The George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology annual award recognizes doctoral dissertations that best advance the study and understanding of issues that surround the process of aging and elderly populations. This prize may be awarded in any discipline or field. This area of interest is broad and could include research not directly conducted on elderly populations that could be applied to the treatment of diseases associated with the process of aging. Applicants must be students at WMU in good standing and be enrolled in Doctoral Dissertation 7300.
Some examples for dissertation include disease progression in animals or the development of potential pharmacological treatments that could enhance quality of life/longevity in elderly populations. Oral history projects centered on the experiences of elderly adults are also welcome. Both qualitative and quantitative research modalities are welcome. A Letter of Support will be needed by the student's advisor, the department/graduate program advisor or the department chair. Instructions for identifying the person to write a letter of support is detailed in the online application.