Directory

Ying-Ling Jao
PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN

Associate Professor

University Park

Phone: 814-865-5634

Email: yuj15@psu.edu

Ying-Ling Jao’s program of research focuses on assessing and developing non-pharmacological interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Her overall aim is to understand how dementia care environments within nursing homes impact the health and wellbeing of residents living with dementia.

Jao developed the Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR) scale, a pioneering apathy-assessment instrument that incorporates environmental stimulation as part of a person-centered assessment approach. The PEAR has been adopted by clinical and research institutions in the United States and internationally.

She has led multiple internally and externally funded interdisciplinary dementia research projects, including two completed NIH/NIA-funded R21 studies and one ongoing R01 study. One completed study examined the effects of caregiver communication on apathy among people living with dementia (R21AG062931). Another clinical trial developed a smart-lighting intervention and evaluated its fidelity, feasibility, and effects (R21AG078544).

As part of her R01 project, Jao leads the interdisciplinary study of Smart Environmental Lighting intervention, SmartEnLite, an innovative automated smart-lighting system designed to support circadian health among individuals with dementia. This NIH/NIA-funded R01 randomized controlled trial (R01AG100732) evaluates whether SmartEnLite improves sleep and reduces behavioral and psychological symptoms among residents with dementia in nursing homes.

Jao teaches courses in gerontological nursing, evidence-based practice, and nursing research across undergraduate and graduate programs. She also mentors students and early-career scholars, helping prepare the next generation of clinical scholars and nursing scientists. Collectively, her research, teaching, and mentorship support dementia-friendly environments, innovation in long-term care, and practical strategies to improve the quality of life of older adults living with dementia.

Education

• PhD, Nursing (Focus: Aging), University of Iowa
• MSN, Adult and Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Iowa
• BSN, Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan

Awards and Honors

• 2025: Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).
• 2022-2023: Faculty Scholar, NIA IMPACT Collaboratory.
• 2022: Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (FGSA).
• 2021: Fellow of Alzheimer’s Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute.
• 2019: Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award, National Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE).
• 2018-2020: Selected Faculty of the Distinguished Honors Faculty Program, Pennsylvania State University.
• 2015: Developing Behavioral Interventions Scholarship, Johns Hopkins Summer Research Institute.
• 2013: Myrtle Aydelotte Doctoral Education Fund in Nursing Award, University of Iowa
• 2013: Graduate College Summer Fellowship, University of Iowa
• 2013: Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence Travel Award, University of Iowa
• 2013: Etta Rasmussen Professional Development Award, University of Iowa
• 2012: International Programs Graduate Student Travel Award, University of Iowa
• 2010-2011: Interdisciplinary Fellowship of Aging, Center on Aging, University of Iowa
• 2008: Inducted Member of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), Gamma Chapter, University of Iowa.

Clinical Expertise and Areas of Specialization

• Gerontological nursing and research

Mentorship

• Jao has mentored BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD students in nursing and students/scholars/clinicians in other disciplines. Jao accepts PhD students.

Research

Research & Publications

Research Interests and Areas of Expertise

• Assessment of apathy in people with dementia.
• Non-pharmacological interventions for neurobehavioral symptoms of dementia.
• Caregiver communication for older adults with dementia.
• Long-term care environments and lighting interventions for people with dementia.
• Use of technology in dementia care.

