Dr. Heather Young

Biography

Heather M. Young is a nationally recognized expert in gerontological nursing and rural health care. She is the Dean Emerita and Professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. As the National Director of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship Program, she prepares early to mid-career nurse scholars for leadership in research, education, practice, and policy. Young's research focuses on healthy aging, particularly the interface between individuals, families, and formal health care systems. She co-leads the Healthy Aging Digital World initiative at UC Davis Health, which involves a diverse team exploring technology's role in supporting independent living and health care access. Young also co-directs the Family Caregiving Institute, working to enhance family caregiver support for individuals with chronic diseases. Her previous work influenced long-term care policies in Washington state, and her research encompasses medication management, safety in rural assisted-living settings, and the use of telehealth. As a senior policy fellow for the AARP Public Policy Institute, she promotes resources for family caregiving and is involved in various advisory and leadership committees aimed at advancing health care access and quality. Young holds a bachelor's degree in Dietetics, an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in gerontology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science.

Research Interests

Experience