Mariana T. Guzzardo
Mariana T. Guzzardo, originally from Puerto Rico, obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Arts degree in May 2005 from the University of Connecticut’s graduate Human Development and Family Studies program. She is now enrolled in the Department's doctoral program, specializing in Aging and Adult Development. Her research interests include psychosocial aspects of aging; the impact that elderly housing and “aging in place” have on the quality of life of elderly residents; access and utilizations of community and home-based services in residenital environments; social support and independence or autonomy in old age; and issues specific to Hispanic/Latino elders. In the doctoral program she holds a Graduate Assistantship partly funded by the Multicultural Scholar Award from the Graduate School at UConn. Through this assistantship she plans and develops research projects with her advisor, Nancy W. Sheehan. She is also the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship for 2005-2006 from the AARP Scholars Program. Guzzardo is preparing a career as a professor and researcher in the field of aging. She plans to carry out research related to the issues, policies, and programs that affect the quality of life for elders and their families in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