Research Funding and Grants

• 08/01/2026-04/30/2031
  “SmartEnLite: A Smart Environmental Lighting Intervention to Improve Behaviors and Sleep for Nursing Home Residents Living with Dementia”
  Role: PI (MPIs: Ying-Ling Jao [Contact PI] & Julian Wang)
  Funding Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA) R01AG100732
  $3,601,152
• 07/01/2024-06/30/2025
  “Developing Circadian Health-Supportive Architectural Glazing Films from Natural and Bio-derived Materials”
  Role Co-PI (PI: Julian Wang)
  Funding Source Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University
  $50,000
• 08/15/2022-04/30/2025
  “The Effect of Smart Ambient Bright Light for Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias”
  Role PI (MPIs: Ying-Ling Jao [Contact PI] & Julian Wang)
  Funding Source National Institute on Aging (NIA) R21AG078544
  $411,982
• 08/15/2023-07/31/2024
  “Wearable Sensor Development for Individualized Indoor Comfort and Circadian Health Monitoring”
  Role Co-PI (PI: Julian Wang)
  Funding Source Center for Biodevices, Pennsylvania State University
  $80,000
• 08/15/2019-05/31/2023
  “Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Impact of Caregiver Communication”
  Role PI
  Funding Source National Institute on Aging (NIA) R21AG062931
  $443,206
• 09/01/2022-08/31/2023
  “Design of Wearable Sensing and Monitoring System on Personalized Indoor Thermal Comfort”
  Role Co-I (PI: Julian Wang)
  Funding Source Center for Human Evolution and Diversity, Pennsylvania State University
  $33,072
• 07/2017-06/2018
  “Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Impact of Care Environment”
  Role PI
  Funding Source Fran and Holly Soistman Faculty Development Endowment, Pennsylvania State University
  $3,500
• 05/2013-05/2014
  “Developing an Apathy Scale for Persons with Dementia Incorporating Environmental Factors”
  Role PI
  Funding Source Sigma Theta Tau International
  $4,972
• 05/2013-05/2014
  “Evaluating the Validity of the Apathy in Dementia Observational Scale”
  Role PI
  Funding Source Sigma Theta Tau International, Gamma Chapter
  $1,500
• 07/2012-06/2014
  ”The Measurement of Weight-bearing Activity and Activity-associated Pain in Persons with Prior Diabetic Foot Ulcers”
  Role PI
  Funding Source The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)
  $10,000

