Dr. Lyons' program of research has focused on how family care dyads manage and cope with illness (including dementia) and the impact on the health of the dyad over time, with particular attention to the interpersonal context. As a gerontologist with expertise in dyadic health science and family care, her research and conceptual innovations over more than two decades culminated in the co-development of the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management. She is also well-versed in dyadic methodologies and the design and testing of dyadic interventions, with particular focus on the role of theory and evaluation of dyadic versus individual benefits of early-phase programs.