News
May 8, 2025

Regenstrief research scientist named Klapper Family Scholar in Aging and Family Caregiving Research

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. 

Related News

Randall Grout, MD

Widespread diaper need poses serious health threats to families

Shortages impact 41 percent of infants, underscoring need for urgent action Diapers are a basic hygiene necessity for infants

Shaun Grannis, M.D., M.S.

Effectiveness of 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines in children in the U.S.

Published in Pediatrics. Here is a link to the article. Regenstrief Institute author: Shaun Grannis, M.D., M.S., Brian Dixon,

Chris Harle, PhD

Supporting electronic health record data usage in research for teams with varying data science and clinical knowledge: a food service analogy approach

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association: JAMIA. Here is a link to the article. Regenstrief

Predictive model, comprehensive data identify risk factors for amputation and death among patients with chronic wounds

Predictive model, comprehensive data identify risk factors for amputation and death among patients with chronic wounds

Findings from Regenstrief Institute’s Chronic Wound Registry may help clinicians and patients make informed decisions and improve outcomes  Chronic wounds affect