Research interests:
- Aging
- Disability
- Public Policy
Bio:
Dr. Putnam researches the area of aging and disability policy with an emphasis on political identification, political coalition building, and the way older adults and persons with disabilities perceive themselves in society. Her scholarship evaluates, both theoretically and empirically, the intersections of aging and disability across an array of areas. Dr. Putnam’s research studies include such topics as coalition building across aging, developmental disability, and physical disability service networks, independent living and long-term care planning among persons aging with multiple sclerosis. This research dovetails with the classes Dr. Putnam’s teaches on social policy and aging, social welfare policies and services, and diversity. As the coordinator of the School’s gerontology concentration, she serves as the faculty advisor for the Gerontology Student Association.