Publications and Scholarly Work

• Liao, Y-J., Boltz, M., Berish, D., Murphy, T. E., Chi, N-C., & Jao, Y-L. (2026 accepted). Developing and Evaluating the Psychometrics of Pain Competency Evaluation in Dementia Scale. Pain Management Nursing.
• Liao, Y-J., Boltz, M., Berish, D., Murphy, T. E., Chi, N-C., & Jao, Y-L. (2026). Nurses’ Pain Management Competency in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia. Pain Management Nursing. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2026.05.009.
• Pangaribuan S. M., Herlianita, , Jao, Y.-J., Chang, K.-M., Chen, Y.-C., Lee, H.-C., Siringoringo, L., & Chiu, H.-Y. (2026). Comparative effects of nonpharmacological interventions on sleep quality of institutionalized older adults without dementia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Review, 87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2026.102282
• Teng, Y.-W., Huang, H.C., Jao, Y.-L., & Huang, L-K. (2026). Prevalence and factors related to subjective cognitive decline in middle-aged adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20260122-03
• Olayemi A., T., Boltz, M., Jao, Y.-L., Branstetter, S., & Exten C. (2025). The Digital Lure: Exploring Social Media Features Influencing Adolescent E-Cigarette Initiation and Use. Journal of Addiction Nursing.
• Olanrewaju, S. A., Boltz, M., Jao, Y-L., Rosaldo, M., & Loeb, S. J. (2025). Internationally Educated Nurses’ Experiences of Working in the U.S. Long-Term Care Settings. Research in Nursing and Health. 49(1), 74–86. doi: 1002/nur.70034
• Mueller, C., Gillis, S., Jao, Y.-L., Johnson, A., Joseph, L., King, B. J., Lai, C. K. Y., Mandebvu, F., Sillner, A., & Shim J. Y. (2025). Gerontological Competencies for Entry-Level Professional Nursing: Alignment with AACN Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.08.012
• Beiglary, S., Feng, Y., Wang, N., Ghaeili, N., Wang, J., Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J., & Li., Y. (2025). Using Wearable Sensors to Measure and Predict Personal Circadian Lighting Exposure in Nursing Home Residents: Model Development and Validation, JMIR-Aging. doi: 10.2196/72338
• Olanrewaju, S. A., Boltz, M., Jao, Y-L., Rosaldo, M., & Loeb, S. J. (2025). Impact of Transitional Experiences on the Preparedness of Internationally Educated Nurses to Provide Care for Older Adults in U.S. Long-Term Care Settings: A Qualitative Study, Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 51(9), 31-38.doi: 10.3928/00989134-20250627-02.
• Pangaribuan, S. M., Wu, T.-Y., Wu, Herlianita, R., Jao, Y.-L^., Lee, S.-C, Hasan, F., Chiu, H.-Y. (2025). Global Occurrence Rates of Sleep Disturbances Among Institutionalized Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2025.102091
• Lai, Y.-H., Lin, C.-J., Su, I.-C., Huang, S.-W., Hsiao, C.-C., Jao, Y.-L., Chen, P.-Y., Traynor, V., Lee, C.-Y., Chen, T.-J., Ho, M.-H., & Chiu, H.-Y. (2025). Clinical Utility and Performance of the Traditional Chinese Version of the 4-As Test for Delirium Due to Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Academy of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. doi: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.12.005
• Olayemi A., T., Boltz, M., Jao, Y.-L., Branstetter, S., & Extern Cara. (2025). Vaping in the Digital Age: How Social Media Influences Adolescent Attitudes and Beliefs About E-Cigarette Use, Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1080/1067828X.2024.2439599
• Feng, Y., Wang, J., Ghaeili, N., Jao, Y.-L., Obonyo, E. A., & Pavlak, G. S. (2025). Exploring an Occupant-Involved Closed-Loop Wearable Sensing System and Online Tuning for Individualized Thermal Preference. Energy and Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbenv.2025.02.001
• Ghaeili, N., Wang, J., Beiglary, S., & Jao, Y.-L. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Spatial Factors on Circadian Daylight Distribution. Proceedings of the 52nd American Solar Energy Society National Solar Conference 2024. https://doi.org/10.52202/077496-0015
• Boltz, M., Van Haitsma, K., Rosa, B., Justine, S., Hodgson, N., Jao, Y.-L., & Kolanowski, A. (2024). Ready or Not: A conceptual model of organizational readiness for implementation of embedded pragmatic dementia research. Research of Gerontological Nursing.
• Jao, Y.-L. & Boltz, M. (2024). Dementia. In M. Boltz., E. A. Capezuti, & T. Fulmer. (Eds.). Evidence-Based Geriatric Nursing Protocols for Best Practice, Seventh Edition. Springer Publishing.
