Melissa Martinson teaches the Social Welfare Policy course at CUSSW and is a doctoral candidate with a concentration in social policy and policy analysis.

Martinson’s current research focuses on health disparities. Her dissertation research is a comparative study of health and disparities in health across the lifespan in the U.S. and England. She also has research experience in examining racial/ethnic disparities in low birth weight, the health of immigrants, the impact of welfare reform, and racial disproportionality in foster care. Other research interests include: child and family policy, social and economic inequality as a determinant of health disparities, the potential protective role of social support in health outcomes for children and their families, and comparative international research in health and social policy.

She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and urban studies from Hamline University (MN). After receiving her MSW, Martinson spent two years working as a Children’s Services social worker in London, UK.

Wednesday, 01-Jul-2009 15:34:42 EDT.