Episode 3
Host: Shimon Cohen, LCSW
Guest: Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW

Twitter: @DoinTheWorkPod

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, who is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. We talk about Nicole’s research on dementia and how it led to working with the community of Tuskegee, where there is a history of unethical and racist practices by researchers. Nicole shares about the challenges facing rural communities and the importance of researchers, academics, and practitioners in supporting self-determination among individuals, families, and communities. Nicole urges listeners to get involved with policy advocacy and provides examples of how to do so. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

 Nicole’s email: nruggiano@ua.edu