The Gerontological Society of America congratulates 2009 awardees

17 oct 2009--The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the country's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — is proud to acknowledge the work of 12 outstanding individuals through its prestigious awards program. These distinctions foster new ideas, recognize leadership in teaching and service, and salute both outstanding and potential research.

The award presentations will take place at GSA's 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 18 to 22 in Atlanta, GA, at the Atlanta Hilton and Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This conference is organized to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process. Visit www.geron.org/am for further details.

Below is a list of the 2009 awards and their recipients.

Donald P. Kent Award
Presented to Barbara Berkman, DSW, PhD, Columbia University
This award is given annually to a fellow of GSA who best exemplifies the highest standards for professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. It was created in 1973 in memory of Donald P. Kent for his outstanding leadership in translating research findings into practical use.

Robert W. Kleemeier Award
Presented to Gerald McClearn, PhD, Pennsylvania State University
This award is given annually to a fellow of GSA in recognition for outstanding research in the field of gerontology. It was created in 1965 and is dedicated to the memory of a former GSA president whose contributions to the quality of life through research in aging were exemplary.

Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging
Presented to Eric A. Coleman, MD, MPH, University of Colorado Denver
This award recognizes instances of practice informed by research and analysis, research that directly improved policy or practice, and distinction in bridging the worlds of research and practice. It is funded by the New York Community Trust through a generous gift from Maxwell A. Pollack Fund.

M. Powell Lawton Award
Presented to Hans-Wener Wahl, PhD, University of Heidelberg
This award, sponsored by the Polisher Research Institute, is presented annually to an individual to honor contributions from applied gerontological research that have benefited older people and their care. It recognizes significant contributions in gerontology that led to innovations in treatment, practice or service, prevention, or amelioration of symptoms or barriers.

Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology
Presented to Derek M. Isaacowitz, PhD, Brandeis University
This award acknowledges outstanding early career contributions in behavioral and social gerontology. It is given to a person from any discipline in the social sciences.

The Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award
Presented to Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, New York University
This award, presented by GSA's Health Sciences Section, in collaboration with the John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, is given to a member of the Society in recognition of outstanding and sustained contribution to geriatric nursing research.

Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award
Presented to Robert C. Atchley, PhD, Naropa University
This award recognizes insightful and innovative publications on aging and life course development in the behavioral and social sciences. It is underwritten by Baywood Publishing Company, with which Kalish was long associated.

Distinguished Career Contribution to Gerontology Award
Presented to Steven Zarit, PhD, Pennsylvania State University
This award is presented annually to an individual whose contributions over the course of his or her career have articulated a novel theoretical or methodological perspective or synthesis that addresses a significant problem in the literature.

Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award
Presented to William J. "Jim" McAuley, PhD, George Mason University
This award is given to individuals who have fostered excellence in, and had a major impact on, the field by virtue of their mentoring, and whose inspiration is sought by students and colleagues.

Nathan Shock New Investigator Award
Presented to Salvatore Oddo, PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center
This award is given annually for innovative and influential publications. Established in 1986 to honor Nathan Shock, a pioneer in gerontological research at the National Institutes of Health and a founding member of GSA, it is designed to acknowledge outstanding contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research.

Joseph T. Freeman Award
Presented to Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
This award is a lectureship in geriatrics and is given to a prominent physician in the field of aging, both in research and practice. It was established in 1977 through a bequest from a patient's estate as a tribute to Joseph T. Freeman, a leading physician and one of the Society's distinguished past presidents.

Task Force on Minority Issues Outstanding Mentorship Award
Presented to Terry Mills, PhD, Morehouse College
This award recognizes individuals who have exemplified outstanding commitment and dedication to mentoring minority researchers in the field of aging.