Gerontology Alumna continues to thrive in doctoral program

Morgan Bunting, a 2014 graduate of the gerontology program, always had an interest in working professionally with the older adult population and making a positive difference in their lives. While an undergraduate student at BGSU, Bunting excelled in the classroom and she was actively involved in the Gerontology Student Association (GSA), as well as volunteering at a number of agencies. She was elected to serve as a student trustee on the board of the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) and in 2013, she was named one of the top gerontology students in the state of Ohio by OAGE.  

Bunting’s numerous undergraduate accomplishments, including co-authoring a book chapter, contributed to her being accepted into the prestigious doctoral program in gerontology at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB).

Bunting has continued to pursue her research interests at UMB. She is the first author of a 2016 research article published in Social Work in Health Care, entitled “The Impact of Brief Communication Training among Hospital Social Workers.” This article reports on the effects of training for hospital social workers designed to improve communication skills and self-efficacy, as well as lessen fears of death and dying. In addition, Bunting recently had a second article accepted that she co-wrote with colleagues and will be published in an upcoming issue of Geriatric Nursing.

“We are extremely proud of Morgan and her continuing work as a doctoral student,” stated Nancy Orel, associate dean and professor of the gerontology program. “Her dedication to the older adult population and her outstanding work in this field is to be commended.”