Assitant Research Professor, School of Social Work, Aging Studies Institute
Maria Brown is a 2008-2010 John A. Hartford Foundation Doctoral Fellow in Geriatric Social Work. She earned her Ph.D. from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Her dissertation, which was entitled, "Psychiatric history and cognition trajectories in later life: variations by sex, race and ethnicity, and childhood disadvantage," examined the relationship between psychiatric history and cognitive function in later life. Brown was awarded the Gerontological Society of America's Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) Section Student Research Award at the Pre-Dissertation Level in 2007 and at the Dissertation Level in 2010. Her work has been published in The Journal of Gerontological Social Work, The Gerontologist, the Journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, and the Encyclopedia of Health and Aging.
A social gerontologist who uses the life course perspective to research the later-life experiences of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, women, and racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, she is also interested in the long-term care experiences of cognitively disabled older adults and their caregivers.
Dr. Brown's research interests include mental health and aging, minority aging, LGBT aging, dementia and family caregiving. Her teaching interests include social policy, social gerontology, social research methods, and social welfare institution.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Ph.D., Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (2010)- Dissertation Title: Psychiatric History and Cognition Trajectories in Later Life: Variation by Sex, Race and Ethnicity, and Childhood Disadvantage
M.A., Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (2010)- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Gerontology, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women's and Gender Studies
M.S.W., School of Social Work, Syracuse University (2005)- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Health Services Management and Policy
B.S., Business Science, Ithaca, NY (1987)- Minor in Sociology
RELEVANTPROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE
2015 Syracuse Foster Grandparenting Program Technical Working Group
2014 Program Evaluator. Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester.
2004-2005 Social Work Intern, Loretto, Syracuse NY
2003-2004 Social Work Intern, University Geriatricians, Syracuse, NY
Grants
2016 New York State Department of Health. African American Dementia Caregivers Support Program. Co-Principal Investigators: Luvenia Cowart and Maria Brown. Awarded: $500,000.
2016 Health Foundation of Westerns and Central New York. Conducting Hot Spot Analysis of Vulnerable Older Adults. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $7,359.
2015-2016 Health Foundation of Western and Central New York. Disseminating of Findings from the Triggers of Decline in Vulnerable Older Adults Project. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $14,812.
2015-2018 Templeton Foundation. Religious Transitions, Transmission and Trajectories among Baby-Boomers and Their Families. Principal Investigator: Merril Silverstein. Awarded: $1,462,768.
2015 Health Foundation of Western and Central New York. Identifying Interventions to Address Triggers of Decline in Vulnerable Older Adults. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $11,303.
2014 2014-15 Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Research Seed Grant. Housing and LGBTQ Youth: A Mixed-Methods Community Needs Assessment. Principal Investigator: Deborah Coolhart. Awarded: $5,000.
2014 Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Program for African American Women in Underserved Communities. A breast health project funded by the Central New York Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Principal Investigator: Luvenia W. Cowart. Awarded: $47,293.
2014 The Changing Face of Aging in New York: Education and Networking Opportunities for Students and Practitioners. A 2014 Careers in Aging Week Award from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and the Gerontological Society of America. Awarded: $400.
2013 Age-Specific Prevalence of Specific Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from the HRS Medicare Restricted Access Data. A pilot project funded through the Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Syracuse University, Award #5P30AG034464-04. Awarded: $22,000.
2012 2012-13 Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Research Seed Grant. Unearthing Differences in the NSHAP Sexual History Data. Principal Investigator: Maria T. Brown. Awarded: $4,000.
2008 Hartford Geriatric Social Work Doctoral Fellow – John A. Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program. Awarded: $70,000.
