Emily S. Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work in the College of Public Health. Her work advances human well-being by developing and evaluating interventions, policies, and systems that foster vitality, purpose, adaptability, and engagement across the life course.
Focusing on diverse aging populations and their care partners, her work emphasizes interdisciplinary, community-based, and creative approaches to addressing complex societal issues and enhancing quality of life. Current projects include Rhythm & Nature and other arts- and music-based interventions that support well-being among individuals living with dementia and their care partners and individuals from underserved communities.