The graduate student research award is given to spur academic and clinical interest in the field of aging, and rewards the best unpublished graduate research paper on a completed project relevant to aging and applicable to practice. Membership in ASA is not a requirement, but is a consideration.

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-degree program or have completed their studies less than one year before submission, and be sponsored by a faculty member. The winner will receive a $500 honorarium, an opportunity to present their paper at the Aging in America conference, complimentary one-year student ASA membership and registration for the Aging in America conference.

2012 Graduate Student Research Award Winner

Michiyo Tomioka

Michiyo Tomioka accepting the Graduate Student Research Award at the 2012 Aging in America Conference in Washington DC

Michiyo Tomioka is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Social Welfare at University of Hawai`i at M¯anoa to gain knowledge about social policy affecting the elderly and to gain research skills needed to develop and evaluate cultural specific programs to improve the well-being of older adults. As a part of her dissertation research, she focused on translational research such as how to successfully replicate evidence-based approaches to improve the older adults’ physical health and social wellbeing using HHAP as an example. She developed four-step protocol for eldercare practitioners who are now being required to replicate evidence-based programs and make them work in their communities to promote health among elders.