FAYETTE, IOWA (September 14, 2022) — Dr Melinda Heinz, UIU associate professor of psychology, recently returned from a trip to Ireland where she conducted research as part of the Fulbright Scholar Program. Back in April of 2021, the US Department of State and the J William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board announced that Dr Heinz, had been named a Fulbright US Scholar. The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational-exchange program sponsored by the US government and is designed to forge lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Dr Heinz chose to conduct research on Men's Sheds, specifically exploring how they promote meaning and purpose in older adulthood, as part of her Fulbright scholarship.
What are Men's Sheds? According to the Irish Men's Shed Association, a Men's Shed is a community-based project where men can come together to learn, share skills, and make long-lasting friendships together. Dr Heinz's studies revealed the importance of these Men's Sheds and that they provided men with crucial mental-health benefits. As part of her research, she gave several talks to communities on well-being in older adulthood. Now that the study is complete, Dr Heinz plans to publish this research and use the information in several of her UIU classes, including Adjustment, Death, and Dying, and Psychology of Aging. She also plans to take students abroad to Ireland in May of 2023, where students will visit several Men's Sheds.
"I hope students can see that creating meaningful opportunities for older adults is important and that there is so much life to live after retirement," said Dr Heinz.
To read more about Dr Heinz work on Men's Sheds, visit https://uiubridge.com/2022/09/14/uiu-fulbright-scholar-sheds-light-on-mens-organization/.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 4,500 students — nationally and internationally — at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus and over twenty US locations. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple-delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual-enrollment programs for high-school students as well as continuing-education and professional-development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
