UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ying-Ling Jao, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing associate professor, was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Jao will be formally recognized during the academy’s annual conference held Oct. 16-18 in Washington, D.C.
Fellowship in the academy, which represents 42 states, the District of Columbia and 12 countries, is an honorary recognition of a nurse leader whose contributions have significantly impacted and improved health and health equity through policy, nursing leadership, innovation and science, according to the academy's website.
“As a fellow of the AAN, I am energized to continue leading nurse-driven, technology-based innovations that transform dementia care," Jao said. "This recognition strengthens my commitment and expands my ability to make a broader impact across research, education and clinical practice. Through innovation, I aim to improve not only the quality of care environments but also the quality of life for older adults living with dementia."
Jao is an accomplished gerontological nurse researcher and member of the leadership team with the college’s distinguished Tressa Nese and Helen Diskevich Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (CGNE). Gerontological nursing has remained her focus for the entirety of her career, with most of her research concentrated around assessment and nonpharmacological interventions for neurobehavioral symptoms of dementia. She was a critical piece in the development of the Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR) scale — the first tool to assess apathy in dementia care within the context of the environment, which has since been used across eight countries.
Jao has led multiple research studies, exploring person-centered and technology-based approaches to dementia care. In a recent project funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, she co-led the development of a smart lighting system to improve sleep, mood and neurobehavioral symptoms for residents with dementia in nursing homes. In addition to her research endeavors, she has mentored more than 30 students and professionals across various academic disciplines and contributed to national standards such as the 2024 Gerontological Nursing Competencies.
“I’m incredibly proud to celebrate Ying-Ling’s induction as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing,” said Laurie Badzek, dean of the college. “Her selection speaks volumes about the impact of her work in gerontology and reflects our college’s commitment to excellence and leadership.”
In addition to her AAN fellowship selection, Jao is a faculty scholar with the NIA IMPACT Collaboratory, a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and was recognized with the Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award by the National Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence.
Jao earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences. She went on to complete her master of science degree through the Adult and Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program and her doctorate in nursing with a focus on aging at the University of Iowa.
About the American Academy of Nursing
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improving health locally and globally. With more than 3,200 fellows, the academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice and academia.