Interdisciplinary

Presidential Symposium: Building Fortitude for the Job Market

Chair(s)

• 

  Rita Hu, PhD, MSW (she/her/hers)

  Provost's Postdoctoral Fellow
  School of Social Work, Department of Psychology
  University of Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States

Co-Chair(s)

• 

  Sohyun Kim, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Assistant Professor
  College of Nursing and Health Innovation
  The University of Texas Arlington
  Arlington, Texas, United States

Discussant(s)

• 

  Marilyn Gugliucci, MA, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA, FAGS, FNAOME (she/her/hers)

  Professor & Director, Geriatrics Education & Research
  Primary Care-Division of Geriatrics
  University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Biddeford, Maine, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

• 

  Marissa Schafer, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Associate Professor
  Physiology and Biomedical Engineering
  Mayo Clinic
  Rochester, Minnesota, United States
• AB

  Allyn Bove, DPT, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
  Department of Physical Therapy
  University of Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
• KS

  Ketlyne Sol, PhD

  Research Investigator
  Social Environment and Health Program
  University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
• SB

  Sara Bybee, PhD, LCSW (she/her/hers)

  Research Assistant Professor
  College of Nursing
  University of Utah College of Nursing
  Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

The journey to establish a robust career in the gerontological research field is often marked by navigating through a maze of challenges, strategic decision-making, and the forging of vital professional relationships. The ESPO Presidential Symposium will feature early-career scholars from each scientific section to share their diverse pathways to landing a job and achieving research independence. Dr. Marissa Schafer from Mayo Clinic will discuss transitioning from PhD to Principal Investigator (PI), underlining the necessity of a comprehensive research portfolio, nurturing mentor-mentee relationships, and strategic career moves. Dr. Ketlyne Sol from the University of Michigan will share insights from her clinical psychology path, stressing the importance of dedicated research training and building a supportive network. Dr. Allyn M Bove from the University of Pittsburgh will compare physical therapy principles to career building in research, suggesting a balanced development of strength and endurance. Dr. Sara Bybee from the University of Utah will explore job market strategies through the lens of posttraumatic growth, highlighting personal strength and professional growth opportunities. The symposium concludes with a panel discussion led by Dr. Marilyn R. Gugliucci, GSA President-Elect and a leader in Gerontology and Geriatrics education, synthesizing the presentations and facilitating a dialogue among the speakers. This symposium serves as a crucial platform for aspiring gerontologists, offering guidance, strategies, and encouragement to navigate the complexities of the job market and achieve a successful and fulfilling career in aging research.

Presentations:

• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST

  Navigating the Path From PhD to PI: Insights and Strategies for Research Independence
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Marissa Schafer, PhD (she/her/hers) – Mayo Clinic
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST

  Determining Appropriate Load: Building Strength and Endurance as a Rehabilitation Researcher
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Allyn M. Bove, DPT, PhD (she/her/hers) – University of Pittsburgh
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST

  A Nontraditional Path Toward a Research Career
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ketlyne Sol, PhD – University of Michigan
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST

  Posttraumatic Growth: Reframing Job Market Challenges and Lessons Learned
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Sara G. Bybee, PhD, LCSW (she/her/hers) – University of Utah College of Nursing