Our collaborating center fosters research to improve the health of older populations by training scholars with a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary perspective and by establishing collaborations with institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UTMB Sealy Center on Aging World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Aging and Health
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: pahowho.aging@utmb.edu
As a designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, we support the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the implementation of research and clinical training in public health, geriatrics, and gerontology, following the organization’s guidelines and responding to its needs. Our experts provide technical guidance to PAHO/WHO Member States using population data, best-practice tools, and research collaborations. As one of the few centers focused on aging and geriatrics in the Region of the Americas, we stand out for our emphasis on Latin American and population-based research. With our center's recent redesignation, we continue contributing to the global efforts under the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030) strategy.
We are pleased to announce that Norma A. Pérez Raifaisen, MD, DrPH, CPC, will serve as Director of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Center on Aging and Health at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging, effective May 1. Dr. Pérez Raifaisen is Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine and PI, Center of Excellence for Professional Advancement and Research.
Dr. Ayala-Copete is a Colombian physician and specialist in geriatric medicine from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She has been part of the Neuroscience and Aging Research Group (Semillero de Neurociencias y Envejecimiento) since 2015 at her alma matter, where she began her journey as a young researcher under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Cano. Her research mainly focuses on people living with dementia, cognitive decline, and aging-related conditions. Ana aims to contribute to a better understanding of the needs of a growing older adult population and become an agent of change for improving older adults’ health throughout the Americas.
We are proud to announce that Dr. Abbey B. Berenson, MD, PhD, MMS, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Research Award, one of the highest honors presented through UTMB’s Faculty Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Please join us for the next Pepper Investigators Lecture: "Stronger for Longer: The Interplay Between Lifestyle, Muscle Metabolism, and Successful Aging," presented by Andrew Murton, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery on July 23, 2025 at noon in RSH 6.100 and via Teams. Lunch provided for those in person.
Elizabeth Huber recently joined the Sealy Center on Aging as a Senior Business Coordinator and will primarily be working with Lexi, Oscar, and Dr. Morrow on project coordination and ensuring smooth operations across the team. Elizabeth has been with UTMB for 13 years, most recently serving as a Medical Staff Interpreter. In that role, she supported a wide range of specialties and enjoyed building relationships with faculty and patients alike. She especially valued witnessing the professional growth of residents and the dynamic, behind-the-scenes nature of the work. Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth to the Sealy Center on Aging!
UTMB Health Pepper Center Pilot awardee and Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy Chih-Ying "Cynthia" Li, PhD, OTR has been named a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM). The Fellow of ACRM designation recognizes active members with an outstanding record of professional service to ACRM who have also made contributions of national significance to the field of medical rehabilitation. Congratulations, Dr. Li!
Neil K. Mehta, PhD, MSc, MA became inaugural Chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the UTMB School of Public & Population Health on July 1, 2025. Dr. Mehta joined UTMB in 2020 as a faculty member in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health. He joined the Department of Epidemiology when it was established as part of UTMB’s new School of Public and Population Health in 2022. A leader aging researcher, Dr. Mehta’s research centers on the demography and epidemiology of older adults, with a focus on trends in health, functioning, and mortality.
The Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB Health recently hosted Dr. Ana Ayala-Copete as part of its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). From February through June 2025, Dr. Ayala-Copete participated in a fellowship that advanced her research on aging and supported international efforts to improve the health of older populations.
Dr. Ana Ayala Copete, WHO/PAHO scholar has been invited to participate as a speaker at the upcoming III Javerian Congress on Geriatrics: Work Summit on Ageing and Health, scheduled for August 28–29, 2025, at the Alfonso Quintana Auditorium of the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá, Colombia.
UTMB Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa (Missy) Morrow as Director of the Sealy Center on Aging. A renowned rehabilitation scientist and expert in aging and disability research, Dr. Morrow brings deep experience in translational science, biomechanics, and health technology. She currently serves as Co-Director of the NIA-funded Pepper Center at UTMB and will lead the center’s involvement in the new $5 million Healthy Aging and Technology (Age-Tech) Initiative. We thank Dr. Alan Landay for his exceptional service as interim director and look forward to the center’s continued growth under Dr. Morrow’s leadership.
Hello world! We are excited to connect with you here about aging research from UTMB Health, including funding, new grants, researcher highlights, important findings, and more. Students, trainees, and early career researchers are invited to follow us for announcements and opportunities 🤜🤛
— Sealy Center on Aging (@utmbscoa.bsky.social) January 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM
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