Every year, the University’s six Health Sciences schools and the Magnuson Scholars Program select a health sciences student for recognition based on outstanding academic performance and potential contributions to health sciences research. This year, Sharon Borja has been named the 2015 – 2016 Magnuson Scholar for the School of Social Work.
Sharon entered the School in 2011 as a PhD student with a research interest in adverse childhood experiences that compromise health and social adjustment later in life. Her recent accomplishments include a two-year tenure as a National Institute of Mental Health prevention research doctoral trainee, the NIMH Prevention Training Program, and the National Institutes of Health TL1 Clinical Research Training Program, designed to increase the number of researchers who will assume leadership roles in the design and oversight of future clinical investigations.
School of Social Work professor Paula Nurius, who served as Borja’s academic advisor, observed: “I am impressed with Sharon’s talent and tenacity in research. Sharon recognizes the inextricable link between physical and mental health. She is establishing a research agenda focused on cumulative adversity and the prevention of its negative impact on development and health statuses.”
Sharon’s career goal is to secure a faculty position at a research university and establish a practice-based research program focused on the mental health of parents and the promotion of child well-being. She also hopes to create collaborative partnerships with child welfare service and public health agencies.
For a full list of the 2015-2016 Magnuson Scholars, go to Health Sciences Administration.