Dr. Wideman is a faculty member of the School of Social Work at Memorial University. Prior to completing her PhD in social work at Memorial in March of 2010, she practised as a social worker in a variety of community based programs and services aimed at maintaining and enhancing independence and quality of life for older persons. The broad focus of Gail’s doctoral research was an exploration of the capacity for older residents to age in place in rural communities where traditional networks of support have been altered by depopulation and the depletion of natural resources. She has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate level in the areas of Gerontology, Community Development, Ethical and Legal Issues in Social Work Practice, Social Work Practice in Palliative Care, Research and Evaluation for Social Work Practice, Social Policy, Rural Social Work and Critical Thinking. Gail continues to be involved in community-based programs for older persons as research consultant and ex-officio member of the board of directors of the Seniors Resource Centre, and as member of the multi-disciplinary working group for the establishment of a Newfoundland and Labrador Centre on Aging.