Louanne Bakk

Louanne Bakk is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program at the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work. She also coordinates the Excellence in Aging Micro-Credential program. Her expertise lies in aging policy, health disparities, implementation science, and technology applications in gerontology. With affiliations at the Erie County Department of Senior Services and the Southfield, Michigan Area Agency on Aging, her work bridges academic research and practical community interventions.

Education: PhD in Social Work (Michigan State University, 2012), MSW (University of Michigan, 2001), BSW (Arizona State University, 2000).

Research interests focus on reducing health disparities in later life through policy analysis, community-based programs, and innovative technologies like virtual reality (VR) for dementia care and respite support. She investigates Medicare Part D’s impact on medication access, particularly among marginalized groups, and evaluates outreach strategies to improve awareness of healthcare subsidies. Recent projects include VR’s role in improving caregiver and patient experiences in aging populations.

Her funded projects include the Retirement Research Foundation’s ‘Coalesce and Connect’ initiative to amplify dementia care voices. She emphasizes macro practice, policy advocacy, and digital tools to address aging challenges.

Grants and collaborations span public-private partnerships, such as the Erie County Department of Senior Services project assessing Medicare Savings Program awareness. Advising focuses on preparing DSW students for leadership roles in healthcare innovation and policy.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on VR implementation in aging care and policy research networks advancing equity in elder health services.