Member Spotlight

Q&A with Candace S. Brown, MAG, M.Ed., Doctoral Student, Health Related Science/Gerontology at the Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.

Q: Why did you become a member and how does GSA assist with your professional development?
A: I have been a member since 2008.  I became a member after learning about the organization and the many different opportunities for involvement as a student. This involvement has assisted my development as a student, researcher, presenter, educator and writer. Every year, I am learning something new about being a gerontologist and GSA assists with developing the skills I need to be a super gerontologist!

Q: How did you get interested in the field of aging?
A: I was introduced to the field of aging during my first volunteer jobs at a nursing home and as a candy striper at a hospital.  After my junior year in high school, I was selected to attend the Secondary School Training Program (SSTP) at the University of Iowa. During SSTP, I researched the effects of biological aging in oral health for six weeks, under the guidance of a faculty member.  This full time internship introduced me to health research, scientific writing, and symposium presentations.  These experiences ignited my passion to study aging. This passion continued through my undergraduate and graduate programs and now, doctoral program.

Q: What are your key responsibilities at your school?
A: I, like many others, wear various “responsibility” hats. My first job is to be an attentive wife and mother of three. This can be a challenge when you add the responsibility to study and survive a PhD program.  Anyone who has been in a PhD program understands this.  Finally, the title “Owner” to a business makes life even more interesting. Seasons of Life, LLC brings group exercise and health education to older adults unable to leave their homes. All of these responsibilities bring me more joy than pain- which is why I love them all!

Q: What is your most memorable research/patient experience?
A: Research can get overwhelming. Yet, sometimes it is the small moments that can remind us why we do what we do. One of my most memorable experiences in research was at the completion of my first study during graduate school at Cleveland State University.  I had spent 12 weeks conducting varying types of group exercise and teaching on health disparities with a number of aging African American women. One of the women, who at pre-test, could not walk a 1/4 mile around the track, walked one mile at the post test. When she finished, she cried and thanked me for the time I had spent encouraging her and working with her. It was the best compliment to know I helped make a difference in her life. At that moment, I knew I was in the right field and researching the right population, according to my interests.

Q: Why is it important for other emerging scholars to join GSA?
A: This organization thrives on those who a part of it. So...get involved!!!  There are so many opportunities awaiting you. GSA is a wonderful place to learn and grow your inner gero! You can go to conferences and choose to volunteer, meet new scholars, listen in awe at the wisdom of the Fellows, apply to be on committees, and learn some of the inner workings of the organization by being part of ESPO. ESPO is a wonderful way to prime emerging scholars who desire to be the next leaders in GSA. 

Q: Have you had an important mentor in your career? If so, how did it make a difference?
A: Having mentors in gerontology is probably one of the best choices I have made and gifts I have been afforded.  I am one who enjoys having mentors for different professional reasons and mentors on different gerontology levels.  That way, I will not burn someone out. J. James Cotter, Kate de Medeiros, Laura Donorfio, Kelly Fitzgerald, Sarah Gueldner, Marilyn Gugliucci, Taylor Harden, Tara McMullen, Chivon Mingo, Rona Karasik, Jennifer Kinney, Margaret Perkinson, and Leland Waters have all had a special impact on my career as a student or researcher in one way or another.  They are my “go to” people when I have a specific question and I have full confidence in their ability and desire to help guide the path that is before me. This same path has already been cleared by many of them; because they believe in mentorship, I get to believe in the power of having a mentor.  Or in my case - many mentors.