Yujun Liu, M.S.W., Ph.D.

Title:	Assistant Professor
Division:	Gerontology/Leadership in Aging Services
Office Location:	Wirtz Hall 122H
Office Phone:	815-753-1301
Office Fax:	815-753-1321
Email:	lyujun@niu.edu

Courses Taught

• HDFS 486/586: Aging and the Family
• GERO365: Introduction to Gerontology

Educational Background

• Postdoc, Brandeis University
• Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Human Development
• M.P.H. Virginia Tech, Public Health
• M.S.W., Washington University in St. Louis, Social Work 
• B.A., China Agricultural University (Beijing), Public Administration

Research Interests

• Aging and Health
• Cognitive Function
• Family Caregiving

Selected Publications

Liu, Y. M. Hughes, C., Baumbach*, A., and Derain*, L. (2023). An online intervention to improve the health and well-being of informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: A pilot study, PEC Innovation. * Indicate student authors

Fu, R., and Liu, Y. (2022). Intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults: Gender differences. Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Liu Y, Hughes MC, Roberto KA, Savla J. (2022). Physical and mental health of family caregivers of older parents and grandchildren in mainland China. Aging and Health Research.

Hughes, C. Liu, Y., and Baumbach, A. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of informal caregivers of people with dementia: A rapid systematic review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.

Stieger, M., Liu, Y., Graham, E., DeFrancisco, J., and Lachman, M. (2021). Personality change profiles and changes in cognition among middle-aged and older adults. Journal of Research in Personality.

Liu, Y., and Lachman, M. E. (2020). A Group-based walking study to enhance physical activity among older adults: The role of social engagement. Research on Aging, 0164027520963613.

Liu, Y., and Lachman, M. (2019). Socioeconomic status and parenting style from childhood: Long-term effects of cognitive function at mid and later life. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. 

Liu, Y., and Lachman, M. (2019). Physical and cognitive activity as mediators of the relationship between education and cognition in later life. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences.

Liu, Y., Fu., R., Roberto, K. A., and Savla, J. (2019). Depressive symptoms among adult children caregivers in China: Moderating effects of working status and gender. Aging and Mental Health. 

Liu, Y., Dou, X. and Perry, T. (2018). Return migration in later life in mainland China: Motivations, patterns and influences. Aging International. 

Liu, Y., Xie, Y., Brossoie, N., Roberto, K. A., and Redican, K. J. (2017). Alcohol consumption and factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adults in mainland China. American Journal of Health Education, 46(6), 400-48. 

Awards

2024 NIU Office of Research Development Research and Artistry grant in the amount of $9,620: Childhood experience and cognitive function: Identification of protective factors of cognitive decline.