Linda A. Wray

Linda A. Wray serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health within Penn State University's College of Health and Human Development, with joint affiliation in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her academic work bridges gerontology, social epidemiology, and health disparities research across the lifespan.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Gerontology and Public Policy, University of Southern California (1995)
• Graduate Studies in Public Policy and Gerontology, George Washington University (1983)
• B.A. in International Relations, Mary Washington College (1973)

Wray employs lifespan developmental, life course, and intersectional perspectives combined with stress paradigm and behavior change theories to investigate social determinants of health. Her research program focuses on three interconnected domains: (1) relationships between social environment, behavioral health risks, chronic disease, and aging; (2) health disparities across diverse populations; and (3) strategies to enhance participation of underrepresented groups in graduate education. The biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying health outcome differences across social groups form the core analytical framework of her work, with particular attention to disparities that remain unexplained by biological factors alone.

Her research profile demonstrates consistent focus on health equity through multiple lenses including ascribed and achieved social status, aging trajectories, and resilience factors like social support that mitigate health disparities. While specific grant funding isn't detailed in available materials, her research infrastructure appears integrated within Penn State's College of Health and Human Development framework.