Past Events
ASU Roybal Center
2026
Dr. Elena Portacolone shared insights from her research on engaging older adults living alone with cognitive impairment in behavioral intervention studies.
Location: Online
The ASU and University of Michigan Roybal Centers co-hosted a two-day Clinical Trial Launch Pad Workshop, bringing together funded investigators to strengthen behavioral intervention trials through a focus on treatment fidelity and participant adherence.
Location: In Person at the University of Michigan
The 2nd Arizona Digital Health Symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, policymakers, and community partners to advance the development and adoption of digital health technologies across Arizona.
Location: In Person at Health Futures Center, 6161 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054
Dr. William T. Hu presented the ASU Roybal Spring 2026 Lectureship on the role of biomarker research in advancing mechanism-driven clinical trial design for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Location: Online & In Person at 850 PBC, 850 N 5th St Phoenix, AZ 85004
Dr. Alan Stevens presented a webinar on GamePlan4Care, a technology-based intervention designed to support family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. The session highlighted how digital tools can expand access to evidence-based caregiving resources, enhance caregiver skills and support.
Location: Online
In collaboration with the Massachusetts AI & Technology Center (MassAITC), Dr. Fang Yu presented a webinar on developing and testing mechanism-driven, technology-enabled interventions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Location: Online
Drs. Ross Andel, Fang Yu, David Coon, Molly Maxfield, Abigail Gomez-Morales participated in a panel discussion at the 2026 AAAS Annual Meeting on technology-enabled solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline. The panel explored the unique challenges faced by this growing population and highlighted innovative behavioral interventions designed to improve independence, cognitive health, and quality of life through technology-enabled approaches.
Location: In Person at Phoenix Convention Center- West 106- B
Dr. Gizem Hülür, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bamberg, Germany, presented a guest lecture on the role of social connections and digital communication in later-life cognitive and emotional functioning.
Location: Online & In Person ASU Downtown Campus, Health North Room 101
Drs. Fang Yu and Joseph Gaugler presented a webinar on developing competitive grant proposals in dementia care science. The session provided guidance on designing mechanism-driven behavioral interventions, aligning proposals with the NIH Stage Model and funding priorities, and strengthening applications through clear scientific rationale, methodological rigor.
Location: Online & In Person at ASU Downtown Campus, Health South Room 250
2025
Dr. Zan Gao presented a workshop on emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI), mobile health (mHealth), wearable technologies, and virtual reality in personalized health interventions.
Location: Online & In Person at ASU Downtown Campus, Health North Room 101
Dr. Matthew Growdon presented a guest lecture on high-risk medication use among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment.
Location: Online
Dr. Rodney Joseph led a webinar to help investigators prepare competitive proposals for the Center's funding opportunity.
Location: Online
The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium 2025 Annual Scientific Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community partners from across the state to share the latest advances in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research.
Location: ASU Tempe Campus, Memorial Union, Arizona Ballroom
Center Director, Dr. Fang Yu presented an overview of the Center's scientific priorities for developing mechanism-driven, technology-enabled behavioral interventions to support older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Location: Online
This free, family-friendly event brought together patients, caregivers, and community members to share the latest research and advancements in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment. Hosted at the ASU Health Futures Center, the conference featured expert speakers, interactive sessions, and valuable resources for Alzheimer’s patients.
Location: ASU Health Futures Center, 6161 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85054
The Arizona Digital Health Symposium will bring together health leaders to accelerate the creation and adoption of innovative technologies that can improve the health of Arizonans. This event will serve as a catalyst for advancing digital health research, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and creating and translating groundbreaking innovations into practical applications that improve health outcomes for Arizonans.
Location: Health Futures Center
Understand the characteristics of Terrapino users, a new mobile health app for cognitive health. Discuss how mobile apps can reach diverse users, including those in remote areas, living alone, or with mobility/health limitations.
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Gartley Hall, Room 018
Dr. Johanna Drewelies presented a compelling talk on the promise and challenges of integrating multiple study designs in lifespan developmental research. Drawing from her work with the Berlin Aging Study II, she explored how combining data across time scales, settings, and levels of analysis deepens our understanding of human development.
Location: ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Health North, Rooms 101/103 or via Zoom
CIHRA’s 2025 Signature Event marked the launch of ASU’s Roybal Center, bringing together researchers, community leaders, and students to reimagine aging in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on innovation and resilience, the event highlighted emerging challenges and opportunities in aging.
Location: ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Health North Building, Innovation Auditorium, Room 110
ASU hosted its first Digital Health Summit, bringing together faculty, students, and experts to explore innovations in digital health. The event featured keynote presentations—including one by Fang Yu, PhD—student poster sessions, blitz talks, and technology showcases.
Location: ASU Thunderbird School of Global Management, Downtown Phoenix
2024
Isabelle von Saenger presents findings from a 30-year study on loneliness and social isolation among older adults in Sweden. The research explores trends and subgroup differences based on age, gender, education, mobility, and mental health.
Location: ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Health North Building, Room 105 or via Zoom
Dr. Frank J. Infurna explores midlife's overlooked yet vital stage, when adults balance workforce demands and family responsibilities. His talk highlights this period's unique roles and transitions, alongside economic and intergenerational challenges.
Location: ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, Health South Building, Room 250 or via Zoom