A native of Indiana, Ralston received the B.S. degree from Ball State University and the M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois. Her previous positions include professor, College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University and professor and head,Department of Consumer Studies,University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The author of over 60 refereed articles, abstracts, book chapters and reviews, Ralston's major scholarly work has focused on program development, including the development of community-based programs and higher education programs.

Research Interests:

Community-based programs for older adults, health related outcomes, program development in higher education.