American Psychological Foundation
Graduate students encouraged to apply for neuropsychology scholarships
The American Psychological Foundation (APF), in conjunction with APA's Div. 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology), seeks applications for the Henry Hécaen and Manfred Meier Neuropsychology scholarships. The one-year, $2,500 grants are awarded to two graduate students who show great promise or achievement in their studies, as signified by scholarly and research activity.
Both scholarships are made possible through gifts from Arthur Benton, PhD, who wished to honor two esteemed colleagues in neuropsychology: The late Henry Hécaen was a French neurologist, who was instrumental in the founding and development of neuropsychology as a science, and Manfred Meier, PhD, retired from the University of Minnesota, who helped establish the Neuropsychology Laboratory, where he conducted research on patients with epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders and Parkinson's disease.
Students who want to compete for this award should submit a letter that documents their scholarly or research accomplishments. In addition, students should explain their need for this financial award and for what the money will be used. The letter should be co-signed by a faculty mentor or training director. Seven copies of this letter and of any supporting materials (e.g., a copy of the cited scholarly or research work) should be sent to Hécaen and Meier Scholarships, Attn: Amy Kiel, APF Program Coordinator, American Psychological Foundation at the APA address.
New Placek funding
Four psychologists received American Psychological Foundation (APF) Wayne F. Placek grants in 2001 for research assisting in increasing public understanding of gay men and lesbians.
Ilan H. Meyer, PhD, received $40,000, for his proposed study, "Vulnerabilities and strengths in the face of sexual prejudice in lesbians, gay men and bisexuals." Meyer's work combines the perspectives of social psychology and psychiatric epidemiology in studying the impact of minority stress--such as prejudice and discrimination--on mental health. In his study, Meyer will explore stress and coping processes among diverse groups of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Meyer is an assistant professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and associate director of its Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health at the department of sociomedical sciences.
Patrick C. McKenry, PhD, and Julianne M. Serovich, PhD, received $10,000 for their project, "Predictors of violence in gay and lesbian intimate relationships," in which they will focus on predictors unique to that population (homophobia, internalized homophobia, outing, access to psychological and community services). Their sample will consist of gay and lesbian couples as well as individuals who have experienced violence, and couples as well as individuals who have experienced serious conflict without violence. Findings are expected to reflect major predictors in four conceptual domains: individual, intimate relationship, family of origin and community.
McKenry and Serovich are professor and associate professor, respectively, in the human development and family science department of Ohio State University.
Jeffrey L. Woodyard, PhD, was awarded $10,000 for his research project, "In-the-life in the church: church involvement among African-American men who have sex with men." Woodyard is assistant professor of communication and African studies at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. Through a series of interviews, he will investigate the psychosocial functioning and concerns of 60 church-going African-American individuals--including homosexual and bisexual men--in a culture of "dubious hospitality" for gay people.
The members of the 2001 Placek Scientific Review Committee were Gregory M. Herek, PhD (chair), Rafael Diaz, PhD, Allen Omoto, PhD, and Suzanna Rose, PhD. In addition, 20 consulting reviewers assisted in the proposal review and feedback process in 2001.
Information regarding both major categories of Placek grants can be obtained from the APF Web site. In the 2002 grant cycle, the fund will continue support for two large as well as several small research grants.
--T. BAROODY
