Holly Nelson-Becker

Holly Nelson-Becker, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, serves as Professor and Division Lead in the Social Work Division within the Department of Health Sciences at Brunel University London's College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. She also holds a Visiting Scholar position at Loyola University Chicago. Her academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Chicago, MSW from Arizona State University, and dual BAs in Modern Foreign Languages and International Studies from Graceland University.

• PhD, University of Chicago
• MSW, Arizona State University
• BA, Modern Foreign Languages, Graceland University
• BA, International Studies, Graceland University

Professor Nelson-Becker is a recognized expert in social gerontology and a Hartford Faculty Scholar in Geriatric Social Work. Her research focuses on pathways to resilience and well-being in older adults, with particular emphasis on spirituality, end-of-life experiences, and diverse cultural expressions in social care. She investigates virtues in aging, spiritual and religious coping mechanisms, interprofessional practice in palliative care, and loss/grief experiences. Her work is grounded in the strengths perspective and positive psychological principles, as evidenced by her 2017 book 'Spirituality, religion, and aging: Illuminations for therapeutic practice.'

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on spirituality in aging contexts, with increasing attention to pandemic-related impacts on end-of-life experiences and grief processes. Her work spans multiple disciplines including social work, gerontology, psychology, and religious studies, with particular emphasis on practical applications for clinical practice. Recent publications show growing international collaboration and attention to diverse cultural perspectives on aging and spirituality.

• Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2013)
• Ralph & Eve Seelye Charitable Trust Award Fellowship, University of Auckland (2019)
• Best module for College of Health and Life Sciences (2018)
• Lecturer of the Year nomination (2018)
• University of Kansas Statland Award for Excellence in Research
• University of Kansas Chancellor Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching

Professor Nelson-Becker has chaired or served as second supervisor for 23 completed PhD dissertations across gerontology, religion/spirituality, end-of-life care, and related fields. She co-authored US national standards for spiritual care in palliative care, developed US gerontological social work competencies, and served on the National Program Committee for the Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program. Her current research includes the Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Training project supported by the Coleman Foundation, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing palliative care education and practice.

As Division Lead for Social Work, she contributes to departmental leadership while maintaining active research collaborations through networks including the International Epidemiology and Health Sciences group. Her professional affiliations span multiple organizations including the Gerontological Society of America, British Society for Gerontology, and Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, demonstrating her integrated approach across disciplinary boundaries.