For Jay Kayser, returning to the University of Iowa as a faculty member brings together a longstanding connection to Iowa and a career focused on understanding how relationships shape health and well-being.

Kayser, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, first developed his interest in people and relationships as an Iowa undergraduate studying psychology and social work. After graduating from Iowa, he went on to earn a Master of Social Work in 2015 and work as a clinical social worker in health care before earning a PhD in social work psychology from the University of Michigan in 2026. Now back at Iowa, Kayser is excited to explore how relationships and social connection shape health and well-being as people age.

“Iowa played an important role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally, and I’m excited to experience the university from a new perspective,” Kayser said.

Kayser’s research examines how social relationships and stressful experiences affect mental and cognitive health as people age, with a focus on loneliness, social isolation, and elder maltreatment. Drawing on his background in direct practice, he also develops and evaluates accessible mental health programs, including remote mental health interventions for older adults who may face barriers to in-person care.

“Relationships are fundamental to our health and well-being, but their importance, and the consequences of feeling disconnected, can be overlooked as people grow older,” Kayser said. “I am motivated by a desire to understand how relationships shape the experience of aging and to translate that knowledge into tailored and accessible mental health care.”

At Iowa, Kayser hopes to connect his research with communities across the state. He is looking forward to meeting colleagues across campus and finding ways to serve older adults and rural communities throughout Iowa.

Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Being back in Iowa has also given him another goal: getting back on a bike and exploring trails around Iowa City and across the state.

“Coming back as a faculty member feels like a full-circle moment,” he said.