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Growing up in a close-knit, multigenerational family, Kate Singer witnessed aging up close through her grandparents as well as her aunts and uncles. Watching her parents step into their roles as caregivers, as well as acting as a proxy caregiver herself, helped her understand the realities of aging. This sparked a deep curiosity in aging that eventually led her to Scripps where she is a Senior Research Associate. Kate’s research predominantly focuses on caregiving, long-term care, and dementia.

Kate’s academic background reflects a dynamic journey through the sciences, showcasing her vast and varied areas of interest. Starting in psychology, her early research explored behavioral training in animals, an area she transitioned from to focus on cognitive processes in humans. Her studies on executive function led her to investigate how caregiving stress affects these critical functions in older adults and their caregivers. By studying the mental processes that help an individual regulate their emotions and behavior, Kate aims to uncover ways to support caregivers, whose well-being is pivotal to the improved well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Currently, Kate is expanding her research to include implementation science, which focuses on transforming studies into actionable outcomes like policy changes or practical interventions. “Policy has the power to change lives,” she says, emphasizing how even small adjustments can lead to big differences in caregiver and older adult outcomes. She is particularly inspired by long-term studies like the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which track aging trends over time, and hopes to contribute to similar initiatives that bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.

At Scripps, Kate has found a place that mirrors her enthusiasm for innovation and collaboration. She describes its "special sauce" as a culture that values bold ideas, encourages interdisciplinary approaches, and supports its team members both personally and professionally. With Kate on board, Scripps continues to push the boundaries of research, delivering insights that improve the lives of older adults and their families.