• Ghaeili, N., Beiglary, S., Wang, J., & Jao, Y.-L. (2023). Assessment of the Window Performance from the Light Provision and Circadian Light Aspects. Proceedings of the 52nd American Solar Energy Society National Solar Conference 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39147-7_6
• Liao, Y-J, Jao, Y.-L., Boltz, M., Adekeye, T. O., Berish, D, Yuan, F. & Zhao, Xiaopeng (2023). Use of a Humanoid Robot in Supporting Dementia Care: A Qualitative Analysis. SAGE Open Nursing. doi: 10.1177/23779608231179528.
• Yuan, F., Boltz, M., Bilal, D., Jao, Y.-L., Crane, M., Duzan, J., Bahour, A., & Zhao, X. (2023) Cognitive exercise for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Using a Social Robot. IEEE Transactions on Robotics.
• Liu, W., Jao, Y.-L., Paudel, A., & Yoon, S. O. (2023). Mealtime Interactions between Nursing Home Staff and Residents with Dementia: A Behavioral Analysis of Language Characteristics. BMC Geriatrics. doi: 21203/rs.3.rs-2819343/v1
• Liao, Y-J, K., Jao, Y.-L., Berish, D., Hin, A.S., Wangi, K., Kitko, L., Mogle, J., & Boltz, M. (2023). A Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators of Pain Management in Persons with Dementia. The Journal of Pain. DOI: 1016/j.jpain.2022.12.014
• Jao, Y.-L., Wang, J., Liao, Y.-J., Parajuli, J., Berish, D. E., McNally, L., Boltz, M., Van Haitsma, K., Wang, N., & Calkins, M. (2022). Effect of Ambient Bright Light on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in People with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Innovation in Aging.
• Feng, Y., Liu, S., Wang, J., Yang, J., & Jao, Y.-L. (2022). Data-driven personal thermal comfort prediction: A literature review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews16, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112357
• Scott, T., Jao, Y.-L., Tulloch, K., Yates, E., & Pachana, N. A. (2022). Well-Being Benefits of Horticulture-Based Activities for Community Dwelling People with Dementia: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (17), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710523
• Paudel, A., Mogle, J. A., Kuzmik, A., Resnick, B., BeLue, R., Galik, E., Liu, W., Behrens, L., Jao, Y.-L. & Boltz, M. (2022) Gender Differences in Interactions and Depressive Symptoms Among Hospitalized Older Patients Living with Dementia. Journal of Women & Aging DOI: 1080/08952841.2022.2146972
• Anderson, J. G. & Jao, Y.-L. (2022). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family-Focused Care of People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Journal of Family Nursing (3), 179-182.
• Yuan, F., Boltz, M., Jao, Y.-L., Casenhise, A., Siddiq, A., Bray, R., Duzan, J., Crane, M., & Zhao, X. (2022). Assessment of a Humanoid Partner for Older Adults and Persons with Dementia during Home-based Activities. ICSR 2022 – 14th International Conference on Social Robotics.
• Jao, Y.-L., Liu, W., Habib, C., Jyotsana, P., Holmes, S., & Galik, E. (2021). Function-focused person-environment fit for long-term care residents with dementia: Impact on apathy. Gerontologist. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaa111
• Liao, Y.-J. Parajuli, J., Jao, Y.-L., Kitko, L., & Berish, D. (2021). Non-pharmacological Interventions for Pain in People with Dementia: A Systematic Review Systematic Review on Pain in Dementia. International Journal of Nursing Studies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104082
• Woods, D., Yuan, F., Jao, Y.-L., & Zhao, X. (2021). Social Robots for Older Adults with Dementia: A Narrative Review on Challenges and Future Directions. Social Robotics, 411–420. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-90525-5_35
• Parajuli, J., Berish, D. E., Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J., Johnson, L. A., & Walsh, A. (2021). Prevalence and Health Outcomes in Individuals with Comorbid Cancer and Dementia: Longitudinal Analysis. Aging and Health, DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2003298
• Parajuli, J., Berish, D, & Valenti, K. G., Jao, Y.-L. (2020). Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults with cancer. Aging and Mental Health.
• Parajuli, J., Aluem, T., Jao, Y-L., Hupcey, J. (2020). Barriers to Palliative and Hospice Care Utilization in Older Adults with Cancer: A Systematic Review. Journal of Geriatric Oncology,11 (1), 8-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2019.09.017
• Resnick, B., Kolanowski, A., Van Haitsma, K., Galik, E., Boltz, M., Zhu, S., Ellis, J., Behrens L., Eshragi, K., Viviano, N., & Jao, Y-L. (2020).  Reliability and Validity Testing of the Assessment of the Environment for Person-Centered Management of BPSD and Assessment of Policies for Person-Centered Management of BPSD Measures.  Journal of Housing for the Elderly. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2019.1683670
