The John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, part of the New York University Division of Nursing, has named Lisa Ann Plowfield, PhD, RN, a 1986 Jefferson Jefferson College of Health Professions graduate and an associate professor in the Department of Nursing at the University of Delaware, to be a Scholar in its 2002 Geriatric Research Scholars and Fellows Program. Dr. Plowfield was selected for having conducted significant research in gerontologic nursing and for her strong leadership potential. She is one of 11 nurses from the Northeast region who were selected for this program, now in its fifth year, which fosters new gerontological nursing researchers with the goal of improving the quality of health care for older adults.

Dr. Plowfield is the director and principal investigator of several major grants related to program evaluation of geriatric health programs and nursing education including demands of family care giving as well as the socialization of the marital couple after a spouse's stroke. She recently received federal funding for a research study on Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Delaware among the elderly and undeserved populations.

"Our program aims to bring together outstanding new scholars who are conducting significant research in gerontologic nursing and to give them an opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field," says Terry Fulmer, RN, PhD, FAAN, co-director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. "This unique opportunity to hone research skills helps these individuals gain the competitive edge they need to attract research funding and publish the results."

The 11 Scholars and Fellows attended an intensive week-long seminar, held at New York University from June 17 to 21, 2002, during which they met with nationally recognized experts in geriatric nursing, addressed issues and obstacles in undertaking high-quality research, and received individual mentoring and critiquing.

Each year, the Scholars and Fellows are chosen from a different region of the United States. The 2003 Fellows and Scholars will be selected from among Midwestern health care institutions. For information on the 2003 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Seminar, visit the Hartford Institute website at www.hartfordign.org.

The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing seeks to shape the quality of health care that older Americans receive by promoting the highest level of geriatric competency in all nurses who deliver care. By raising the standards of nursing care, the Hartford Institute aims to ensure that people age in comfort and dignity. Its initiatives include education, practice, research, and policy, and consumer education.

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