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Kristina M. Hash, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Hash’s work has been published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, the International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Clinical Social Work Journal, and Geriatric and Gerontology Education as well as in edited books. Her book, Aging in Rural Places, was published in 2015 and her edited volume, Annual Review of Geriatrics and Gerontology: Contemporary Issues and Future Directions in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Aging, was published in 2017. Her book Photography in Social Work and Social Change was published in 2022.

She has been an investigator for four geriatric education grants funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation, the National Institute of Health/National Institute on Aging, and the DHHS/HRRSA/Bureau of Health Professions. She was a recipient of the Outstanding Principal Investigator Award from the New York Academy of Medicine’s Social Work Leadership Institute, the David Z. Morgan Award for Excellence in Geriatric Education from the WV Geriatric Education Center and WV Geriatrics Society, the Alumni Making a Difference Award from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, the West Virginia University Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award, the WVU Eberly College Faculty Teaching Award, the WVU Community Engagement Award, the WVU Digital Learning Award, and the Judith Gold Stitzel Award from the West Virginia University Center for Women’s Studies.

Her practice background includes positions in home health care, social work continuing education, and research and program evaluation. She currently serves in community as a family court mediator, a conflict coach, and a support group facilitator.  Additionally, she has been involved in several volunteer activities with community-based agencies serving older adults. Her experience as a caregiver for her grandmother was the driving force behind her interest in social work and aging. She also sees older adults and caregivers in private, clinical practice.

Dr. Hash's website

EDUCATION

  • B.A., College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN (1990)
  • M.S.W., Aging Concentration, West Virginia University (1993)
  • Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, West Virginia University (1996)
  • Ph.D. (Social Work), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA (2001)
  • Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, West Virginia University (2017)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Aging and health care
  • Family caregiving
  • Gay and lesbian issues
  • Geriatric education
  • Use of technology in teaching and research

TEACHING INTERESTS

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • Field Experience
  • Gerontology

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

  • BSW Committee 
  • Faculty Evaluation Committee
  • Faculty Search Committee-Assistant Professor

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

  • American Society on Aging
  • Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work
  • Gerontological Society of America
  • Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • Rural Social Work Caucus

ADDITIONAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES

  • Mediator and Conflict Coach, WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Co-Chair, WVU Aging Researcher Network
  • Faculty Associate, WVU Teaching and Learning Commons
  • Faculty Affiliate, WVU Center for Women’s Studies
  • Support Group Facilitator, Alzheimer's Association-WV Chapter

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