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Faculty

Laura Donorfio

Assistant Professor

Department of Human Development & Family Studies
University of Connecticut
348 Mansfield Road, Unit 2058
Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2058

Phone: (203) 236-9837
Fax: (203) 236-9805
E-Mail: laura.donorfio@uconn.edu

Curriculum Vitae


Educational Background:

Ph.D., Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 1996
M.A., Human Development and Family Relations, University of Connecticut, 1991
Graduate Certificate, Business Mastery, University of Connecticut and The Hartford Leadership Center, 2001
Graduate Certificate, Gerontology, University of Connecticut 1990


Professional Interests:
  • Family caregiving and Filial responsibility
  • Transportation issues and older drivers
  • Qualitative research methods/design
  • Gerontological Education
      Student engagement in the classroom
    Distance learning - Interactive television (iTV)
    Intergenerational and lifelong learning
Selected Professional Accomplishments:
  • 2009 - Distinguished Teacher, National Award, Association in Gerontology of Higher Education
  • 2008 -Convener, Qualitative Research Formal Interest Group, Gerontological Society of America, 3-year appointment
Selected Publications:
  • Donorfio, L.K.M., D’Ambrosio, L., Coughlin, J.F., & Mohyde, M. (2008). Health, safety, self regulation and the older driver: It’s not just a matter of age. Journal of Safety Research, 39, 555-561.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M., Mohyde, M., Coughlin, J., & D’Ambrosio, L. (2008). A qualitative exploration of self-regulation behaviors among older drivers. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 20(3), 323-339.
  • D’Ambrosio, L.A., Donorfio, L.K.M., Coughlin, J., Mohyde, M., & Meyer, J. (2008). Gender Differences in self-regulation patterns and attitudes toward driving among older adults. Journal of Women & Aging, 20(3/4), 265-282.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Healy, C. (2008). Teaching an interactive television course on adulthood and aging: Making it happen. Educational Gerontology, 34(6), 1-19.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Healy, C. (2008). Student engagement equals student success: What does your risk continuum look like? NEFDC Exchange, 19(2), 8-10.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Healy, C. (2007). Helpful suggestions for teaching interactive television courses. NEFDC Exchange, 18(2), 10-12.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Kellet, K. (2006). Filial responsibility and transitions involved: A qualitative exploration of caregiving daughters and frail mothers. Journal of Adult Development, 13(3-4), 158-167.
  • Donorfio, L. M. & Sheehan, N. W. (2001). Relational dynamics between aging mothers and their caregiving daughters: Filial expectations and responsibilities. Journal of Adult Development, 8, 39-49.
  • Sheehan, N. W. & Donorfio, L.M. (1999). Efforts to create meaning in the relationship between aging mothers and their caregiving daughters: A qualitative study of caregiving. Journal of Aging Studies, 13, 161-176.
Selected Presentations:
  • Barker, K. & Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, November). Changing current concepts of teaching to match today’s students’ styles. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the New England Faculty Development Consortium, Worcester, MA.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Healy, C. (2008, November). Pedagogies of engagement: Classroom-Based practices. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the New England Faculty Development Consortium, Worcester, MA.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, November). Symposium Chair, The Important Role of Qualitative Methods in Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Gerontologist, 48, Special Issue 2. (Abstract).
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, November). Symposium Chair, Applying Stages and Transitions as a Conceptual Framework for Caregiving Research. Gerontologist, 48, Special Issue 2. (Abstract).
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, November). Diversity Among Family Caregivers. Gerontologist, 48, Special Issue 2. (Abstract).
  • Donorfio, L.K.M., (Chair), Sheehan, N., & Kellett, K. (2008, July). The Intra-psychic Caregiving Framework: Caregiver Transitions and Emotions. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Association of Relationship Research Conference, Providence, RI.
  • Donorfio, L.K.M. & Barker, K. (2008, April). How to Increase Student Engagement in Interactive Television Courses. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Instructional Technology Conference, Nashville, TN.
  • Vetter, R. & Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, April). Creative Movement Improvisation: A Stress Reduction Strategy for Caregivers. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Dallas, TX.
  • Barker, K. & Donorfio, L.K.M. (2008, March). Designing Instructional Strategies Through Exemplars. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Lilly Conference on College & University Teaching, Pomona, CA.