Michael Kleiman

Michael Kleiman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at the University of South Florida (USF), within the College of Arts and Sciences. He has held this position since 1982 and previously served as Department Chair (1985–1989) and Director of Graduate Studies (1994–1997). His research focuses on medical sociology, social psychology, and quantitative methods, with notable work on healthcare access, aging populations, and fear of crime. Dr. Kleiman received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Pennsylvania State University (1979), following a B.A. from Tulane University (1973).

His educational background includes advanced training in medical sociology, as reflected in his dissertation on emergency room utilization. He has taught courses ranging from introductory sociology to specialized topics like medical sociology and online pedagogy. Kleiman is a certified online educator and has developed courses aligned with Quality Matters standards, emphasizing innovative teaching methods.

Research interests span medical sociology (e.g., healthcare access disparities, emergency room use), social psychology (e.g., fear of crime among the elderly), and education (e.g., political efficacy in youth). His work bridges theory and practice, addressing policy implications for aging populations and healthcare systems. Over 30 years, he has published extensively in journals like Review of Religious Research, Social Forces, and International Journal of Health Services, often collaborating with students. He has secured grants from the National Institutes of Health and regional councils, focusing on healthcare access and hurricane shelter planning.

Kleiman has reviewed for top journals including American Sociological Review and Social Problems, and served on editorial boards such as International Journal of Aging & Human Development. He has advised numerous honors theses and doctoral committees, mentoring students in sociological research. His service includes roles in university committees on teaching, library resources, and computer infrastructure. Kleiman’s interdisciplinary approach integrates quantitative methodologies with societal issues, contributing to both academic discourse and public policy.