Photo of Amy E. Lorek

Amy E. Lorek

Assistant Director for Engagement and Learning for the Center for Healthy Aging

Contact Information

Email: ael13@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-7903
Office: 404 Biobehavioral Health Building

Research Interests

My research focuses on the psychological and sociological processes related to successful, healthy aging. I am especially interested in leisure time use and behaviors which facilitate improved health and well-being. I seek to understand the effects of leisure behaviors on stress related to life transitions, especially those experienced during the later life span.

Currently, these areas of interest and research merge in my role at the Center for Healthy Aging where I facilitate opportunities to bridge healthy aging research and its application in everyday life.

Education

  • Ph.D., 2009, Leisure Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
  • M.A., 1996, History Museum Studies, Cooperstown Graduate Program, State University of New York at Oneonta
  • B.A., 1989, History, University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul, MN

Professional Experience

  • 2009-2011, Research Associate and Project Manager, Intraindividual Study on Health, Aging, and Interpersonal Behavior, The Pennsylvania State University
  • 2002-2009, Training Instructor/Visiting Lecturer, National Park Service (NPS) and Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands (EPPLEY), Indiana University
  • 2004-2009, Consultant and Project Coordinator, EPPLEY for NPS, Indiana University
  • 2000-present, Professional Facilitator
    Weight Watchers International, Inc., State College, PA
    Challenge Discovery, Inc., Richmond, VA
    Triangle Training, Inc., Pittsboro, NC
    North Carolina Outward Bound Professional, Charlotte, NC
    TeamQuest, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
    Wolf Ridge Environmental Center, Isabella, MN

Specializations

  • 2008: Garrett G. Eppley Fellowship, Indiana University
  • 2006: Ted Deppe Administrative Fellow, Indiana University
  • 2005: Outreach Scholar, Indiana University
  • 2005: Crystal Owl Team Award for Training and Development Excellence, National Park Service
  • 2004: NPS STAR performance award for developing and delivering outstanding training