ASA - American Society on Aging

1998 Awards Programs
Recognizing Excellence in the Field of Aging

Award Winners

1998 ASA STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS

Jodi Levy-Cushman, MA

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

The ASA Student Research Award is presented to a graduate student for exceptional research relevant to aging and applicable to practice.

This year's award goes to Jodi Levy-Cushman for "A Study of Memory Complaints in the Able Elderly." The study elucidates the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance. Ms. Levy-Cushman investigated the influence of premorbid functioning, physical health, education and depression on memory complaints. She also examined the effects of memory training groups on memory complaints. An increasing number of older adults are seeking advice and treatment about such complaints. A better understanding of these complaints will assist professionals in the field with diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Ms. Levy-Cushman is a 1995 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with majors in biology and psychology. She earned her master's degree in clinical psychology at Michigan State University. Ms. Levy-Cushman is the manger of the MSU older adults memory project. She expects to complete her PhD in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology in May 2000.

Honorable Mention

Mary Ann F. Kirkpatrick, PhD

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

An Honorable Mention is awarded to Mary Ann Kirkpatrick for her study "A Task Analysis of Medication Management in Adult Care Residences and the Implications for the Policy," which used a sample of adult care residencies in Virginia. The study investigated the barriers (functional, training, or management) that prevent staff from properly storing, administering, documenting and disposing of medications. Medication aides were observed assisting 266 residents with 911 medications. Based upon the results of this study, Ms. Kirpatrick provides policy recommendations including the employment of nonlicensed personnel trained in medication management to assist with medications in adult facilities.