Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
kzurlo@ssw.rutgers.edu, (848) 932-5829
Karen Zurlo (M.S.W., 2004; Ph.D., 2009; University of Pennsylvania) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University and an affiliate of the Center for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. Dr. Zurlo’s research focuses on the economics of aging with a sub-focus on health-related outcomes. She conducts qualitative and quantitative research on mid-aged and older adults that focuses on financial outcomes, chronic conditions, functional impairment, and mental health. Dr. Zurlo is also interested in income inequality among older adults and how health status and economic resources interact to shape late-life outcomes. Her research includes investigations related to disparities and how they may accumulate in mid and late life. Dr. Zurlo’s research trajectory aims to gain a better understanding of how public policy interacts with life course processes to impact patterns of health and economic disparities in the US and internationally.
