School of Health Sciences
Assistant Professor, Master of Health Sciences
Office Address: Health & Human Sciences Building, Office 442
Email: mailto:emtait%40email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-2657
Research Interests:
- Gerontology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Helping people age well!
Areas of Expertise:
- Research Methods
Education:
- Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Health Services Research
- M.H.S., Western Carolina University, Gerontology
- B.A. University of North Carolina Asheville, Computer Science
Published Research
- "Reasons Why Older Americans Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Costly or Ineffective Conventional Medicine and Recommendations from Health Care Providers, Family and Friends," Educational Gerontology
- "Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Physical Performance, Energy, Immune Function, and General Health among Older Women and Men in the United States," Journal of Women on Aging
- "Praying for Health by Older Adults in the United States: Differences by Ethnicity, Gender, and Income," Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging
- "Use of Dietary Supplements for Cognitive Health: Results of a National Survey of Adults in the United States," American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementia.
Graduate Courses Taught Include:
- MHS 510 - Systms and Policy in Health Care
- MHS 530 - Theoretical Foundations Public Health
- MHS 564 - Cost Containment
- MHS 630 - Medicare and Medicaid
- MHS 664 - Legal Environment
- MHS 675 - Research Methodology in the Health Sciences
- MHS 696 - Research Seminar
- MHS 698 - Research Project
Committee Work and Other Interests:
- Aging Projects incorporated - Web based initiative to support people's desire to age in place.
- Advance Directives - Writing/sharing your final wishes with those you love, so those who love you don't have to guess. Trained facilitator to educate the community on the purpose and need for establishing a Health Care POA and written Advance Directives.
- Senior Tarheel Legislators - a Community/College partnership to help the elder community in Swain and Jackson Counties age in place