Clarence Pearson Fellowship
in Public Health and Aging

The Pearson Fellowship program was launched by AFAR in 2015 to provide future leaders in public health, communications and related academic fields with exposure to the range of policy, administration, research, and engagement opportunities to better serve the growing older population.

To date, AFAR has hosted fourteen Pearson Fellows on- and off-site to work on projects such as: analyzing the World Health Organization’s Report on Aging and Health, auditing global messaging on healthy aging, analyzing long-term care insurance in China, assisting the International Association of Geriatric and Gerontology conference, supporting the Columbia University Aging Center, and assisting the Global Coalition on Aging Silver Economy Forum.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Clarence Pearson Fellowship in Public Health and Aging

Spring-Summer 2024

Focus on Communications for SuperAgers Family Study

For Spring-Summer 2024, AFAR seeks a Pearson Fellow who will support communications for our SuperAgers Initiative. The centerpiece of this project is the SuperAgers Family Study, led by AFAR in collaboration with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Boston University School of Medicine. This research study aims to collect data from a large group of individuals who have lived to age 95 or more. The Study's goal is to understand and uncover the biological factors contributing to healthy aging and exceptional longevity shared among SuperAgers and their families.

AFAR is helping shape recruitment strategies through branding, marketing, and public relations for the SuperAgers Family Study. The Pearson Fellow will support this work through a range of activities including:

  • Researching, drafting outreach content, and managing distribution strategies to national networks such as: Independent or Assisted Living national networks, Faith-based communities and organizations, and Geriatrician and Healthcare networks,
  • Researching and suggesting paid promotional opportunities in print, digital and broadcast media in target regions,
  • Monitoring and reporting on earned media and enrollment trends, and
  • Supporting other strategies as determined by AFAR leadership, Study Advisory Committee, and consulting PR agency.

By supporting the SuperAgers Family Study communications, this fellowship will provide valuable experience toward a career path in communications strategy, community outreach, and public relations, in addition to gaining exposure to innovative projects in aging research and study recruitment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is detail-oriented, creative, and flexible.

Learn more at www.superagerstudy.org or www.afar.org/superagers.

Duration and Location

The Pearson Fellowship will last two to three months, working two to three days per week, both virtually and at AFAR’s office in Midtown Manhattan. There is potential to extend the fellowship.

AFAR encourages applications from the Greater New York, East Coast, and Mid-Atlantic regions at this time but will also review candidates outside of that area who are willing to work within the eastern time zone.

Eligibility

  • Student must be either currently enrolled in a graduate program with at least one semester completed or be a recent master’s-level graduate still pursuing further education in a related field.
  • Must be able to work in a self-directed environment and have a demonstrated interest in aging-related issues.

Application

  • CV noting current GPA
  • Cover letter that addresses your previous or current academic or community work in aging-related topics, and how this fellowship would support your on-going research interests or course work and future academic or career goals, and your financial need
  • Writing sample

Timeline

  • Application due: March 4, 2024
  • Zoom interviews: Early March 2024
  • Start date: Mid March 2024
  • End date: early June 2024

Honorarium and Budget

Up to $2500 based on experience, for 2-3 months

Deadline

Please send completed application by March 4, 2024 to John Chaich, Director of Strategic Communications, at john@afar.org.

Download the Call for Applications here

Pearson Fellows To Date

  • Maritza Rico, Winter 2024
  • Rachel Farber, Winter 2023
  • Sandya Ganesan, Summer and Fall 2022
  • Ilana Mittleman, Spring 2021
  • Sarah Irons, Fall 2020
  • Adwoa Nantwi, Fall 2020
  • Angelina Cui, Summer 2019
  • Antonella Fegen, Fall 2018
  • Ariana Johnson, Fall 2017
  • Nina Williams, Fall 2017
  • MegAnn McGinnis, Spring 2017
  • Megan Mahedy, Fall 2016
  • Frank Mu, Fall 2016
  • Erin Beck, Fall 2015
  • Stephane LeBoissiere, Spring 2015


About Clarence Pearson

Former AFAR board member Clarence Pearson dedicated his career to building relationships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in order to raise awareness about the impact of the growing aging population worldwide.

Learn more about Clarence E. Pearson’s influential career and inspiring character in this interview.

Explore some of the titles co-authored by Clarence E. Pearson on global health and aging, here and here.


Clarence Pearson 2