The scholars’ projects investigate important topics covering the life course, health care and financial stability.

The Center for Financial Security’s Retirement and Disability Research Center (CFS RDRC) is proud to announce the five winners of our 2020 Junior Scholars in Training (JSIT) Research Awards:

·        Mahlia Ahmed, University of Illinois–Chicago: The Effect of Zebley Reform on Children’s Long-run Adult Life Outcomes

·        Melody Harvey, University of Wisconsin–Madison: Impacts of Parental Health Shocks on Adult Children’s Wealth Accumulation

·        Yang Li, University of Massachusetts–Boston: Pension Plan Types and Social Security Program Knowledge: New Survey Evidence

·        Keisha Solomon, Johns Hopkins University: The Effect of Insurance Expansion on Supplemental Security Income Participation: Evidence from ACA Medicaid Expansions

·        Emma Zai, Ohio State University: The Unintended Effect of Medicaid Aging Waivers on Informal Care

The five projects will investigate important topics covering the life course, health care and financial stability. The goals of the JSIT program are to develop scholars’ research capabilities; hone innovative project ideas of relevance to SSA; and diversify the researcher base investigating the social safety net and financial security, especially for vulnerable populations. These research awards in particular will hopefully translate into major research projects in Year 4 or Year 5 of the center’s cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration. Learn more about the JSIT program, and see a full list of project abstracts from 2020.