The UTMB Pepper CenterClaude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC)

Join us for a hybrid UTMB Pepper Center Investigators Lecture on September 30, 2026, at noon. Erin Hommel, MD, MS, will present, "From Falls Risk Identification to Intervention: eSTEPS Results, AgeTech Innovations, and Designing eSTEPS+". Dr. Hommel is an Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatrics, where she serves as attending faculty on the ACE Unit, for inpatient geriatric consults, and in the geriatric outpatient clinic.

The National Institute on Aging has renewed funding for the UTMB Health Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) with a five-year, $6.5 million award, continuing support through August 2030. Since 2000, the Center has advanced research and training focused on improving independence for older adults living with chronic disabling conditions. Building on more than two decades of accomplishments—including training 41 scholars and publishing over 860 studies—the next funding cycle will emphasize reducing health disparities, expanding research on lifelong disabilities, increasing participation of underserved populations, and developing technology-enabled interventions. Through its interdisciplinary team and integrated research and education cores, the UTMB Health OAIC will continue to lead innovation in aging science and prepare the next generation of researchers dedicated to enhancing the health and independence of older adults.

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.