Julie Locher, Ph.D., director of the UAB Translational Nutrition and Aging Program, received the Gerontological Society of America 2016 M. Powell Lawton Award for her contributions in gerontology research.

Locher received her doctorate in Medical Sociology in 1999. Her current research focuses on how social support and community and health care practices and policies affect eating behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes in older adults and in cancer patients and survivors.

This distinguished award recognizes a significant contribution in gerontology that has led to an innovation in gerontological treatment, practice or service, prevention, amelioration of symptoms or barriers, or a public policy change that has led to some practical application improving the lives of older persons. It is sponsored by the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life’s Polisher Research Institute and is named in memory of M. Powell Lawton, Ph.D., for his outstanding contributions to applied gerontological research.

Akilah Dulin Keita, Ph.D., who received her doctorate in Medical Sociology in 2007, has been named the Manning Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Brown University School of Public Health.

Dr. Dulin Keita came to UAB as an undergraduate in 2000 with plans to study political science, but finished with majors in sociology and Spanish and a minor in criminal justice.

In her four years at Brown, Dr. Dulin Keita has worked on identifying and exploring the community dynamics that affect diet and health, including how urban revitalization policies and public health efforts impact behaviors and outcomes. She also continues to work with her UAB colleagues. “UAB is a powerhouse,” she says.