Profile

Dr. Jordan Lewis

Director of Research,
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Contact Details

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Duluth, MN

Dr. Jordan Lewis


Director of Research,
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Bio

Trained as a social worker, community psychologist and gerontologist, Assistant Professor Jordan Lewis focuses on research related to cross-cultural community psychology and gerontology, with an emphasis on Alaska Native cultures.

In addition to a doctorate in community psychology, he also holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Master of Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis. In addition to his teaching duties, he works with the School-affiliated Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, which is a National Center of Excellence.

One of his research interests is exploring the role that “generativity” plays in the mental and physical health of Alaska Native elders. This term, first used in the work of Erik Erikson, refers to one generation passing on its knowledge and experience to guide the development of the next. Through his studies of Alaska Native elders, Dr. Lewis found that healthy aging in Alaska Native communities not only promoted overall individual and community well-being but also preserved traditional cultures (cultural generativity).

His research identifies characteristics that enable Alaska Native elders to age well, overcome addiction issues, and become role models for their families and communities. Using the lessons and experiences of elders in long-term recovery, he is developing culturally tailored approaches for alcohol and drug abuse disorders.

Dr. Lewis was a contributor to Older Native Americans: The Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging, published by Oxford University Press in 2013. He has presented papers at many national and international conferences, including meetings in Iceland, Norway and Sweden. In 2009, Dr. Lewis received the National Rural Aging and Public Health Research Award from the American Public Health Association and the following year, he won the Dennis Demmert Appreciation and Recognition Award from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Education

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Ph.D., 2009
Cross Cultural Community Psychology
2005 To 2009
Dissertation: "Successful aging through the eyes of Alaska Native Elders: What it means to be an Elder in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Advisor: Gerald Mohatt

Washington University in St. Louis
Saint Lous, Missouri, United States
MSW, 2000
Social Work, Gerontology
1999 To 2000

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
BSW, 1999
Social Work
1997 To 1999

Job History

University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Indigenous Studies
Director of Research, Research Professor
Fairbanks, United States
August 2024 - present

University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus
Professor
Duluth, MN, United States
March 2020 - January 2024

University of Alaska Anchorage
Associate Professor of Medical Education
Anchorage
July 2016 - March 2020

University of Washington School of Social Work - Indigenous Wellness Research Institute
Assistant Professor
Seattle
July 2013 - June 2016

Honors and Awards

Aging and Rural Health Research Award
American Public Health Association (APHA)
2009

Dennis Demmert Oustanding Advising Award
University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Rural and Community Development (UAF CRCD)
2010

New Ventures in Leadership graduate
American Society on Aging (ASA NVL)
2012

Professional Gerontologist Certification
National Association for Professional Gerontologists (NAPG)
2013

Areas Of Expertise

  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Caregiving
  • Caregiving: Caregiver Stress and Coping Strategies
  • Dementia: Other
  • Ethnic Groups: Native American
  • Gerontology
  • Intergenerational Relations
  • Intergenerational Relations: Other
  • Successful Aging

Discipline

  • Psychology