Mary Fischer

Mary Fischer, PhD, WHNP-BC is an Assistant Professor at UMass Chan Medical School's Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. She earned her BA in Psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston, Nursing Diploma from MGH School of Nursing, MSN from MGH Institute of Health Professionals, and PhD in Nursing from University of Massachusetts Medical School.

• Clinical expertise: Women's health nursing
• Research focus: Aging-related cognitive decline
• Key methodologies: Population-based cohort studies

Her research explores intersections between sensory impairments (hearing, olfactory) and cognitive function in aging populations, including projects on hormone therapy discontinuation experiences and Tai Chi interventions for osteopenia. Current work examines environmental factors like cadmium exposure and tobacco smoke in relation to hearing impairment.

• 2020: Developed Wisconsin Age-Related Hearing Impairment Classification Scale
• 2016-2020: Investigated biomarkers for neuroprotection in aging adults

Scientific recognition includes the Dempster Doctoral Dissertation Award. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams studying bone diseases, patient compliance, and aging mechanisms through the Beaver Dam Offspring Study.