I have always been interested in research on lifespan development and aging. My training as an aging researcher began as an undergraduate student at the University of Akron while working in the Emotions and Aging Lab. Under the advisement of Jennifer Tehan Stanley, PhD, I was accepted into the joint doctoral program between the University of Akron and Cleveland State University in adult development and aging. Currently, I am a PhD candidate, and my research focuses primarily on examining daily frequency of nostalgia and the resulting social and emotional outcomes across the lifespan.
Being a member of Div. 20 has been a beneficial and vital part of my professional development. In the past four years, I have been given the opportunity to promote my research on social and emotional development in later life by presenting two posters and a research talk at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association. At these conferences, I was proud to represent aging research, enhance my communication skills in disseminating psychological science and meet other members of Div. 20. Ideally, these networking and learning experiences will foster future collaborations with established aging researchers, as well as help me to be a better mentor to future students who are interested in adult development and aging. Aside from networking and professional growth opportunities, being a member of Div. 20 has given me the resources to pursue my research interests by providing award and grant opportunities. Last fall, I was selected as the recipient of the APA Dissertation Research Award for my research project examining nostalgia in everyday life, with participants from across the lifespan (ages 18-80 years). It is my hope that being selected for this prestigious award and acting as a representative of Div. 20 will generate even more interest in this important field.
Overall, the future of my development and career as an aging research specialist is better founded by being a member of this organization. I have already taken advantage of the many benefits offered by Div. 20, and as I begin seeking employment opportunities and research collaborations, I look forward to having this network of aging professionals to continue to guide me on my way.