Amber Hager, a G5 student in the PhD program in San Francisco, has won "THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY'S GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER (NCSPP's GLBT) COMMITTEE STUDENT AWARD.

This prestigious, national award is granted only once every 3 years. According to NCSPP, ..."the contributions of the student should be reflected in their scholarly products, clinical applications, and the way that they model professional identity and development as an advocate for GLBT persons, issues and concerns.

The intent of this award is to increase awareness and sensitivity to GLBT issues among NCSPP member schools and programs, promote such awareness within the profession and within broader society. The members of the GLBT Committee also believe that a student award of this nature promotes and encourages research that adds to the extant body of knowledge about GLBT persons and issues, and stimulates more competent service delivery to individuals, families and organizations where GLBT issues are often invisible but salient relational factors. We see this concern as more than a matter of professional knowledge, skills and attitudes, but also a matter of quality of life. Thus, social responsibility, relational competence and advocacy are the core of this award....

Each reviewer ... score the applicants in each of three categories, i.e., research/scholarship, clinical or consultation applications, as well as advocacy activities each applicant ... at least two independent reviews."

Amber has been working in all the stated categories of review on behalf of the GLBT communities for several years.  Currently, she is completing her dissertation, which is a qualitative study of transgender men and their female, sexual minority partners who remained in relationship for at least two years post-transition, and are currently together, to explore how couples have resolved issues around shifting identities (gender and sexuality), changing roles, sexual intimacy, community and support, and emotional needs.

The committee received more nominations than ever before, thus took longer to reach it's decision.  Since the announcement comes only a week before the conference, and Amber is interviewing for Post-Docs next week (she is currently on internship at the Counseling Center of University of San Francisco), she will most likely not be able to accept the award in person. Our Dean Ducker or OPT Director Wyatt will be in attendance to accept on her behalf.

Congratulations Amber on your wonderful award!