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Marla McDaniel, PhD
Professional Bio
Marla McDaniel is a research associate in the Labor, Human Services, and Population Center at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the Urban Institute, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the Columbia University School of Social Work. She received her doctorate in human development and social policy from Northwestern University.
Project Description
The project focused on racial and ethnic differences in asthma management among a nationally representative sample of children using the National Health Interview Survey. The study explored the extent children ages 2-17 receive preventive treatment and asthma education, and how receipt varies by race and ethnicity.
Findings
We found striking racial and ethnic differences in the extent children receive preventive medicine or an asthma class or course even after adjusting for factors associated with asthma severity. Compared to both Mexican American and white, non-Hispanics, African American and Puerto Rican and other Hispanic children were less likely to receive preventive medicine. In contrast, African American children were significantly more likely to receive an asthma course. We hypothesize about the findings and call for more research on how differences in asthma management may contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in asthma morbidity.
Why I Applied to New Connections
I applied to New Connections because it is an outstanding program that supports new investigators. RWJF makes a real investment in its grantees - providing research funding, training, and networking opportunities. The program staff recognize what new scholars need to succeed and are truly committed to our growth and success.
What New Connections Means for my Career
New Connections has helped my career most directly by supporting my research. The program has also expanded my professional network and opened up opportunities I would not have had otherwise. I have met and received career advice from leading national scholars and participated in trainings and workshops on topics as diverse and relevant as grant writing, publishing, and handling missing data. Receiving a competitive RWJF grant has also strengthened my funding track record, refined my skills as a principal investigator, and even garnered the added respect of colleagues.
Research Interests
I am interested in social policies and conditions that affect low-income families, contribute to racial disparities, and influence child and adult health and wellbeing. Much of my research involves analyzing administrative and survey data on topics ranging from race and health disparities, child maltreatment, the foster care system, and youth and adolescent development. With funding from New Connections I examined racial and ethnic differences in asthma management as a potential contributor to racial disparities in childhood asthma morbidity.
Discipline(s)
Human Development; Social Policy
Populations Served
The research targeted a nationally representative sample of children ages 2-17 who participated in the National Health Interview Survey. The findings highlight similarities and differences between African American, Mexican American, Puerto Rican and other Hispanic, and white, non-Hispanic children and youth.