Erreannau Zellous

Erreannau Zellous is a Ph.D. student in social gerontology at Miami University, with a deep commitment to advancing equity-centered aging practices through research, community engagement, and policy translation. With a master’s in gerontology at Georgia State University (GSU), Erreannau brings both academic rigor and lived experience to her work, focusing on Black older adults, community-based care, culturally relevant practices, and innovative approaches to holistic interventions, specifically Human-Animal Interaction (HAI).

Erreannau has held leadership roles at multiple levels, including as president of the Sigma Phi Omega chapter (SPO) at GSU and later as a national student board representative for SPO. She recently accepted a position on the executive board of the Graduate Students of Color Association at Miami University, reflecting her ongoing dedication to creating supportive, inclusive spaces for marginalized communities.

Her research spans community-based dementia care, creating inclusive communities, and participatory research. Erreannau has shown interest in studies rooted in frameworks like Critical Race Theory, the Social Convoy Model, and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and mixed-method approaches.

She also volunteers weekly at a local senior center because she understands the significance of going beyond the research and understanding real people. Outside of academia, Erreannau is an avid reader of thrillers, a furry parent, and a crocheter. She is excited to deepen her expertise and broaden her impact in the field by advocating for positive change and ensuring that everyone receives the care, respect, and engagement they deserve.

I'm working with OBOS because I believe in the power of community-driven, justice-oriented health resources that center the voices of those too often left out. I'm especially passionate about aging, caregiving, and creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities as they navigate health and life transitions.