Elia Kwee Ortenberg, Ph.D.
About Elia Kwee Ortenberg, Ph.D.
Elia Kwee Ortenberg, Ph.D., serves as Chief at The National Institutes of Health, where she specializes in research related to adult development, aging, and dementia care. With extensive experience in evaluating interventions and improving dementia care, she has held various academic and research positions, including a significant tenure at Penn State University.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Elia Kwee Ortenberg, Ph.D., currently serves as Chief at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2022. In this role, she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing research and evaluation methodologies related to health interventions. Her work focuses on linking developmental processes to outcomes, particularly in the context of family functioning and stress. This position builds on her previous experience at NIH, where she served as a Scientific Review Officer from 2016 to 2022.
Experience in Dementia Care Research
Ortenberg has extensive experience in dementia care research, having served as the principal investigator on multiple projects funded at federal, state, and local levels. These projects are designed to improve care for individuals with dementia. Additionally, she has worked as a project manager and co-investigator on studies that assess the impact of adult day services on the mental health and well-being of caregivers.
Education and Academic Background
Elia Kwee Ortenberg holds a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from Penn State University, where she studied from 1993 to 1998. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from Duke University, completing her studies from 1988 to 1992. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her research in adult development, aging, and family relationships.
Previous Academic Positions
Before her current role at NIH, Ortenberg worked at Penn State University as a Research Associate and Adjunct Assistant Professor from 1998 to 2015. In this capacity, she contributed to various research projects and taught courses related to human development and family studies. Her long tenure at the university reflects her commitment to academic research and education.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ortenberg co-founded a small business focused on designing and evaluating technologies aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This venture demonstrates her commitment to applying research findings in practical settings to enhance care and support for affected families.