Kelly Niles-Yokum, MPA, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology at York College of Pennsylvania where she teaches courses in gerontology and sociology. Dr. Niles-Yokum serves as Managing Editor for Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, the official journal of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Prior to becoming a faculty member at York College she served as the Director for the Gerontology Program at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium in Worcester, MA. She holds a doctorate in gerontology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and received a master's degree in public administration with a specialty in aging policy from Portland State University. Dr. Niles-Yokum's research interests include rural aging, domestic social policy and aging, end-of-life issues and, empowerment in later life.