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New GSA Fellows
new fellows
Distinguished Members Granted Fellow Status
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GSA’s Board of Directors has approved the following 38 individuals for fellow status within the Society. In addition to being honored during the Fellows and International Reception at the Annual Scientific Meeting, they will be presented with fellow certificates and pins at their respective section business meetings. Fellow status is peer recognition for outstanding contributions to the field of gerontology and represents the highest class of membership. This distinction comes at varying points in a person’s career and is given for diverse activities that include research, teaching, administration, public service, practice, and notable participation in the Society.
Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education
Skye N. Leedahl, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE, University of Rhode Island; Phyllis A Greenberg, PhD, FAGHE, St. Cloud State University
Behavioral and Social Sciences Section
Adrienne Aiken Morgan, PhD, FGSA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Cory Bolkan, PhD, FGSA, Washington State University; Sarah Chard, PhD, FGSA, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Jacqueline Eaton, PhD, FGSA, University of Utah; Heather R. Fuller, PhD, FGSA, North Dakota State University; Michelle M. Hilgeman, PhD, FGSA, Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center; Frank J. Infurna, PhD, FGSA, Arizona State University; Amanda N. Leggett, PhD, FGSA, Wayne State University; Christopher Steven Marcum, PhD, FGSA, National Institutes of Health; Molly Maxfield, PhD, FGSA, Arizona State University; Ann Pearman, PhD, FGSA, MetroHealth Medical Center; Patricia A. Thomas, PhD, FGSA, Purdue University; Noah J. Webster, PhD, FGSA, University of Michigan; Tim Windsor, PhD, FGSA, Flinders University
Health Sciences Section
Alyce S. Ashcraft PhD, RN, FGSA, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, Emory University; Elisa M. Ghezzi, DDS, PhD, FGSA, University of Michigan School of Dentistry; Ying-Ling Jao, PhD, FGSA, Pennsylvania State University; Raya Elfadel Kheirbek, MD, MPH, FGSA, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Katherine S. McGilton, PhD, FGSA, KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, UHN; Mo-Kyung Sin, PhD, RN, FGSA, Seattle University; Patricia W. Slattum, PharmD, PhD, FGSA, Virginia Commonwealth University; Wanda Raby Spurlock, DNS, RN, GERO-BC, PMH-BC, CNE, FNGNA, ANEF, FAAN, FGSA, Southern University and A&M College, School of Nursing
Social Research, Policy, and Practice Section
Walter Dawson, DPhil, FGSA, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University; Noelle L. Fields, PhD, LCSW, FGSA, University of Texas at Arlington - School of Social Work; Allison K. Gibson, PhD, MSW, FGSA, University of Kentucky; Hee Yun Lee, PhD, FGSA, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Skye N. Leedahl, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE, University of Rhode Island; Hongdao Meng, MD, MPH, PhD, FGSA, University of South Florida; Christina E Miyawaki, PhD, MSW, MA, FGSA, University of Houston; Karon L Phillips, PhD, MPH, FGSA, Trust for America’s Health, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Soonhee Roh, PhD, FGSA, University of South Dakota; Huei-Wern Shen, PhD, FGSA, University of North Texas; Caroline Stephens, PhD, RN, GNP, FAAN, FGSA, University of Utah College of Nursing; Leland Waters, PhD, FGSA, Virginia Commonwealth University; Stephanie P. Wladkowski, PhD, LMSW, APHSW-C, FGSA, Eastern Michigan University
To learn more about the nomination process and see a listing of all fellows, visit www.geron.org/membership/fellows.
educational news
Students on the Move: Daphne Joslyn, University of Indianapolis
Daphne Joslyn is a dual-degree student at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy), working toward her Master of Aging Studies and Doctor of Health Sciences degrees. She is also a physical therapist assistant (PTA) Program Director in Seattle, Washington. In this issue, she answers a few questions about her background, student life, and commitment to the field of aging. What drew you to the field of aging?
There have been many older adults in my life who inspired me. At the age of 85 my grandfather is currently a state senator. I remember meeting his grandmother (my great-great grandmother) when I was five years old and she was over 100. My father ran a half marathon every month until the age of 70 (now he just walks the same distance).
For my family, older age has always been associated with pursuit of passion and staying active. My love for the field comes from those around me who continue to inspire me with their energy and seemingly endless ability.
As a physical therapist assistant, I was fortunate to work with older adults for over 10 years in a professional capacity. Like my older family members, it was my older patients who taught me great lessons during our sessions. I loved listening to their life stories and finding meaningful connections during our treatment sessions.
One of my favorite patients, a World War II veteran, was recovering from surgery and planning a trip to Normandy. As his therapist in the cardiac unit of the hospital, his motivation to participate in therapy inspired me to work harder on his behalf. From my older patients I have learned patience, kindness, and a sense of purpose that only comes with the wisdom of age. Contributing in any small way to a person’s physical recovery is a humbling and rewarding experience.
I decided to pursue an advanced degree in aging studies to improve my understanding of the aging process so that I can not only improve the lives of older adults, but advocate for these individuals in the healthcare field and the community. What brought you to your particular program and what prompted you to pursue a dual degree with the DHSc?
