Doctoral Candidate Megan Nizza Awarded Pre-Dissertation Fellowship by Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work
Megan Nizza, LMSW, a doctoral candidate at Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) received a coveted Pre-Dissertation Fellowship by the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (AGESW) in recognition of her commitment to advancing research in aging and social work intervention practices.
One of only ten emerging scholars selected for the 2024 cohort, the AGESW Fellows Program provides doctoral students training and mentorship to prepare them for a career as a faculty member in gerontological social work. Fellowship benefits include conference registration and a $1,200 stipend to attend the AGESW Pre-Dissertation Fellows Training at the 2024 Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting where nationally recognized gerontological social work faculty will provide actionable guidance on the dissertation process; quantitative and qualitative research methods; writing for publication; teaching strategies; and effective networking.
Nizza also receives one-year memberships to AGESW and GSA; admission to a series of professional development webinars; preparatory support for conference participation; and ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities through AGESW.
These benefits will provide an important support system for Nizza as she completes her dissertation which focuses on improving outcomes for older adults through innovative approaches in social work practice and policy. The fellowship also supports her career goal to work as an academic researcher where she can champion social work values while engaging in community-based research that, in her words, “informs policy and services with equitable and anti-ageist values.”
Expressing her gratitude for the award, Nizza said she is “thrilled to have the opportunity to work more closely with AGESW, gain invaluable guidance from established scholars in gerontological social work, and be part of an incredible cohort of peer social workers.”