BGSU senior only student in northwestern Ohio selected for Ohio Scholars in Aging program

Human development and family science senior, Elisabeth Baende, will present her research project "Echoes of Emotions" at the 2025 OAGE conference

By Branden Ferguson

When Elisabeth Baende began her journey at Bowling Green State University, she was undecided on a major. Through the University's innovative Life Design program and an introductory human development and family sciences class, Baende discovered a career path she's passionate about and secured a unique opportunity with the Ohio Scholars In Aging program.

"I was interested in business and communication, but I was also passionate about helping people," Baende said. "Working with the Life Design team helped lead me to a career that combined all those things and opened my eyes to human development and family sciences."

Now a senior in the human development and family science program, Baende was among 10 students statewide and the only one in northwestern Ohio selected to take part in the Ohio Scholars In Aging program, furthering her experiential learning and providing her with additional knowledge on state-level gerontology programs and issues.

"This program and opportunity are much bigger than myself," Baende said. "As one of the 10 students selected for Ohio Scholars in Aging, I have visited Buckeye Dementia Caregiving Center and talked with Sean Brennan, state representative of the 14th district at the Statehouse, where I learned about policies and procedures surrounding programs working with older adults."

Baende, a Thompson Working Families Scholar, credits the pursuit of this opportunity to connecting with professors and advisors, saying networking made it all possible.

"I was talking with my professor, Andrew Wyant, about my passion for working with older adults when he mentioned knowing someone whose research focuses on social connection and engagement among older adults."

As a social work faculty member with years of research within northwestern Ohio communities, Dr. Vivian Miller, associate professor of social work, recalled receiving an email from Baende's professor Andrew Wyant, director of Chet Zablocki Senior Center in Toledo, explaining that he had a student interested in gerontology with whom she should connect.

Miller and Baende connected immediately. During their conversations, Miller mentioned the Ohio Scholars in Aging program, highlighting its partnership with the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education and the Ohio Department of Aging.

"There were over 40 applicants from university students all across Ohio," said Miller. "Elisabeth's project, goals and inspiration touched the entire committee. She was one of only 10 students selected into this competitive partnership."

Students selected for the program are required to conduct research and present their findings at the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference in March. Baende's research project was based on a business idea titled "Mindful Music," which was developed as part of The Hatch program within the Schmidthorst College of Business.

"I developed Mindful Music to help students retain educational information through songs," said Baende. "Renaming the project 'Echoes of Emotions,' I turned my focus from students to older adults for my Ohio Scholars in Aging research project."

Networking once again came into play when Miller's community connections allowed Baende to visit Bowling Green Manor and work with its residents and staff.

"I am always amazed by the support given to our students by community organizations and businesses," said Miller. "Community partners are willing to let them into their facilities and allow our students to further their education."

In the skilled nursing facility, Baende met with residents and staff, and began her research project.

"I played music for the residents, collecting data on how they reacted to different songs and genres," said Baende. "I then talked with them about how the music made them feel or what memories the songs brought to mind."

Using the data collected during her visit, Baende will present her findings at the 2025 OAGE Conference, which will be hosted at BGSU on March 20-21. This year's conference features two keynote speakers, including Dr. Emelia McCuen, assistant clinical professor in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at BGSU. BGSU associate professor in gerontology, Dr. Cynthia Spitler, will also be in attendance to receive the 2025 OAGE Educator of the Year Award.

Following the conference, Baende plans to graduate this spring before enrolling in graduate school to further her education in clinical social work with a certificate in music therapy.

"I want to work with older adults, but I also want to help them with social activities and get them involved in the community," Baende said. "BGSU provided me with everything I need to be successful in my career. Life Design helped me find a program that combined my interests, faculty helped me grow my professional network, philanthropic supporters like the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program helped free me from my financial limitations, and through it all, my BGSU journey has helped prepare me to pursue something I am passionate about, a life of service that makes the world a better place."