Nancy Mendoza

Dr. Nancy Mendoza is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. She holds a PhD in Applied Developmental Science from Colorado State University (2018), an MSW from the University of Northern Colorado (2012), and a BS in Psychology from Colorado State University (2006). Her work focuses on grandfamilies, particularly the resilience and cultural contexts of grandparents raising grandchildren. Key areas include intervention design, culturally grounded research, and policy advocacy.

Education:

• PhD, Applied Developmental Science, Colorado State University (2018)
• MSW, Social Work, University of Northern Colorado (2012)
• BS, Psychology, Colorado State University (2006)

Research Interests:

Dr. Mendoza examines resilience in grandfamilies through social network analysis, cultural competence frameworks, and mixed methods. Current projects include evaluating kinship caregiver oral health disparities, assessing service landscapes in Central Ohio, and implementing self-care programs for grandparents. Her work emphasizes Latino and Korean cultural influences on caregiving roles and systemic inequities.

Awards and Grants:

• Recipient of multiple grants, including Duke Endowment funding for kinship caregiver capacity-building (2023–2028).
• Awards include the James McKenney Travel Award (2017) and Ohio State’s Buckeye Wellness Innovator (2024).

Teaching and Mentorship:

Teaches courses on aging, family caregiving, and lifespan development. Mentors over 10 graduate and undergraduate students, focusing on culturally responsive practice and research.

Professional Service:

Leads the Society for Social Work Research’s Grandfamily/Kinship Special Interest Group. Engages in community initiatives like the Ohio Grandparent/Kinship Coalition and national coalitions advocating for kinship care policies.