The Institute of Politics at Florida State University (IOP@FSU) is a world-class, nonpartisan, and nationally renowned institute that promotes engagement in politics by students and citizens. Housed within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, the IOP@FSU supports applied political research by a cadre of world-class scholars and mobilizes the talents of our alumni, students, faculty,…
Category: Health
Award Winning Research: Resilience as an Exciting New Agenda
Most of my work to date has dealt with what most people would consider sad things; things we’d rather not think about. Generally, I study health and societal problems that primarily impact older adults. Chronic disease, disablement, dementia, and death are not easy topics of conversation. However, I find them tremendously important to write about,…
Meet a Social Scientist: Dr. Rowan from Public Health
What is your name?Dr. Alan Rowan. What kind of work do you do in the College?I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the College of Social Science and Public Policy/Public Health at Florida State University. I teach, do research and engage in service in the department, profession and community. Why did you decide to become…
How Partisan Representation Shapes Citizens’ Views of Accountability and Efficiency during COVID-19
The first cases of what would become a global pandemic emerged in November of 2019, and would within months spread rapidly on an international scale. The nature of the virus put unprecedented pressure on governments both abroad and in the United. In response, local, state, and national governments instituted protective measures in an effort to…
COVID-19 in Florida: Disparities in the Black Population
This article was first posted October 19th, 2020. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused statewide shutdowns and social distancing regulations across the nation in March 2020, the State of Florida reopened on May 18, 2020. Shortly after its reopening, hospitals and testing centers reported a drastic increase in positive COVID-19 tests. In July 2020, Florida became…
Policy Pub: Bouncing Back: What the Science of Resilience Can Teach Us
This post is based on a webinar sponsored by Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Resilience is defined by aspects, such as self-reliance, perseverance, and flexibility in difficult situations. While resilience is often thought of as being a psychological characteristic, or something innate, research tells us there are things that can be done…
Galentine’s Day has become a thing – why hasn’t Malentine’s Day?
This first posted on February 13, 2020. On Feb. 13, women will celebrate Galentine’s Day, a holiday trumpeting the joys of female friendships. The holiday can trace its origins to a 2010 episode of “Parks and Rec,” in which the main character, Leslie Knope, decides that the day before Valentine’s Day should be an opportunity to celebrate…
Ph.D. Spotlight: Social Relationships as Resources in Later Life: The Dynamics of Structural and Functional Support
The field of sociology has long acknowledged the importance of social relationships. Some of the most well-known research in sociology on relationships stems from the foundational work of Durkheim, who found those who were socially integrated were less likely to commit suicide than those who were socially isolated. Durkheim’s was among the first sociological studies to argue…
Sedentary Time Linked to Weather for Kids in Mexico City
Global increases in sedentary behavior – like sitting or lying down – are worrisome for public health as they may be harbingers of increased mortality and morbidity, such as obesity and high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 25% of adults and more than 80% of adolescents across the world are not physically…
How Social Isolation Effects the Academic Achievement of Students with Learning Disabilities.
Students with disabilities comprise a large, diverse portion of students in the United States. The National Center for Education Statistics found that in the 2015-16 school year, about 6.7 million students ages 3-21 (13%) received special education services in the U.S. public education system. My work is focused on a specific group. Students with learning disabilities, who…
