Peter Lichtenberg, professor of psychology and director of Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology, is one of 12 experts from across the state of Michigan recently chosen to serve on the House Long-Term Care Task Force.

The task force was formed by House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum and will be chaired by Rep. Paula Zelenko (D-Burton). It will explore ways to improve the delivery of long-term care for patients and their families and expand consumer protections.

"It's heartening to see such an impressive group of individuals step up to the plate to offer their time and talents toward finding creative solutions to the long-term care issues we are facing in Michigan," Byrum said of the committee.

Lichtenberg joined the Wayne State University faculty in 1991, and has been director of the Institute of Gerontology since 1999. Under his leadership, the institute has grown into new research areas, expanded its faculty and secured record funding levels (annual totals of over $4 million).

Active in many community organizations in Detroit and the state of Michigan, Lichtenberg is chair of Michigan Dementia Coalition, a group that brings together lay persons, dementia organizations, academic leaders and representatives of state government to work on issues related to dementia.

Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.