The AAG Student and Early Career Group (SECG) provides a forum for newcomers to gerontology and associated fields to share their professional and personal experiences and achievements in ageing-related work or study.

A quarter of the AAG’s total membership is made up of student and early career members. Through the SECG, under-graduate and post-graduate students come together with researchers, educators, aged care leaders, geriatricians, nurses, allied health professionals, policy makers, advocates for older people and others with expertise in ageing. Members of the community – older people, family members and other consumers – are active participants in many of our events.

Whatever our role, we share a common interest: to improve knowledge and understanding of the many factors that influence and contribute to the experience of ageing. Connecting with fellow members provides an opportunity to tap into a wealth of experience and knowledge from a variety of settings.

Whether you are a student or in the workforce, we invite you to join this group and make the most of this opportunity to:

SECG member benefits:

• Network with other like-minded colleagues through online communities and targeted events
• Optimise your participation in educational, professional development and social events at the local and national level
• Enhance your national and international connections, to share ideas and achievements
• Apply for members-only awards and grants offered by the AAG
• Access discounted AAG membership and registration to AAG conferences and events
• Connect with mid to late career professionals through informal networks and mentoring programs
• Gain leadership skills and help shape the future of the AAG.

Click here to join this group or find out more about this group

Our blog:

The SECG’s official blog is an open forum, managed by the SECG Communications group.
Other SECG online network groups are available on Facebook and LinkedIn. Access to these online communities is restricted to SECG members.

Key Contacts for 2022 SECG Working Groups

(L-r) Rachel Ambagtsheer, Mikaela Wheeler, Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell and Jo Tropea

• Rachel Ambagtsheer (President) Click here to Get to know Rachel Ambagtsheer
• Mikalea Wheeler (Professional Development and Events)
  • Shin Liau
  • Lee Pooi Kheng
  • Shazia Shehzad Abbas
  • Zinan Chen
  • Juliana Souza de Oliveira
  • Nagarajan Manickaraj
  • Kate Wang
  • Tesfahun Eshetie
  • Michael Inskip
  • Karen Martin

• Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell (Communications and Awards)
  • Tricia King
  • Chiara Naseri
  • Kara Dubois
  • Jenny Murfield
  • Jenna Smith
  • Dai (Debbie) Pu
  • Georgina Chelberg (nee Hobson)

• Joanne Tropea (Conference Planning)
  • Reza Kahlaee
  • Den Ching Angel Lee
  • Tergel Namsrai
  • JM Abdullah
  • Joshua Johnstone
  • Claire O'Connor
  • Katarzyna Lion
  • Kristie Weir
  • Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo
  • Aislinn Lalor

• Claudia Meyer (SECG Liaison to the AAG Board)

Previous AAG SECG Presidents

• Dr Belinda Cash
• Dr Constance Kourbelis
• Dr Claudia Meyer

Friends of the SECG

Emerging Researchers in Ageing

New Zealand Association of Gerontology