Laura Sands

Laura Sands, Professor

_{Department of Human Development and Family Science

230 Grove Lane

Blacksburg, VA 24061

540-231-9634 | lsands@vt.edu}

Laura Sands is a professor, with academic appointments in the Center for Gerontology, the department of Human Development and Family Science, and the Virginia Tech School of Medicine. Her research focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care approaches for vulnerable older adults, including those living with dementia, those with disabilities, those lacking sufficient health care, and those exposed to a disaster.

Accepting new grad students: Please Contact
In need of students for research team: Please Contact

Principal Areas of Research Focus

Risks and Health Consequences of Functional Limitations Among Older Adults
Healthcare Outcomes Among Older Adults who do not Receive Sufficient Healthcare
Disaster Resilience and Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults
Risks for Poor Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Surgical Patients

Education

Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
M.A. in Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley

Professional Roles

Editor-in-Chief, Innovating in Aging
Faculty Affiliate, Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
Faculty Affiliate, Virginia Tech Department of Statistics
Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Awards and Honors

Elected Honorary Member, Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honor Society, 2014
Outstanding Professor for Interdisciplinary Mentoring, Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, 2011
Seed for Success, Million Dollar Research Award, Purdue University, 2010
Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, School of Nursing, Purdue University, 2009
Friend of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honor Society, 2008
Faculty Enhancement Award, School of Nursing, Purdue University, 2004
Fellow, The Gerontological Society of America, 2003