Welcome to the Weiskittle Lab.

A translational geriatric behavioral health research lab.

Our research

The Weiskittle Lab is located in the Department of Psychology at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. We translate basic research advances in geriatrics and thanatology into improved clinical care for underserved, older adult, and minoritized communities.

We investigate

  • Loneliness

  • Aging

  • Grief

  • Connection

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What is translational research?

Translational research emphasizes the multidirectional and multidisciplinary integration of laboratory and clinical research to produce more meaningful, applicable results that directly benefit human health. It also incorporates the desires of the general public by engaging community involvement when determining their needs for health innovation.

The Weiskittle Lab conducts basic and applied research to develop evidence-based clinical innovations that are directly informed by the self-reported needs of the targeted clinical population. Clinical innovations recently developed by the Weiskittle Lab have focused on caregivers, socially isolated older adults, and individuals who have experienced traumatic loss, among others.

Recent publications

Weiskittle, R., Baird, L., O’Malley, K., Pless Kaiser, A., Bashian, H., & Moye, J. (2025). Advancing Late-Life Trauma-Informed Care Education: Development and Evaluation of an Educational Podcast. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 32(1), 60-69. https://doi-org.uccs.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10880-024-10019-3

Molzhon, A., Everhart, R., Kang, L., Weiskittle, R., Castleberry, B., Thompson, N. J., & Schechter, M. S. (2025). Impact of UPLIFT, a group telehealth intervention, on depression and anxiety in Adults with CF. The Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 24(2), 319-325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2024.11.008

Gibson, S. & Weiskittle, R. (2024). Aging and the legal system. In B. P. Yochim & E. L. Woodhead (Eds.), Psychology of aging: A biopsychosocial perspective (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company. http://doi.org/10.1891/9780826166173.0014

In the news

UCCS Researchers Find Support for Local Grief Center

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Survey Seeks Input on Needs for Future Grief Support Programs

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National Public Radio Interviews Dr. Rachel Weiskittle

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Get involved

Opportunities are available for research assistantships and study participation.