PROFESSIONALAFFILIATIONS/LICENSURE
2013-present State Society on Aging of New York
2003-present GerontologicalSocietyofAmerica
2006-present Licensed Master SocialWorker, New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
2015-2016 American Association of Behavioral and Social Scientists
2013-2015 American Psychological Association, Division 44
2004-2012 NationalAssociationofSocialWorkers
2010-2012 Society for Social Work Research
2006-2012 American Society on Aging
2005-2010 American SociologicalAssociation
2005-2006 State Society on Aging of New York
SERVICE
Syracuse University
2012-2013 Integrated Curriculum Workgroup
2012-2013 Mentor, McNair Research Scholars program, Student: Fatima Johnson
2012 Chair, Public Relations Committee, School of Social Work
2006-2007 Editorial Review Board, Maxwell Review
2005-2005 Graduate Student Representative, School of Social Work, Promotion and Tenure Committee
2004 Student Honor Guard, InaugurationCeremony,ChancellorCantor
2003-2005 Graduate Student Representative, School of Social Work, Community Organizing, Policy, Planning and Administration Concentration Committee
2003-2005 Active Member, Social Workers United
Profession
2016 Member, Session Organizing Committee, 21st International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
2016 Program Chair, State Society on Aging of New York
2015-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Gerontological Social Work
2014-2016 Abstract Reviewer, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Co-chair, Education Committee, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Member, Program Committee, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Abstract Reviewer, Division 44, American Psychiatric Association
2013-2015 Reviewer, LGBT Health, William Byne, Editor-in-Chief
2007-2016 Abstract Reviewer, Gerontological Society of America
2007-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Aging and Health, Kyriakos S. Markides, Editor. SAGE Publications
2013 Reviewer, GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies, Elizabeth Freeman and Nayan Shah, Editors
2013 Reviewer, Disability and Health Journal, Robert Schoeni, Guest Editor
2013 Reviewer, Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, Merrill Silverstein, Editor
2012-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Joseph E. Gaugler, Editor-in-Chief
2011-2012 Co-Convener, Rainbow Research Interest Group, Gerontological Society of America
2011 Lead author, Proposal to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identification as a moduleof the 2012 data collection wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study
2011 Lead author, Proposal to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identification as an experimental moduleof the 2012 data collection wave of the Health and Retirement Study
2011 Past Recipient, Student Paper Awards Committee, Behavioral and Social Sciences Section, Gerontological Society of America
2011 Convener, Symposiumon LGBT Aging Research and Practice, 2012 Meeting of the Society on Social Work and Research
2010 Member, Rainbow Research GroupScholarshipApplicationReview Committee, Gerontological Society of America
2009-2010 Reviewer, Social Science & Medicine, Ichiro Kawachi, Editor. Elsevier
2008 ESPO Student Paper/Poster Award Committee, Gerontological Society of America
2006-2009 Clearinghouse Working Group, AmericanSociety on Aging, National Clearinghouse on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging
Community
2015-present Member, LGBTQ Advisory Board, Rescue Mission, Syracuse, NY
2015-present Member, Personalized Supports Committee, Onondaga Community Living, Syracuse, NY
2013-2015 Member, Central New York Geriatric Mental Health Initiative Steering Committee
2007, 2013 Faculty, Institute for Caregivers, Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth
2009-2010 Instructor, CNA Career Ladder, The Crossings, Minoa, NY
2008 Panel Speaker, Legislative Policy Eventon Foster Care, Syracuse University
2006 Assisted in writing NewYork State Department of Health ENABLE grant proposal for ERIE Enriched Housing programin Syracuse, NY
2005 Young Leader, National Academy of Social Insurance, Washington DC
2004 Organizing Member, Central New York Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coalition
2003-2005 Activities Assistant, James Square Health and Rehabilitation Center, Syracuse, NY
1993-1995 Crisis Counselor,Ithaca Rape Crisis, Ithaca, NY
1989 Panel Speaker, Child SexualAbuse Project, Ithaca, NY
1984 Activities Assistant, Reconstruction Home, Ithaca, NY
×
About Maria Brown
Maria Brown is a 2008-2010 John A. Hartford Foundation Doctoral Fellow in Geriatric Social Work. She earned her Ph.D. from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Her dissertation, which was entitled, "Psychiatric history and cognition trajectories in later life: variations by sex, race and ethnicity, and childhood disadvantage," examined the relationship between psychiatric history and cognitive function in later life. Brown was awarded the Gerontological Society of America's Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) Section Student Research Award at the Pre-Dissertation Level in 2007 and at the Dissertation Level in 2010. Her work has been published in The Journal of Gerontological Social Work, The Gerontologist, the Journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, and the Encyclopedia of Health and Aging.
A social gerontologist who uses the life course perspective to research the later-life experiences of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, women, and racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, she is also interested in the long-term care experiences of cognitively disabled older adults and their caregivers.
