Cassandra Barragan

Cassandra Barragan serves as an Assistant Professor and Aging Studies Program Director within the Department of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. With over 20 years of clinical experience in healthcare settings—primarily long-term care, dialysis, and community clinics—she brings deep expertise in state and federal aging policies. Her current role integrates program leadership, teaching, and community-engaged research focused on elderly well-being.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
• MSW in Social Work, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Champaign, IL
• BSW in Social Work, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

Research Focus: Dr. Barragan investigates social support networks for older adults, community-based fitness program impacts, and secondary data analysis using national datasets (Health & Retirement Study, NHATS). Her work extends to Age-Friendly University initiatives, Veteran student success, and pedagogical innovation in social work education, emphasizing practical applications for aging populations.

Publications Insight: Her documented scholarship includes a 2012 book review examining ethical decision-making for caregivers, reflecting her foundational interest in gerontological social work. Current research appears oriented toward program evaluation (e.g., Senior Fit fitness program) rather than traditional publications, suggesting a practice-to-research translation approach.

Awards: No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

Advising & Projects: Through field experiences (SWRK 488/588) and specialized courses (e.g., SWRK 468/568 on Military Veterans), she mentors students in clinical practice. She actively collaborates with the Pontiac Initiative (Oakland University) and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on community wellness evaluations, demonstrating grant-adjacent project leadership though specific funding details are unmentioned.

Community Integration: Her partnerships with healthcare institutions like St. Joseph Mercy Hospital exemplify applied research models where academic expertise directly informs community programs for aging populations, particularly through fitness initiatives enhancing social support after life stressors.