Q&A with Cathy Bodine, PhD, CCC-SLP, from the University of Colorado in Denver, CO
Meet Cathy.
“The interesting thing about the mentors I have chosen — or those who have chosen to mentor me — is that they came from all walks of life: medical, industry, academic and personal. Each has provided me with incredibly valuable insights.”
Q: How long have you been a GSA member? What GSA member benefit do you like best and why?
A: I officially joined GSA in 2013 and truly enjoy the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with so many engaging and informed members.
Q: How has membership in GSA benefited you?
A: I enjoy the annual conferences, various journals and access to highly informed, engaged members.
Q: How did you get interested in the field of aging?
A: I have always been interested in the field of aging; and over my almost 30 year career, I’ve watched with a great deal of interest not only the changing demographics worldwide, but also, the changing attitudes and perceptions about aging.
Q: Why is it important for other individuals to join GSA?
A: Out world is definitely graying and it is critical for those of us providing direct clinical services, engaging in research and/or inventing new products and services to be aware of the impact and efficacy or activities have on policy, legislation and of course, lifestyles of those who are aging.
Q: What are your key responsibilities at your job?
A: I am developing a PhD, Masters and undergraduate track in technology, disability and aging within our Department of Bioengineering; and also serve as the principal investigator of a NIDRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center focused on researching and developing technologies that can be used by persons with cognitive impairments—including those who are aging.
Q: What is your most memorable research/patient experience?
A: One of my favorite patient experiences was watching Maude, who was 105 years old and blind, learn to use text-to-speech to send emails to her 85 year old daughter. Neither had ever used a computer; nor, had they ever thought about assistive technologies.
Q: Do you have any tips for emerging gerontologists?
A: Pay attention to ongoing and exciting developments in technology applications for seniors and care providers!
Q: Tell us a little about your most recent activities/accomplishments?
A: I am very excited about recently joining the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Colorado. I’ve been a long-time (18 year) faculty member of the School of Medicine; so, adding Bioengineering is a huge bonus providing access to some incredible and innovative technology minds who are trying to solve issues so relevant to our aging population.
Q: Have you had an important mentor in your career? If so, how did it make a difference?
A: Mentoring was not something we talked about early in my career as critical to performance and satisfaction within a career. However, over the years I’ve had a number of formal and informal mentors. The interesting thing about the mentors I have chosen—or those who have chosen to mentor me—is that they came from all walks of life: medical, industry, academic and personal. Each has provided me with incredibly valuable insights. I am so grateful to know these amazing individuals!
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