Autism researcher named new department chair

University of Florida College of Nursing Associate Professor Jennifer Elder, Ph.D., R.N., has been named chair of the college’s department of Health Care Environments and Systems. Elder, who has been with the college since 1990, is a nationally known autism expert who has focused her career on parental and dietary interventions for children with autism.

Elder has spent much of her career developing, implementing and evaluating innovative training and health-care delivery models for underserved populations. Her 20-year research program with autistic children has been funded by three National Institute of Nursing Research grants and received national attention.

Elder is a co-founder of Arbor House in Gainesville, a shelter for pregnant homeless women, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She replaces Karolyn Godbey, Ph.D., R.N., who retired after a 30-year career with the college.