Elaine M. Maccio

Dr. Elaine M. Maccio is an Associate Professor and Associate Director at the School of Social Work, Louisiana State University (LSU), College of Human Sciences & Education. She holds a PhD in Social Welfare (2004) and an MSW (1998) from the University at Buffalo, and a BS in Psychology/Sociology (1996) from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

• Education: PhD, MSW, BS
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Key Research Areas: LGBTQ+ Studies, Homeless Youth, Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Dr. Maccio’s work focuses on LGBTQ+ populations, particularly runaway/homeless youth and postpartum mental health in lesbian/bisexual mothers. She developed the Better Futures grant-funded project to enhance post-secondary access for foster care alumni. Her scholarship includes publications in top journals like Journal of Homosexuality and Social Service Review, with recent articles examining protective factors for LGBQ youth and systemic intersections of child welfare and trafficking.

She has received prestigious awards including the University at Buffalo’s Distinguished PhD Alumni Award and LSU’s Torchbearer Award for IT Leadership. With over 36 speaking engagements in five years, she collaborates with organizations like the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections. Her teaching portfolio spans 23 courses across 18 content areas, including mental health diagnosis and social work practice.

• Key Scientific Awards
  • University at Buffalo Distinguished PhD Alumni Award
  • LSU Torchbearer Award for IT Leadership
• Media Engagements
  • Featured in The Advocate, Baton Rouge Community Radio, and MTV’s True Life
  • Appearances in national podcasts like inSocialWork