A West Virginia University psychology doctoral student who researches adulthood and aging in diverse populations has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from the University of Pittsburgh.


Mindi Spencer, who currently does research in the Department of Psychology’s Life-Span Developmental Program, will serve as a Kellogg Health Scholar in the Center for Minority Health at the Pittsburgh school.


Spencer’s research looks at older adults who are often underrepresented in society because of their gender, nationality or where they live. She’ll graduate May 14 with a doctorate in Life-Span Developmental Psychology and graduate certificates in gerontology and women’s studies.


The Charleston native was selected from a field of 100 applicants for the fellowship, which includes a two-year stipend and annual research fund.


�€?Mindi has emerged as a leader among the next generation of researchers,�€? said Dr. JoNell Strough, associate professor and coordinator of the Life-Span Developmental Program. �€?We’re very proud of her, and recognition at the national level reflects very favorably on the training that students at WVU receive.�€?


Spencer’s WVU training includes a bachelor’s degree in biology, an undergraduate certificate in gerontology and a master’s in psychology.


She is also a 2005-06 AARP Scholar and a 2005 Grantmakers in Aging Fellow. She’s holds a fellowship on the American Psychological Association’s Minority Aging Network in Psychology and serves on several committees that promote diversity in society.


She’s the daughter of Gary and Sharon Spencer, of Charleston.


For more information on the Kellogg program, visithttp://www.cfah.org/programs/healthscholars/index.cfm.