• Liu, W., Jao, Y.-L., & Williams, K. (2019). Factors Influencing the Pace of Food Intake for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Resident Characteristics, Staff Assistance and Environmental Stimulation. Nursing Open.6 (3), 772-782.
• Jao, Y.-L., Liu, W., & Williams, K., Chaudhury, H., & Parajuli, J. (2019). Association between environmental stimulation and apathy in nursing home residents with dementia, International Psychogeriatrics, 31 (8), 1109-1120. doi:10.1017/S1041610219000589.
• Parajuli, J., Berish, D, & Jao, Y-L. (2019). Chronic Conditions and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Functional Limitations, Aging and Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1693971
• Jao, Y.-L., Mogle, J., Williams, K., McDermott, C., & Behrens, L. (2018). Real-time observation of apathy in long-term care residents with dementia: Reliability of the Person-Environment Apathy Rating Scale. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 4 (44), 23-28. doi:10.3928/00989134-20180131-02
• Williams, K., & Jao, Y.-L. (2018). Supporting elders with cognitive changes and caregivers across community and long-term care settings. In M. Rizzo, & S. Anderson (Eds.). The Wiley Handbook of the Aging Mind and Brain. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Jao, Y.-L., Epps, F., McDermott, C., Rose, K., & Specht J. (2017). Effects of support groups for individuals with early-stage dementia and mild cognitive impairment: An integrative review. Research in Gerontological Nursing, 10 (1), 35-51.
• Williams, K., Perkhounkova, Y., Jao, Y.-L., Bossen, A., Chung, S. J., Starykowicz, A., & Turk, M. (2017). Person-centered communication for nursing home residents with dementia: Four communication analysis methods. Western Journal of Nursing Research. doi:1177/0193945917697226
• Jao, Y.-L., Loken, E., MacAndrew, M., Van Haitsma, K., & Kolanowski, A. (2017). Association between social interaction and affect in nursing home residents with dementia. Aging and Mental Health. doi: 1080/13607863.2017.1304526
• Liu, W., Jao, Y.-L., & Williams, K. (2017). The association of eating performance and environmental stimulation among older adults with dementia in nursing homes: A secondary analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 71, 70-79.
• Kolanowski, A., Boltz, M., Galik, E., Gitlin, L., Kales, H., Resnick, B., VanHaitsma, K., Knehans, A., Sutterlin, J. E., Sefcik, J. S., Liu, W., Petrovsky, D. V., Massimo, L., Gilmore-Bykovskyi, A., MacAndrew, M., Brewster, G., Nalls, V., Jao, Y.-L., Duffort, N., & Scerpella, D. (2017). Determinants of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: A scoping review of the evidence. Nursing Outlook. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.06.006.
• Williams, K., Shaw, C., Lee, A., Dinneen, E., Kim, S., Turk, M., Jao, Y.-L., & Liu, W. (2017). Voicing ageism in nursing home dementia care. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(9), 16-20. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20170523-02
• Jao, Y.-L., Williams, K. M., Mogle, J., Behrens, L., & McDermott, C. (2017). Assessing apathy in long-term care residents with dementia: Who should be the rater? Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice. doi: 10.1177/1471301217745104
• Jao, Y.-L., Algase, D., Specht, J., & Williams, K. (2015). The association between characteristics of care environments and apathy in residents with dementia in long-term care facilities. The Gerontologist, 55 (Suppl 1), S27-S39. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnu166
• Jao, Y.-L., Algase, D., Specht, J., & Williams, K. (2016). Developing the Person-Environment Apathy Rating for persons with dementia. Aging and Mental Health, 20 (8), 861-870. doi:1080/13607863.2015.1043618
• Jao, Y.-L., Gardner, S., & Carr, L. (2016). Measuring weight-bearing activities in patients with previous diabetic foot ulcers. Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 44 (1), 34-40.
• Burgener, S., Jao, Y.-L., Anderson, J. G., & Bossen, A. (2015). Mechanism of action for non-pharmacological therapies for persons with dementia: Implications for practice and research. Research in Gerontological Nursing, 8 (5), 240-259. doi: 10.3928/19404921-20150429-02.
• Gardner, S., Haleem, A., Jao,-L., Hillis, S., Femino, J., Phisitkul, P., Heilmann, K. P., Lehman, S. M., & Franciscus, C. L. (2014). Cultures of diabetic foot ulcers are not predictive of outcomes. Diabetes Care, 7(10), 2693-2701.

