Liliana Ruvalcaba, 2024 Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology graduate and GEMSTEM scholar, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Research Scholarship, which will support her development of a telecare to promote healthy aging in Colombia. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 130 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. Ruvalcaba, who also received her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Sciences from USC, spoke about her award and the research it will support:
What have been some of your most interesting/impactful experiences as a student here at the Leonard Davis School?
Ruvalcaba: My favorite experiences that I have had as a student at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have been the ones that I have made as a result of being a part of the GEMSTEM research program. Through this program, I have met some of the most amazing and hard-working individuals. Additionally, my mentors Jennifer Ailshire and Margarita Osuna have constantly supported me and pushed me to reach my full potential. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my research skills and professional development. For this, I am extremely grateful.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Fulbright Scholar?
Ruvalcaba: Receiving a Fulbright Research Scholarship is an extraordinary honor and a profound milestone in my academic journey. I am incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity.
What will your Fulbright research be about?
Ruvalcaba: Through the study that I hope to conduct with my affiliating researcher, Dr. Carlos Alberto Cano Gutiérrez from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, I aim to develop, implement, and evaluate a telecare intervention to promote healthy aging among older adults in Bogotá, Colombia. This clinical trial will prioritize implementing a person-centered approach, incorporating social support, and case-management to contribute to the healthy aging of the older adults it serves.
What are your long-term goals following graduation and your Fulbright research?
Ruvalcaba: My long-term goals following graduation are to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on geriatric medicine.