Dr. Brown's research interests include mental health and aging, minority aging, LGBT aging, dementia and family caregiving. Her teaching interests include social policy, social gerontology, social research methods, and social welfare institution.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Ph.D., Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (2010)- Dissertation Title: Psychiatric History and Cognition Trajectories in Later Life: Variation by Sex, Race and Ethnicity, and Childhood Disadvantage
M.A., Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (2010)- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Gerontology, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women's and Gender Studies
M.S.W., School of Social Work, Syracuse University (2005)- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Health Services Management and Policy
B.S., Business Science, Ithaca, NY (1987)- Minor in Sociology
RELEVANTPROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE
2015 Syracuse Foster Grandparenting Program Technical Working Group
2014 Program Evaluator. Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester.
2004-2005 Social Work Intern, Loretto, Syracuse NY
2003-2004 Social Work Intern, University Geriatricians, Syracuse, NY
Grants
2016 New York State Department of Health. African American Dementia Caregivers Support Program. Co-Principal Investigators: Luvenia Cowart and Maria Brown. Awarded: $500,000.
2016 Health Foundation of Westerns and Central New York. Conducting Hot Spot Analysis of Vulnerable Older Adults. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $7,359.
2015-2016 Health Foundation of Western and Central New York. Disseminating of Findings from the Triggers of Decline in Vulnerable Older Adults Project. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $14,812.
2015-2018 Templeton Foundation. Religious Transitions, Transmission and Trajectories among Baby-Boomers and Their Families. Principal Investigator: Merril Silverstein. Awarded: $1,462,768.
2015 Health Foundation of Western and Central New York. Identifying Interventions to Address Triggers of Decline in Vulnerable Older Adults. Principal Investigator: Maria Brown. Awarded: $11,303.
2014 2014-15 Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Research Seed Grant. Housing and LGBTQ Youth: A Mixed-Methods Community Needs Assessment. Principal Investigator: Deborah Coolhart. Awarded: $5,000.
2014 Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Program for African American Women in Underserved Communities. A breast health project funded by the Central New York Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Principal Investigator: Luvenia W. Cowart. Awarded: $47,293.
2014 The Changing Face of Aging in New York: Education and Networking Opportunities for Students and Practitioners. A 2014 Careers in Aging Week Award from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and the Gerontological Society of America. Awarded: $400.
2013 Age-Specific Prevalence of Specific Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from the HRS Medicare Restricted Access Data. A pilot project funded through the Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Syracuse University, Award #5P30AG034464-04. Awarded: $22,000.
2012 2012-13 Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Research Seed Grant. Unearthing Differences in the NSHAP Sexual History Data. Principal Investigator: Maria T. Brown. Awarded: $4,000.
2008 Hartford Geriatric Social Work Doctoral Fellow – John A. Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program. Awarded: $70,000.
PROFESSIONALAFFILIATIONS/LICENSURE
2013-present State Society on Aging of New York
2003-present GerontologicalSocietyofAmerica
2006-present Licensed Master SocialWorker, New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
2015-2016 American Association of Behavioral and Social Scientists
2013-2015 American Psychological Association, Division 44
2004-2012 NationalAssociationofSocialWorkers
2010-2012 Society for Social Work Research
2006-2012 American Society on Aging
2005-2010 American SociologicalAssociation
2005-2006 State Society on Aging of New York
SERVICE
Syracuse University
2012-2013 Integrated Curriculum Workgroup
2012-2013 Mentor, McNair Research Scholars program, Student: Fatima Johnson
2012 Chair, Public Relations Committee, School of Social Work
2006-2007 Editorial Review Board, Maxwell Review
2005-2005 Graduate Student Representative, School of Social Work, Promotion and Tenure Committee
2004 Student Honor Guard, InaugurationCeremony,ChancellorCantor
2003-2005 Graduate Student Representative, School of Social Work, Community Organizing, Policy, Planning and Administration Concentration Committee
2003-2005 Active Member, Social Workers United
Profession
2016 Member, Session Organizing Committee, 21st International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
2016 Program Chair, State Society on Aging of New York
2015-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Gerontological Social Work
2014-2016 Abstract Reviewer, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Co-chair, Education Committee, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Member, Program Committee, State Society on Aging of New York
