Two Penn Nursing doctoral students have been named the first Carol E. Ware PhD Fellows. This program provides two years of financial support to PhD students who are committed to improving care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and/or other mental health issues.

The Carol Ware Fellows are:

Hannah Cho, a third-year PhD student. Her research interests include studying digital literacy and social support of caregivers for persons living with dementia in a community

Ellen Munsterman, a third-year PhD student. She is pursuing a dual degree in the Masters in Bioethics program. Her research interests include the experiences of hospitalized older adults with dementia and their family caregivers and dementia-friendly hospital care.

Designed to give scholars proficiency in gerontological research, concepts, and theoretical frameworks essential to dementia studies, the Ware Fellowship program will help develop a core understanding of the needs of persons with dementia, their family, and their careers across multiple environments. The program addresses health inequalities and the public health impacts associated with persons living with dementia. It also offers students the ability to learn current and emerging research design methods necessary to evaluate dementia care interventions. It aims to advance the scholarship of Penn Nursing faculty and clinical curriculum, focusing on person-centered care for individuals and families affected by dementia.