Name: L. Michelle Butner-Kozimor, M.S.

Program of Study: Adult Development and Aging

Degrees: Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, New Mexico State University; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, New Mexico State University; Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, New Mexico State University

Research Interests: Couples coping in older adulthood, chronic illness in older adulthood, dementia, dyadic data analysis

Advisor: Dr. Tina Savla

Assistantships: Graduate research assistant to Dr. Carolyn Shivers, Graduate research assistant to Dr. Tina Savla; Graduate instructor for following courses: HD 4364-Gender and Family Diversity (2 years); HD 2004-Introduction to Adulthood and Aging (1 year); HD 3114- Issues in Aging (1 semester); HD 2336-Principles of Human Services II (1 semester); Graduate assistant to Director of Graduate Studies

Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2018

In Michelle’s words: I currently live in central Texas with my husband and son.  I am working on gathering my dissertation data on the use of relationship-focused coping by older couples where one partner has skin cancer, and how these coping strategies affect body image of the partner with skin cancer and quality of life of both partners.