Ms. Sharp earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bucknell University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Her dissertation research defines openness to experience as an intrinsic quest for knowledge, curiosity and enjoyment of new experiences and expands on the relationship with cognitive functioning by also exploring how engagement might evolve across age.

“My goal is to continue a program of research that examines individual differences in cognitive engagement,” Ms. Sharp states. “I am thrilled to receive the Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant – it will be vital to completing my research and moving on to the next phase, which includes applying for post-doctoral positions focused on aging, cognition and lifelong learning. Ultimately, I would like to be in an academic setting that will foster my research in addition to building community partnerships.”