Erin Maher

Erin Maher is a Professor of Sociology and Senior Associate Director at the Data Institute for Societal Challenges at the University of Oklahoma. She holds an adjunct appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and College of Medicine. Her work focuses on the intersection of poverty and child maltreatment, emphasizing applied research to inform policy and practice. Dr. Maher evaluates social programs through collaborations with state agencies and previously directed research for a national foundation. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2000. Her research spans child well-being, family functioning, and trauma-informed approaches in criminal justice and child welfare systems.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Indiana University-Bloomington (2000)

Research interests include child welfare system reform, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and interventions targeting high-risk families. She employs mixed-methods and quasi-experimental designs to assess program effectiveness. Recent work examines kinship care impacts, trauma-informed practices, and equity in child welfare systems. Her applied focus ensures findings translate into actionable policies.

Advising & Grants: Dr. Maher collaborates on evaluations of home visiting programs, Medicaid management strategies, and foster care interventions. Her projects often involve cross-sector partnerships between universities, state agencies, and nonprofits to address systemic challenges in child welfare and public health.

Labs/Teams: She leads initiatives at OU’s Data Institute for Societal Challenges, integrating interdisciplinary data science to address complex social issues. Her work bridges sociology, public health, and policy analysis to create scalable solutions.