by Janelle Christensen (Author)
Using the theoretical framework of Singer's Syndemics, Christensen explores how aging bodies are more vulnerable to increased environmental toxins, which is further exacerbated by climate fluctuations. A central question is: how do we value our environment, our elders, and make decisions about well-being throughout the life course?
Author Biography
Dr. Janelle Christensen's research interests lie at the intersection of disaster management and aging studies, exploring how community dwelling families respond to emergency preparedness and disaster planning while simultaneously providing care for family members with Alzheimer's disease. She completed both Ph.D. in Applied Biocultural Anthropology and a Master's in Public Health (M.P.H.) at the University of South Florida. She also has an M.A. in Sociology of Law from the International Institute for Sociology of Law in Oñati, Spain. Her Socio-legal research was conducted in intentional communities (Camphill Communities) based on the care of individuals with developmental disabilities in both Germany and the United States. Christensen works in Institutional Research and Florida Southwestern State College, where she also teaches Anthropology and Sociology courses. She is also an independent contractor, assisting with data analysis for gerontological health projects.