Presentations and Conference Involvement

• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Wang, J., Calkins, M., Kuan, Y.-H., Ndurue, L., & Boltz, M. (November 2025). “Measuring Light Exposure in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Facility-level Measures vs Wearable Sensor” 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Berish, D., Liao, Y.-J. K., Wang, J., Boltz, M., Kuan, Y.-H., Ndurue, L., & Calkins, M. (November 2025). “Smart Ambient Bright Light for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Neurobehavioral Symptom Impact” 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Wang, J., Calkins, M., Chiu, C-J., Kuan, Y.-H., & Boltz, M. (November 2024). “Light Exposure in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Impact on Affect and Neurobehavioral Symptoms.” 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Wang, J., Calkins, M., & Boltz, M. (November 2024). “Measuring Lighting Using an Individual Wearable Light Sensor in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.” 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Wang, J., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Boltz, M., & Calkins (July 2024). “Effect of Smart Ambient Bright Light (SABL) in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A Pilot Study.” 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Mogle, J., & Kales, H., & Boltz, M. (November 2023). ” Person-Centered Communication and Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.” 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Mogle, J., & Kales, H., & Boltz, M. (November 2023). ” Person-Centered Communication and Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.” 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Wang, J., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Boltz, M., & Calkins, M. (November 2023). “Implementing Smart Ambient Bright Light (SABL) in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Challenges and Strategies.” 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Mogle, J., & Kales, H., & Boltz, M. (November 2023). “Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Analysis of Within- and Between-Person Differences.” 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J. K., Berish, D., Boltz, M., Liu, Wen. Mogle, J., & Kales, H. (November 2022). “Verbal Communication between Nursing Home Staff and Residents with Dementia and Apathy: Language Analysis.” 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Liao, Y.-J., Yuan, F., Liu, Z., Zhao, X., Liu, W., Berish, D., & Wang (2022). “AI-assisted Methods for Assessing Affect and Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia: A Systematic Review.” 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
• Jao, Y.-L., Berish, D., & Kolanowski, A. (November 2021). “Conducting Research in Persons with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Strategies.” 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA), Virtual.
• Jao, Y.-L., Chao, Y.-Y., Liao, Y.-J., Berish, D., Yeh, A.-Y., & Chen, S.-T. (November 2021). “Validity of the Chinese Version of the Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR-C) for Persons with Dementia.” 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America (GSA), Virtual.
• Jao, Y.-L. (May 2021). “Examining Caregiver-Resident Communication and Apathy in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Challenges and Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” 2021 Annual Conference, International Dementia Scholar Collaborative (IDSC). Virtual.
• Jao, Y.-L., Wang, J., Liao, Y.-J., Parajuli, J., Mcnally, L., Berish, D., VanHaitsma, K., & Boltz, M. (2020 November). “Effect of Ambient Lighting Interventions on Neurobehavioral Symptoms in Dementia: A Systematic Review.” Poster Presented at Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Annual Scientific Meeting. Virtual.
• Jao, Y.-L., Coleman, C., Berish, D., Liu, W., Berkley, A., & Y.-J. Liao (2020 November). “Measuring Caregiver Person-Centered Communication with Persons with Dementia via Video Observations.” Poster Presented at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting. Virtual.
• Jao, Y.-L., Williams, K., & Berish, D. (2019 November). “Assessing Apathy in Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia: Comparing Self-Evaluation with Proxy Ratings.” Poster Presented at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting.

Professional Organization Involvement and Fellowships

• American Academy of Nursing (AAN)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)
• Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
• Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS)
• Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
• American Nurses Foundation (ANF)

Download Jao’s Curriculum Vitae »
Last updated 8/5/2025