{"id":7150,"date":"2025-12-04T22:38:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/eascenter\/?p=7150"},"modified":"2025-12-04T22:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:38:11","slug":"mengzhao-yan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/eascenter\/2025\/12\/04\/mengzhao-yan\/","title":{"rendered":"Mengzhao Yan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Mengzhao Yan<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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How did you become interested in the EASC Graduate Fellowship?<\/b><\/p>\n

I have always enjoyed EASC events and see EASC as a central hub at USC for promoting East Asian research and fostering connections among scholars with shared interests. I first learned about the EASC Graduate Fellowship through the EASC website. At the time, I was preparing a study exploring how older Chinese adults perceive home modifications to support aging in place. I felt my project aligned well with the fellowship, so I applied. I am honored to have been selected as a 2024 EASC Graduate Fellow. I really appreciate the fellowship\u2019s inclusive, interdisciplinary nature, which has enriched both my research and my professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is your research focus?<\/b><\/p>\n

My research centers on optimizing services, programs, and products to improve the health and well-being of older persons and their caregivers and supporting them to age in place. My dissertation focuses on the service delivery and utilization of home modifications for aging in place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In what ways did the EASC Graduate Fellowship impact or help your research?<\/b><\/p>\n

The 2024 Graduate Fellowship supported my research on the use of home modifications for aging in place among older Chinese adults. With this support, I conducted a series of in-depth interviews with Chinese older adults and their caregivers to explore their experiences and perspectives on home modifications. Through this process, I identified some cultural considerations that influence attitudes and decision-making regarding adapting the home environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b> Can you share any anecdotes about your fellowship experience?<\/b><\/p>\n

During one of my interviews, an older Chinese adult shared a powerful statement: \u201cI wish someone could engrave a Chinese dragon on grab bars\u2026 that would be beautiful.\u201d This comment highlights not only cultural aesthetic preferences but also the desire among older Chinese immigrants to preserve and express their heritage as they age and use home modifications. It represents a meaningful intersection between East Asian culture and the aging experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You also presented at the Gerontological Society of America 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting. Could you tell us about the work you presented and share any highlights from the conference?<\/b><\/p>\n

My 2024 EASC Graduate Fellowship study led to a poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting. My findings suggest that while some aspects of home modifications and assistive devices are consistently valued among older Chinese and their caregivers, an improved cultural competency in product design and service delivery can help create person-centered solutions. In addition, I chaired a symposium at the conference on innovative translational research to improve home environment and activity performance for aging in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you have any recent publications or other accomplishments you would like to share?<\/b><\/p>\n

I won a Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award in 2024. I was selected as a 2024-2025 USC Center for Excellence in Teaching Mentored Teaching Fellow. I was awarded the 2025 Teaching Assistant Award by my School, the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Recently, I joined the board of EngAGE, Inc., where I provide intellectual support for evaluating its intergenerational arts and wellness programs across more than 40 affordable housing communities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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