Martha Manning, PhD , a July graduate of the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California has been named an Alum Research Fellow in the Creative Longevity and Wisdom Initiative at the University. While there, she received a student research grant. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Wells College, and her Masters in Human and Organizational Development from Fielding.

Her doctorate is in human development and her current research is based on studies of women over 50 who demonstrate continual, intentional, individuation and resilience as they age. Her graduate work focused on women who row competitively alone or in teams. These women demonstrated strength, love of learning, curiosity, courage and openness.

They used these qualities to overcome culturally-induced shame and humiliation that may have impaired their growth as individuals. Her work particularly stresses the element of "connectedness" as a support system among women in today's culture as well as a continuing focus on the quality and importance of resilience. This is particularly relevant as American communities provide less feeling of belonging due to constant mobility and work patterns that keep people from having time to socialize.

Though continuing her research at Fielding Graduate University, Dr. Manning is currently a Faculty member at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Southern Maine, in Portland, ME. She is in private practice and is co-authoring a book for health care professionals.