2016.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics under the supervision of Dr. Madeleine E. Hackney and Dr. Molly Perkins. I also hold a WOC appointment as a research coordinator at the Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I currently work on studies looking at life trajectories in assisted living and the impact of adapted Argentine tango, walking, and health education on motor, cognitive, and psycho-social function in older adults. Specifically, I am involved in studying end-of-life in assisted living communities, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment, and the impact of caregiving. This research is extremely important because understanding the mechanisms underlying age-related functional changes and finding ways to circumvent the challenges associated with getting older helps people live longer and fuller lives.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I really enjoy The Big Bang Theory.

What do you like most about Emory? 
The people! I love being surrounded by passionate individuals working together to promote equity, address global and local challenges, and pursue scholarship.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I read, write short stories, take my dog to the park, work in my garden, and make ceramics. I also volunteer with Emory Presbyterian Church and Atlanta Food Bank.

What is a fun fact about you? 
I have traveled to 16 countries and four continents.