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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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.”
