DOM Researcher Spotlight: Louise Savoye | Research Project Manager – Geriatrics and Gerontology

What is your professional background?
My professional background is in geriatric medicine. I studied medicine at the University of Lyon in Lyon, France, and practiced medicine in Neuville-sur-Saone, France. Since moving to Atlanta in 2005, my professional path has veered toward research. I received my MPH with a focus on Healthcare Outcomes from Emory Rollins School of Public Health in 2011.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor or PI?
I am the research program manager for Dr. Molly Perkins’ lab in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
The research project that I manage is the INSPIRE study. This is an NIH study to explore the experience of informal caregivers of people living with moderate to advanced dementia in an assisted living or personal care home setting. Dementia care is such an important societal issue, because of the sheer number of people caring for someone with dementia or who know someone who is a caregiver. Understanding both the challenges and rewards of dementia caregiving is crucial to improving the quality of life for the person with dementia and everyone involved in their care network.

What do you like most about Emory?
The best thing about Emory is having the opportunity to work on interesting, cutting-edge projects with such a diverse group of colleagues who each bring something special to the work we do.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I don’t watch a lot of television, but I really enjoy “Somebody Feed Phil.” The show takes the audience to so many exciting destinations and Phil’s reactions to all the good food is just hilarious!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I am not working, I love to hike on walking trails. I am an avid reader and love to listen to classic rock and blues.

What is a fun fact about you?
In researching my French-Canadian roots, I discovered that I very likely have ancestors in common with Celine Dion among the early settlers of Quebec (but her voice genes must have come from a different branch of the family tree!).