2014 Abstract Reviewer, Division 44, American Psychiatric Association
2013-2015 Reviewer, LGBT Health, William Byne, Editor-in-Chief
2007-2016 Abstract Reviewer, Gerontological Society of America
2007-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Aging and Health, Kyriakos S. Markides, Editor. SAGE Publications
2013 Reviewer, GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies, Elizabeth Freeman and Nayan Shah, Editors
2013 Reviewer, Disability and Health Journal, Robert Schoeni, Guest Editor
2013 Reviewer, Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, Merrill Silverstein, Editor
2012-2016 Reviewer, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Joseph E. Gaugler, Editor-in-Chief
2011-2012 Co-Convener, Rainbow Research Interest Group, Gerontological Society of America
2011 Lead author, Proposal to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identification as a moduleof the 2012 data collection wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study
2011 Lead author, Proposal to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identification as an experimental moduleof the 2012 data collection wave of the Health and Retirement Study
2011 Past Recipient, Student Paper Awards Committee, Behavioral and Social Sciences Section, Gerontological Society of America
2011 Convener, Symposiumon LGBT Aging Research and Practice, 2012 Meeting of the Society on Social Work and Research
2010 Member, Rainbow Research GroupScholarshipApplicationReview Committee, Gerontological Society of America
2009-2010 Reviewer, Social Science & Medicine, Ichiro Kawachi, Editor. Elsevier
2008 ESPO Student Paper/Poster Award Committee, Gerontological Society of America
2006-2009 Clearinghouse Working Group, AmericanSociety on Aging, National Clearinghouse on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging
Community
2015-present Member, LGBTQ Advisory Board, Rescue Mission, Syracuse, NY
2015-present Member, Personalized Supports Committee, Onondaga Community Living, Syracuse, NY
2013-2015 Member, Central New York Geriatric Mental Health Initiative Steering Committee
2007, 2013 Faculty, Institute for Caregivers, Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth
2009-2010 Instructor, CNA Career Ladder, The Crossings, Minoa, NY
2008 Panel Speaker, Legislative Policy Eventon Foster Care, Syracuse University
2006 Assisted in writing NewYork State Department of Health ENABLE grant proposal for ERIE Enriched Housing programin Syracuse, NY
2005 Young Leader, National Academy of Social Insurance, Washington DC
2004 Organizing Member, Central New York Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coalition
2003-2005 Activities Assistant, James Square Health and Rehabilitation Center, Syracuse, NY
1993-1995 Crisis Counselor,Ithaca Rape Crisis, Ithaca, NY
1989 Panel Speaker, Child SexualAbuse Project, Ithaca, NY
1984 Activities Assistant, Reconstruction Home, Ithaca, NY
| Present | (2010-2011) Research Coordinator, IMPARA: The Rodney and Marjorie Fink Institute at Menorah Park for Applied Research on Aging, Syracuse, NY | |
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| Present | (Present) Professor of Practice, School of Social Work, Syracuse University | |
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Disciplines
Honors and Awards
- 2016 Travel Award, Gerontology Society of America. Development of Evidence-Based Practices: Expanding the Reach to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults, November 16, 2016, New Orleans, LA. Scholarship and travel grant.
- 2015 Awareness Recognition Award, LGBT Resource Center at Syracuse University.
- 2014 Summer Training Workshop on African American Aging Research, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 6/4-6/6, 2014. Scholarship and travel grant.
- 2012 Summer Institute in LGBT Population Health, The Fenway Institute & Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 7/16-8/10/2012. Scholarship grant.
- 2011 Nominated Member – National Academy of Social Insurance
- 2011 National Institute on Aging Summer Institute on Aging Research, 7/9-7/15/2011. Scholarship and travel grant.
- 2010 Student Research Award - Dissertation Level, Behavioral and Social Sciences Section, Gerontological Society of America
- 2010 Graduate Student Paper Award, Syracuse University Gerontology Center
- 2009 MacArthur Foundation’s Research Network on an Aging Society –Intergenerational Issues in an Aging Society. Travel grant.
- 2008 Rand Summer Institute – RAND Center for the Study of Aging, Santa Monica, CA. Scholarship and travel grant.
- 2008 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
- 2007 Student Research Award - Pre-Dissertation Level, Behavioral and Social Sciences Section, Gerontological Society of America
- 2007 Golden Key International Honour Society
- 2005 Master’s Prize, scholarship and research, Syracuse University School of Social Work
- 2005 Phi Alpha Honor Society
- 2003-2004 Graduate Student of the Year, New York State Social Work Education Association
Contact Information
415 Sims Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
Phone: (315) 443-7519
Email:
Social Work (1)