I am currently a program director for a physical therapist assistant program on the west coast. UIndy’s fully online program made the dual degree Doctor of Health Science
and Master of Aging Studies degrees accessible to me. The instructors who teach many of the DHSc courses are physical therapists themselves, so the coursework is relevant to my field and my own teaching. The doctoral level courses in health science have given me an opportunity to critically evaluate my curriculum and improve my own program while I earn my degree. I decided to pursue a dual degree so that I am able to focus my doctoral studies and dissertation on issues affecting older adults. These are the Joslyn patients with whom I have worked for many years — I am passionate about them! What are your primary research interests within aging? And what would you like to do after you graduate from your two programs? I began my career as an architect and while in school I became interested in healthcare facility design. The environment in which we spend our time can profoundly influence our emotional well-being and, as a result, the healing process. In architecture school, my thesis focused on “healing the healthcare environment.” I have always been interested in the patient experience. After a decade of patient care, that interest has evolved. My goal is to research the substantial impact outdoor environments can have on older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. With my design background, therapy experience, and doctoral research, I would love to give back to my community in a way that positively impacts the lives of those living with these conditions. I hope to be the voice for improved and accessible outdoor spaces, dedicated memory gardens, and the availability of horticulture therapy as a treatment option for older adults with dementia. What has been your most impactful learning experience so far in your program(s)? In the dual degree program at UIndy, there is so much more diversity in the assignments than I ever imagined there would be in an online degree. There have been many learning experiences that challenged me, particularly because I have always thought of myself as a strictly “in-person” learner. The Instructional Design and Delivery course in the DHSc program made a huge impact on my career and teaching style. The techniques I learned in that class changed the way I delivered content and designed many of my courses. I use tools and techniques learned in that course to instruct my own instructors. It really is exciting to be in this program!
journal news
The Gerontologist Looks at Social Determinants of Health Through Racial Lens
Resulting from the first call for papers of its kind, The Gerontologist has published a new special issue, “Social Determinants of Health in the Context of Race and Age,” which offered those with an interest in intersectional scholarship an opportunity to apply non-traditional theories, methods, and analysis to the study of gerontology.
Brandy H Wallace, PhD, FGSA, and Suzanne Meeks, PhD, FGSA, writing in the issue’s opening editorial, state: “More than 35 years ago, Black feminist scholar Audre Lorde addressed the imperative to challenge dominant epistemological frames and methods. The ‘standard tools’ by which most disciplines, including gerontology, have built knowledge are not conducive to shifting our focus from simply documenting disparate treatment, whereby communities of color are often represented through a comparative lens, to equity in health promotion — grounded within culturally- and historically-relevant context.
The authors in this issue present intersectional approaches to racialized aging and provide contemporary modes of interrogating the variation in the minority aging experience while also confirming the importance of disaggregating data. Taken together, these papers reveal patterns and address gaps that are not often reported in gerontological studies of racial/ethnic minority older adults and emphasize the importance of various institutional efforts (e.g., policy initiatives and healthcare interventions) that focus on providing community-specific resources to underserved populations. Institutional Funding Available for Open Access Publishing
Authors interested in publishing in the GSA journals may be able to publish their paper Open Access using funds available through their institution’s agreement with Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP has read and publish agreements with institutions and consortia that provide funding for Open Access publication. This means authors from participating institutions can publish Open Access, and the institution will pay the charge. To learn more if your institution is participating, visit OUP’s Funding for Open Access page online. GSA Journals Begin Publishing Graphical Abstracts
Authors are now able to submit a graphical abstract as part of their article submission, in addition to the required text abstract. The graphical abstract should clearly summarize the focus and findings of the article and will be published as part of the article online and in PDF. The graphical abstract should be distinct from any of the submitted figures. The file should use simple labels and employ text sparingly. An example of the GSA journal graphical abstract can be seen online. Review each journal’s author guidelines for additional information. GSA Launches Manuscript Writing and Reviewer Skills Program
GSA is offering a live webinar series with practical advice on manuscript writing and reviewing. Graduate students and emerging professionals as well as experienced scholars who want to hone their writing and reviewing skills and become more involved in the publishing process will benefit from the hands-on practice, discussion of the “human side” of publishing, pointers from authors of manuscripts accepted by journals, and the insiders’ view with a panel of editors on what constitutes a good paper. Register online for the GSA Manuscript Writing and Reviewer Skills Program.
funding opportunities
MBRF, AFAR Team Up to Offer Grants on Memory Loss
The McKnight Brain Research Foundation (MBRF) and the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) are now welcoming applications for the McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss. This opportunity will provide up to two 3-year awards of $750,000 each to advanced assistant professors and recently appointed associate professors (MDs and PhDs.) One award will be made to support studies focusing on clinical translational research and another award toward understanding basic biological mechanisms underlying cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Applications are due August 1. Three NIA Small Grant Opportunities Will Support Alzheimer’s Research
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Alzheimer’s Disease supports important and innovative research in areas in which more scientific investigation is needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).
Awards are two years of funding totaling $200,000, and the application is October 16. The expiration date for this award is November 17.
There are three funding opportunity announcements: • PAS-19-391 Area of Focus Archiving and Leveraging Existing
Data Sets for Analyses (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) • PAS-19-392 Area of Focus Basic Science (R03 Clinical Trials Not
Allowed) • PAS-19-393 Area of Focus Systems Biology (R03 Clinical Trial
Not Allowed)
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