Jinkook Lee

Professor Jinkook Lee is a distinguished scholar examining pressing issues in the economics of aging, with a particular focus on health and cognition. Currently serving as a senior economist at RAND and a research professor at the University of Southern California, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Brain and Cognitive Sciences department. Her research delves into the intricate dynamics of late-life cognition and dementia, exploring the determinants of health and cognition in older adults and the institutional effects on dementia care. Professor Lee has made significant contributions to the field through her leadership in developing longitudinal population surveys. She co-led the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) and the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), both of which provide invaluable data for understanding the aging process across different cultural contexts. Her work in these studies underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge on aging and dementia on a global scale. In addition to her survey development efforts, Professor Lee spearheads the Gateway to Global Aging Data project, an international data harmonization initiative. This project aims to facilitate cross-national research by providing a comprehensive platform for accessing and analyzing aging-related data from around the world. Her leadership in this endeavor highlights her dedication to fostering international collaboration and enhancing the quality of research in the field of aging. Professor Lee's research interests extend to the institutional effects on dementia care, where she examines how different healthcare systems and policies impact the management and outcomes of dementia. Her work in this area seeks to inform policy decisions and improve care strategies for individuals living with dementia, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for aging populations. Through her extensive research and leadership, Professor Lee has become a prominent voice in the study of aging, health, and cognition. Her contributions continue to shape the understanding of late-life health and cognition, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging global population. Her commitment to international data harmonization and cross-cultural research further underscores her impact on the field, making her a key figure in advancing the study of aging and dementia care worldwide.