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Laura Sands

Laura Sands, Professor

Laura Sands, Professor
Laura Sands, Professor of Human Development and Family Science

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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