Submit a poster to be part of the OAGE Research Forum | 2026 OAGE Annual Conference
OAGE Research Forum | 2026 OAGE Annual Conference
The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) is pleased to announce the launch of poster presentation applications for the 2026 OAGE Research Forum, taking place during the 2026 OAGE Annual Conference.
📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
📍 The Ohio State University Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center
What Is the OAGE Research Forum?
The OAGE Research Forum is an interactive poster session that brings together students, researchers, and practitioners to showcase research projects that are:
- In-development;
- Under review for funding; or
- Recently funded and soon-to-launch.
The goal of this session is to encourage and identify opportunities for cross-collaboration across Ohio’s research network—both regionally and nationally—while strengthening engagement with the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE). This collaboration helps support Ohio’s Aging Network through data-backed decisions and initiatives.
Who Can Apply to Present?
Anyone is welcome to apply to be considered for a poster presentation, including students, researchers, and practitioners within and outside the state of Ohio. Research projects at all early and emerging stages are welcome and encouraged.
Who Can Attend?
All individuals registered for the 2026 OAGE Annual Conference are welcome to attend the Research Forum—even if they are not presenting a poster.
What Can I Expect During the Session?
- Opening remarks from OAGE representatives outlining the Research Forum’s objectives.
- Comments from the Ohio Department of Aging on the role of research in shaping the administration’s priorities and the State Plan on Aging.
- Poster walk and discussion with presenters and attendees.
- Roundtable discussion, facilitated by OAGE representatives, highlighting key themes across posters and identifying future collaboration opportunities.
How do I Submit a Poster?
Poster presentations for the Research Forum are now open and are being accepted through 11:59PM Friday, February 27, 2026. No late submissions will be considered, so please plan accordingly. Accepted applicants will be notified by March 11, 2026.
Interested applicants are to create their poster presentations using the OAGE Research Forum template and upload completed poster presentations to the submission portal. Applicants are required to answer all existing sections included in the Research Forum template. However, you may add additional information not outlined in the template as space allows.
Accepted poster presenters must be registered for the 2026 OAGE Conference by March 21,2026 and will be responsible for printing and displaying their 36 (width) x 24 (height) posters at the conference venue. Please note that lunch will NOT be provided during this session.
To submit a poster presentation for consideration, you must first create an account with the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE). If you already have an account, simply log in to continue.
Help us spread the word! Forward this email to your peers, colleagues, and students who may be interested in presenting at the 2026 OAGE Research Forum!
Questions?
Research Forum Questions: Contact Morgan Minyo (mminyo@benrose.org) or Dan Van Dussen (djvandussen@ysu.edu)
Conference Questions: Contact conference@oage.org
Keynote Presenters
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Pre- Conference Presenter: Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Session Title: Reframing Aging: How Narrative Change Advances Practice and Policy
The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is part of a national group of facilitators trained by the FrameWorks Institute and the National Center to Reframe Aging to advance a communication strategy that uses evidence-based interventions to increase understanding of the aging process, support policies and programs for older people, and decrease ageist attitudes. This session will provide a greater understanding of what ageism and age discrimination is and the negative impact on health and longevity. The training will share proven communication strategies and tools to effectively frame aging issues. O4a has successfully used the tools of Reframing Aging to impact public policy supporting older Ohioans.
The Reframing Aging Initiative is generating a groundswell for change – from local efforts to national leaders – to tell a more balanced story of aging. This story explains that good ideas know no age limit, and that experience and wisdom can be tapped to benefit us all.
Objectives
- Identify the impact of ageism on health and positive aging outcomes.
- Interpret current research on the American public’s perceptions of aging.
- Demonstrate effective communication strategies related to aging, ageism, and issues important to older adults.
- Analyze how ageism influences American society and professional practice.
- Explain the concept of “framing” and its role in shaping communication about aging.
- Apply techniques to navigate public perceptions and promote constructive thinking about aging.
Bio: Beth Kowalczyk is the Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Prior to being named CEO, she served for 11 years as the Association’s Chief Policy Officer. The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is a nonprofit Association supporting Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging and advocating on behalf of older Ohioans, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
Prior to joining o4a, Ms. Kowalczyk was the Bureau Chief for Family Assistance Policy at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, responsible for developing and implementing policies and overseeing grants for public assistance programs.
Ms. Kowalczyk started her career with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services representing low-income Ohioans in civil matters and then joined Ohio State Legal Services Association (now known as the Ohio Poverty Law Center), as the statewide legal services advocate and expert on public assistance and workforce development programs. Ms. Kowalczyk has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and a Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law. She was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1993.
