Alex Chaparro has been named the new Carl and Rozina Cassat Professor in Aging and director of the Regional Institute on Aging (RIA) at Wichita State University.

Chaparro is a professor of psychology and has served as the chair of psychology since 2010. He replaces the founding director of the institute and first holder of the professorship, Teresa Radebaugh, who retires June 1.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to advance both educational and research activities related to aging by working with faculty and students from across the university,” said Chaparro. “I am eager to continue building on the solid base established by Teresa Radebaugh, who worked so effectively to support the innovative research activities of many faculty and students.”

Chaparro has been at WSU since 1996. He received his doctoral degree from Texas Tech University in experimental psychology and completed post-doctoral training at Harvard University. His research expertise involves aging, in particular issues involving perception and performance in the aging population.

The Regional Institute on Aging is a virtual research organization established by Wichita State in 2007 to serve the citizens of metropolitan Wichita, Sedgwick County, its adjacent counties and the state of Kansas. Its purpose is to link a consortium of investigators and organizations united by the vision of advancing research to enhance the lives of older adults.

Tony Vizzini, WSU provost and senior vice president, said Chaparro's research record and collaborative approach to research makes him the ideal person to be the intellectual and scientific organizer of the university’s aging research program.

“He will work with WSU’s departments, colleges and community partners to facilitate, leverage and expand ongoing aging research,” Vizzini said.

The Regional Institute on Aging is administratively located in the Division of Academic Affairs, and not in a specific academic department, to facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-college collaboration. The institute reports to Richard Muma, associate vice president for academic affairs.