Print This Post
Dr Karah Alexander
Name:
Dr Karah Alexander
Job Title:
Instructional Designer
Place of work / study:
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers / Emory University
Area of research?
Health literacy and health systems navigation in Black caregivers of persons living with dementia
How is your research funded:
Various grants
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m originally from Los Angeles, California, and I recently completed my PhD in Nursing at Emory University under the mentorship of Drs. Ken Hepburn and Fayron Epps. My research focuses on health literacy and medical discrimination in Black dementia caregivers, exploring literacy as a key factor in inequities among underserved communities. I work as an instructional designer with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, where I’m helping to expand the Dealing with Dementia Program to Black dementia caregivers in Georgia. I’m also a researcher on the innovative Caregiving While Black online psychoeducation course. I’m deeply passionate about improving health literacy in the Black community and examining its role as a significant factor in the disparities experienced by Black dementia caregivers.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Before this line of work, I was a rising veterinarian and worked with farm animals for a summer.
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
My grandmother passed from complications with dementia, and my family had little to no knowledge about the illness and limited health literacy which I believe affected her quality of life.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Passion and genuine love for what you do and who you serve should be the driver of research. If you aren’t passionate, your participants will know.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Neighbor Favor. Yes!!
Favourite film of all time?
The Devil wears Prada
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Play with my 6-month old son and our Dotson Gigi
