Ph.D. Gerontology · UNO 2026

Srujana
Chekuri

Gerontologist, Educator & Mixed-Methods Researcher

Advancing knowledge on caregiving, dementia care, sleep, and health equity among diverse aging populations through rigorous research, compassionate teaching, and meaningful scholarship.

Srujana Chekuri
3 Publications
5 Conf. Abstracts
$10k Research Grants
4 Courses Taught

Passionate about healthy aging
and human flourishing

I am a gerontologist, educator, and mixed-methods researcher with interests in caregiving, dementia care, mental health, sleep, and health equity among diverse aging populations. I earned my Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

My research focuses on the psychosocial and environmental factors that influence health and well-being in later life, particularly family caregiving and dementia-related outcomes. Through research, teaching, and collaboration, I seek to advance gerontological knowledge and contribute meaningful scholarship that supports healthy aging.

I am particularly committed to understanding the experiences of underrepresented communities — including South Asian and Hispanic/Latino populations — and translating research into applied tools and policy-relevant resources.

Dementia Care Family Caregiving Sleep & Mental Health Health Equity Psychosocial Health Mixed Methods South Asian Communities Community-Based Research
2026
Ph.D. in Gerontology
University of Nebraska at Omaha
GPA 3.83
2022
Master of Business Administration
University of Nebraska at Omaha
GPA 3.61
2020
B.S. in Business Analytics
GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, India
GPA 4.00

Investigating the roots of well-being
in later life

Using mixed-methods approaches — from focus groups and structured interviews to cross-sectional surveys — to understand the complex forces shaping aging outcomes.

Family Caregiving
Examining long-distance caregiving experiences within South Asian communities, focusing on caregiver burden, emotional distress, uncertainty, and access to support services.
Sleep & Mental Health
Investigating physical, environmental, and psychological determinants of sleep quality and mental health outcomes among diverse caregiver populations.
Dementia Care
Developing translational resources and policy-relevant tools to support coordinated dementia care, community-based services, and family caregiver well-being.
Health Equity
Centering the lived experiences of underrepresented groups — South Asian, Hispanic/Latino communities — to address disparities in aging-related health outcomes and service access.
Mixed Methods
Integrating qualitative and quantitative designs — focus groups, thematic analysis, SPSS-based regression, ANOVA — to yield richer, more nuanced findings.
Environment & Aging
Exploring how home and neighborhood environments — noise, lighting, social support — shape sleep quality, mental health, and overall well-being among older adults and caregivers.

A Mixed-Methods Approach
to Sleep & Caregiving

Physical, Environmental, and Psychological Determinants of Sleep Among Long-Distance South Asian Caregivers of Older Adults

A rigorous examination of the intersecting psychosocial, environmental, and caregiving-related factors influencing sleep and overall well-being among long-distance South Asian caregivers — combining focus groups, cross-sectional surveys, and thematic analysis to yield actionable insights for clinical practice and policy.

Read Full Dissertation

Publications &
Conference Work

2025
Exploring the Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Sleep in Long-Distance South Asian Caregivers
Chekuri, S., Siddiqui, A., & Boron, J. B.
Psychology International, 7(2), 54.
View Article →
Under Review
Home and Neighborhood Influences on Sleep Among Long-Distance South Asian Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Study
Chekuri, S., & Boron, J. B.
Journal of Applied Gerontology
Under Review
Emotional Distress, Caregiving Uncertainty, and Sleep Disruption Among South Asian Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Study
Chekuri, S., & Boron, J. B.
Aging & Mental Health
2025
Environmental Influences on Sleep: Noise, Lighting, & Social Support in South Asian Caregivers for Older Adults
Chekuri, S., Karki, D., Chataut, A., & Boron, J. B.
Innovation in Aging, 9(Supplement_2), igaf122-3095 — GSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
2025
Midnight Musings: Exploring Sleep, Home Environment, and Mental Health in Hispanic/Latino Communities
Siddiqui, A., Chekuri, S., Blaskewicz Boron, J., Bilau, I., & Yang, E.
Innovation in Aging, 9(Supplement_2), igaf122-2490 — GSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
2024
Impact of Environmental Satisfaction on Sleep Quality Among South Asian Caregivers for Older Adults
Chekuri, S., Siddiqui, A., Karki, D., & Boron, J. B.
Innovation in Aging, 8(Supplement_1), 969–969 — GSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2024
2024
Beyond Borders: Long-Distance Caregiving and Sleep Habits in South Asian Communities
Siddiqui, A., Chekuri, S., Chataut, A., Karki, D., & Boron, J. B.
Innovation in Aging, 8(Supplement_1), 968–968 — GSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2024
In Prep
Psychology of Aging
Boron, J. B., & Chekuri, S.
In Geriatric Review Syllabus (GRS13) — In preparation

Shaping the next generation
of gerontologists

Adjunct Instructor
Introduction to Gerontology (GERO 2000)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Summer 2026
Instructor of Record
Psychology of Adult Development (GERO 4460/850)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Spring 2025 & 2026
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Seminar in Aging and Human Behavior (GERO 9460)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Fall 2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Sociology of Aging (GERO 4440)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Fall 2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Research Methods in Gerontology (GERO 3250)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Fall 2024
Also Prepared to Teach
Health and Aging · Aging and Mental Health · Family Caregiving · Lifespan Development · Stress, Coping & Well-Being · Long-Term Care and Aging Services · Program Planning & Evaluation

Let's collaborate on meaningful
aging research

I welcome conversations about research collaboration, interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching opportunities, and mentorship in gerontology and aging-related fields. Whether you're a student, researcher, or practitioner — I'd love to hear from you.

Research Methods
Mixed Methods Focus Groups Thematic Analysis Survey Design SPSS ANOVA / ANCOVA Regression Analysis Qualitative Coding IRB Protocols
Technical & Academic
Manuscript Preparation Canvas LMS Zotero / EndNote Packback Data Visualization Academic Writing
✦ Competitive Research Funding
$10,000
Principal Investigator — GRACA Grants (2023–2025)
University of Nebraska at Omaha