Rie Suzuki

Rie Suzuki is an Assistant Professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint, with affiliations at the Center for Japanese Studies and the School of Health Professions and Studies. Her research focuses on health promotion programs for aging populations and individuals with disabilities in low socioeconomic status communities, emphasizing mediational factors in health behaviors and outcomes across the lifespan.

Dr. Suzuki holds a PhD and MA in Kinesiology and Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her work integrates environmental accessibility, social support systems, and community-level interventions to improve health equity. She has published extensively on topics such as neighborhood walkability, functional limitations, and the impact of disability perceptions on healthcare adherence.

Her research highlights the interplay between built environments, social factors, and health outcomes in underserved populations. Key themes include the role of accessibility in physical and mental health, the effectiveness of wearable technologies for monitoring aging populations, and the development of culturally competent health promotion strategies.

Dr. Suzuki’s grants and collaborations focus on participatory workshop interventions, peer education models, and interdisciplinary approaches to address healthcare disparities. She is actively involved in community partnerships to enhance accessibility and reduce barriers to preventive care for vulnerable groups.