Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist, Nicole Fowler, PhD, MHSA, recognized leader in geriatric research, has been named the Klapper Family Scholar in Aging and Family Caregiving Research.
Established in 2024 by the Klapper Family Foundation, the role is designated for a full-time Indiana University School of Medicine faculty member whose work advances the science of caregiving in older adults. The scholar is also required to be an investigator in the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute.
Dr. Fowler serves as vice chair for research in the Department of Medicine at IU School of Medicine and has been associate director of the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief since 2019. She is also a scientist with the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science at IU.
Dr. Fowler is an applied health services researcher with interest in improving organization and delivery of health services for older adults living with complex health and social care needs, in particular, people living with dementia and their family caregivers. She has designed and conducted multiple trials in the areas of nonpharmacologic approaches in dementia care, family caregiving and medical decision making for older adults with cognitive impairment.
The Klapper Family Foundation, founded by IU alumni David I. and Mary “Betty” Klapper, created the scholar position to expand research on the vital role family caregivers play in supporting loved ones experiencing frailty, serious illness, dementia, and related challenges. This includes care coordination, emotional support, physical care, medication management and decision-making.
The Klapper Family Foundation has a longstanding philanthropic presence in Indianapolis and a history of partnering with Indiana University. Among its many initiatives is the Klapper Scholarship Fund, which supports undergraduate students in the Kelley School of Business at IU Indianapolis. The foundation received the IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2003.
Nicole R. Fowler, PhD, MHSA
In addition to her role as associate director and research scientist at the Indiana University Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute, Nicole R. Fowler, PhD, MHSA, is also an associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, director of research for the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, and an implementation scientist in the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science.