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Thursday Afternoon Keynote: Ursel J. McElroy, MA, Ohio Department of Aging Director
Session Title: The State of Aging in Ohio
Aging is our shared reality. By 2040, every U.S. state is projected to have a higher proportion of older adults than ever before. At this moment, more citizens are turning 60 than babies are being born. And Ohio, as always, is at the heart of it all, falling right in the middle of this trend. The aging population and the challenges they face are not a distant wave on the horizon. That wave is here — reshaping the fabric of our society in real time. Now is our opportunity to reframe how systems are designed and maintained, healthcare is delivered, and network infrastructure is supported.
Under the DeWine Administration, healthy aging is a priority. The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) is embracing data-informed decision-making, investing in technology, and strengthening the long-term care workforce. AGE’s North Star outlines a clear definition of quality standards and guides everything the department does in an intentional and thoughtful way. Through ensuring access to quality of care, promoting quality of life, advocating for elder rights, and enhancing system performance, Director McElroy will highlight how Ohio’s aging network is positioning itself to meet the needs of generations of older adults. AGE’s vision is to make Ohio the best place to age in the nation, and Director McElroy will share how we are working to accomplish that vision.
Bio: Ursel J. McElroy was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2019 to direct the Ohio Department of Aging and administer the State Plan on Aging. A member of the Governor’s Cabinet, McElroy represents the interests of older adults in Ohio’s executive branch of government and oversees the coordination of long-term services and supports funded by the federal Older Americans Act, Medicaid, and other federal, state, and local dollars. She has more than 30 years of experience in local and state government, holding key positions at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
She served as deputy director of education and policy at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for a decade, during which she managed education, policies, programs, and initiatives impacting victims of crime, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, victim notification, and crimes committed against children, older adults, and people with disabilities. She chaired the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission and managed the establishment of the Ohio Elder Justice Initiative.
McElroy is a leader and visionary in the field of aging, hosting and planning Ohio’s first Summit on Aging, the state’s first Elder Abuse Research Symposium, and the Elder Financial Exploitation Symposium. She has presented at prominent events such as the White House Conference on Aging and is the current President of ADvancing States Board of Directors, a nonpartisan association of state government agencies that represents the nation’s state and territorial agencies on aging and disabilities. In March 2026, she was selected to serve on the Federal Healthcare Advisory Committee.
She is the proud recipient of many awards, including the John Begala Public Service Award, LeadingAge Ohio Public Service Award, Muriel Bertsch Award, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging Outstanding Public Service Award, Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services Outstanding Service Award, and The Ohio State University Alumni in Government Distinguished Service Award.
McElroy's deep sensitivity and concern for older Ohioans and their caregivers is clear. She is committed to upholding the fundamental principle that older adults can live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
She received a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in public administration from The Ohio State University.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Keynote Presenter: Derenda M. Schubert, PhD, CEO, Bridge Meadows
Session Title: All Ages, One Vision: Creating Connections, Changing Generations
Every conversation, every collaboration, and every relationship you nurture has the potential to shape not just your own future—but the future of those who come before and after you. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to connect across generations is more than a nice-to-have skill; it’s a superpower.
All Ages, One Vision: Creating Connections, Changing Generations invites you to explore how intentional intergenerational relationships can spark innovation in the workplace, strengthen support in housing and community living, and deepen personal fulfillment. Through real-world examples, practical strategies, and inspiring stories, you’ll discover how your unique perspective can bridge age divides, challenge assumptions, and create lasting impact. Walk away equipped not only to thrive in your own journey, but to empower others—because when we connect across generations, we change the story for everyone.
Objectives
- Recognize the value of intergenerational relationships in both personal and professional settings.
- Learn actionable strategies to foster meaningful connections across age groups.
- Understand how generational collaboration drives innovation, resilience, and well-being.
- Identify ways to use their own perspective and experience to empower others.
- Explore ways to align diverse generational strengths with organizational goals and growth.
Bio: Derenda M. Schubert, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized advocate for intergenerational community building. As the Executive Director of Bridge Meadows, she has advanced a visionary model that brings together youth, families, and elders to create vibrant, supportive neighborhoods rooted in belonging, healing, and joy.
Dr. Schubert’s background in clinical psychology, combined with her leadership in nonprofit innovation, community development, and systems change, gives her a rare ability to translate human needs into community-based solutions. Her work is grounded in empathy, driven by data, and guided by the belief that healing happens best in relationships. With decades of experience across child welfare, aging, mental health, and housing, she builds bridges between sectors and people, turning bold ideas into places where all generations can thrive.
These efforts are recognized by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, which cite Bridge Meadows as a model for addressing the social determinants of health through connection and community. A dynamic speaker and TEDx presenter, Dr. Schubert is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, an Encore Public Voices Fellow, and a dedicated board member serving organizations committed to health and human potential.
In "The Power of a Joyful Village," she shares the lessons, stories, strategies, and soul of a movement reshaping how we care for one another across generations, systems, societies, and deep within our hearts. “We are not meant to do life alone,” she writes. “When we create places rooted in love and mutual support, everyone has a chance to thrive.”
