Aging Studies Grants

Abilene Christian University values and encourages scholarly activity and innovation. Aging Studies grants awarded through the Pruett Gerontology Center are designed to increase the number of undergraduate students working with faculty in research projects that focus on the study of aging.

Purpose
The purpose of the Aging Studies grant is to enrich student learning, support faculty development, and enhance the quality and reputation of academic programs in the area of aging by providing funding to support student and faculty research and promote research presentation and publication. Funding is available to all disciplines and may be used to conduct research* or creative endeavors involving the older population of at least 65 years of age. Proposals must document faculty partnerships with student(s) in all phases.

Examples of Topics
The Director of PGC is an available resource for topic development. The following are only a few ways to connect the study of aging with the major discipline of the student and faculty:

• technology and well-being in later life
• innovation in human services such as service delivery in rural areas
• theology/ministry with older adults
• communication disorders such as aphasia and stroke victims
• social attitudes & misconceptions about old age
• intergenerational issues, communication, and friendships
• gender and minority inequity in later life
• management, marketing, investment and baby boomers
• health care management and delivery
• Alzheimer’s treatment or caregiving issues
• physical health in later life
• promotion/measuring psychological and/or spiritual well-being in later life
• public policy or politics and aging
• volunteerism
• grandparents raising grandchildren
• aging and the family
• intergenerational day care
• successful aging or ageism expressed/exposed in performing and creative arts
• intergenerational reconciliation through creative expression

Note: All Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols must be met before conducting research. For more information regarding research proposals and IRB approval see the IRB website.

Selection
Applications are to be evaluated by the Aging Studies Grant committee. Preference will be shown to proposals exhibiting a high level of engagement for student researchers in the area of gerontology.

Goals

1. Increase faculty mentoring of students in gerontology research and creative activities
2. Promote research publication and presentation
3. Increase student opportunities for research and creative expression
4. Facilitate and support research across the university in the area of Aging Studies

Funding
Pruett Gerontology Center will provide up to $20,000 per fiscal year for two years (2013, 2014) for a total commitment of up to $40,000. Disbursal of these funds will depend on the grant applications submitted and approved by the IRB. Three areas to be considered are:

1. Faculty Funding. Funding will be provided for either release time or a faculty stipend of up to $5,000. The money for release time will be transferred directly to the department/college to hire relief instructors as needed.
2. Research Expense Funding. Faculty can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for research expenses, equipment, and supplies. Receipts are required to document these expenditures.
3. Student Funding. At least one undergraduate research assistant must be integrally involved in the research or creative activity. This funding is in addition to the faculty funding. Faculty members may apply for students to receive up to $3,000 for one academic year ($1,500/semester) or $3,000 for the summer. A maximum of four undergraduate student researchers will be funded for one project.

Outcomes
Faculty receiving PGC Aging Studies grants must meet one of the following goals:

1. Submit a proposal to present at a professional conference with their undergraduate assistants.
2. Submit a paper or creative product jointly produced with undergraduate researchers for dissemination in a peer-reviewed forum.

In addition, ALL recipients must have students present at the Undergraduate Research Festival or other juried campus forum.

For more information, contact Dr. Charlie Pruett at pruettc@acu.edu or 325-674-2350.