Through the generous support of Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold, the Arnold School of Public Health (ASPH) is committed to developing future leaders in aging research. Therefore, it has established this award to recognize up to two outstanding graduate students who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship focused on aging. The Graduate Scholar in Aging (GSA) was inaugurated in 2017 and continues to support graduate students.
Annually, two student scholars will be awarded $1,000 each, which can be used toward professional development activities and expenses including resources and supplies for data collection and analysis, travel, and registration at national or international conferences where research is presented on this topic, for professional workshops, or for other continuing education or training opportunities of importance to aging research. The scholars will be expected to engage in research activities with the Office for the Study of Aging during the award period. The award funds must be used within 12 months of receipt, and all expenses must be pre-approved by the chair or graduate director of the student’s department.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled at the masters or doctoral level in the Arnold School of Public Health
- In good academic standing
- Engaged in research focused on aging
Application Requirements:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement (no more than 500 words) that outlines the applicant’s research plan. This statement should focus on studies the applicant will conduct that address 1-2 key questions, identified by the applicant, that have the potential to significantly impact aging research.
- One example of work conducted by the applicant on the topic of aging. This could be a publication or conference abstract or paper.
- Proposed budget and budget justification for how the award would support the applicant’s research plan.
- A signed endorsement letter from the applicant’s primary research advisor.
Application Deadline:
Yearly, during the fall semester; view GSA flyer for details.
Application Submission & Questions:
Katherine Leith, PhD, LMSW
ASPH, Office for the Study of Aging
Leith@sc.edu
Scholar Recipients
2021
Mr. Prasun Kumar Dev started his undergraduate studies in the field of computer science.
His inclination towards the application of computational analysis in real-world problems
inspired him to pursue a master's degree in bioinformatics. After concluding his masters,
Mr. Dev worked in the field of cancer genomics, where he further developed interest
in prevention research; and now, his primary focus is to understand the molecular
aspect of exercise and aging. Mr. Dev enjoys playing cricket and badminton and learning
photography.
2020
Katherine is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Exercise Science. She obtained
her BS degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University and obtained her MPH
in Physical Activity and Public Health from UofSC. Katherine is interested in behavioral
interventions targeting physical activity, sedentary behavior and weight loss. Katherine
was awarded the Graduate Scholar in Aging Award in 2020 to support her research on
examining the agreement between accelerometers used to measure sedentary behavior
and physical activity among older adults who have had knee replacement surgery.
Samaneh Nemati is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication Scienced and
Disorders. She is a published author on topics of brain, cognition, genetics and behavior
in healthy aging, electroencephalography (EEG) in older adults, and functional brain
networks in the aging brain.
2019
Radhika Ranganathan is an MSPH student (Epidemiology). Her role in perioperative
cardiac care as a physician assistant has driven her interest pursuing an advanced
graduate degree at the University of South Carolina. She is interested in examining
the "Variations in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) constructs by rural-urban
status in elderly population with a cardiac/cerebrovascular event", using the nationally
representative behavioral risk factor surveillance system.
Kelsey Rothera Day is a third year Ph.D. student in Exercise Science and a Graduate
Research Assistant in the Prevention Research Center. She is a part of the T32-supported
Behavioral-Biomedical Interface Program, and a current Health GIS Scholar. Her research
interests include disparities in physical activity, particularly among rural and older
adults, and community-based physical activity interventions. Kelsey is also a yoga
teacher and an avid runner. On most weekend you can find her exploring outdoors with
her husband, Ian, and their dog, Whiskey.
2018
Nicholas Resciniti
Chelsea Carpenter
2017
Dana AlHasan
Karim Johari