CHAMPAIGN, Ill. Two University of Illinois graduate students have won 2001-2002 Paul D. Doolen graduate scholarships for the study of aging. They will receive $3,500 each to continue their studies in gerontology.
Matthew Hartman of Urbana is enrolled in the Medical Scholars Program studying animal sciences. His research examines the link between Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis and the effects the two conditions have on the aging process. His goal is to recognize a way to detect diabetes years earlier and thereby to treat the disease from a preventive viewpoint before much of the damage has occurred. Hartman received his undergraduate degree from the UI in biology.
Gerald Jerome is pursuing a doctorate in exercise psychology. His research examines the relationship between physical activity levels and well being in older adults. Jerome plans to test the effectiveness of an Internet social support network as a tool for promoting health and effective functioning of older adults.
Jerome received a bachelors degree in psychology and business administration from Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, and a masters in exercise science from the University of Arizona.
Doolen scholarships are awarded annually to graduate students in their second year of study or beyond whose principal scholarly interest lies in the field of aging. Established in 1986 by an endowment from the Retirement Research Foundation in Oak Park, Ill., the scholarships honor the late Paul D. Doolen, a longtime member of the foundations board of directors and a 1927 UI graduate.
