Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW

Dr. Nicole Ruggiano is a Professor and Director of the Doctor of Social Work Program within the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. She is also a John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar. Dr. Ruggiano earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware, an M.S.W. degree from Temple University, and a Ph.D in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware. Dr. Ruggiano’s research focuses on decision making and management of health and support services for older adults with chronic conditions. Her current work involves developing technology-based interventions that educate and support caregivers of adults with dementia as they navigate the health and social service systems, especially for dementia caregivers who are racial/ethnic minorities and/or living in rural communities. Dr. Ruggiano has received public and private funding to support her investigations. Her ongoing research and advocacy efforts are community-based and she partners with public and private entities to promote health services that are patient-centered, family-centered, and facilitate shared decision making between providers, older patients, and their caregivers.