Tamara L. Smith
Curriculum Vitae
OFFICE ADDRESS: / HOME ADDRESS:The Department of Sociology
577 Western Avenue
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA01086 / 103 Strong Street
Easthampton, MA01027
E-mail:
EDUCATION:
2011: Ph.D. (Sociology) University at Albany, SUNY
Dissertation: Adult grandchildren providing care to frail elderly grandparents: A qualitative study.
1995: B.A. (Sociology), Cum Laude, Sociology Honors Program, University
Albany, SUNY
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Caregiving and Carework
Aging and the Life Course
Gender and Family Issues
Health/Medical Sociology
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2007-present Assistant Professor (tenure-track), The Department of Sociology, Westfield State University. Westfield, MA.
2006-2007 Visiting Lecturer, Department of Sociology, SkidmoreCollege. Saratoga
Springs, NY.
2005-2006 Research Associate, Center for Excellence in Aging Services, School of
Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY.
2005 Adjunct, Department of Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY.
2004-2005 Adjunct, Sociology and Criminal Justice Department,School of Math and
Science, College of Saint Rose. .
2004 Adjunct, Department of Liberal Studies, SkidmoreCollege. Saratoga
Springs, NY.
2001-2003 Adjunct, Department of Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY.
2000-2005 Research Associate, Institute of Gerontology, School of Social Welfare,
University at Albany, SUNY.
1999 Statistical Consultant, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Incorporated;
St. Paul, Minnesota.
1999 Adjunct, Sociology Department, RussellSageCollege, Troy, NY.
1998-1999 Adjunct, Department of Sociology, SchenectadyCountyCommunity College, Schenectady, NY.
1997-1999 Graduate Assistant, Institute of Gerontology, School of Social Welfare,
University at Albany, SUNY.
1996-1997 Graduate Assistant, Department of Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY.
PUBLICATIONS
Toseland, R., Smith, T. & McClive, K. (in press). “Evaluating the effectiveness of
caregiver education and support programs.” In Education, Training and Support Programs for Caregivers. (9th Edition). The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development, Georgia Southwestern College. Americus, GA.
Smith, Tamara. “Adult Grandchildren as Caregivers to Frail Elderly Grandparents.” Doctoral Dissertation, Completed March 11, 2011. University at Albany, State University of New York.
Smith, T. and C. Corrado. (2011). "Children’s Valentine’s Day Cards: Practicing Gender Norms and Heteronormativity." Class Activity published in TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology. Originally published 2008 in The Sociology of Sexuality and Sexual Orientation: Syllabi and Teaching Materials, edited by Betsy Lucal. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association Teaching Resources. (
Smith, Tamara L. (2010). " RITUALS OF MARRIAGE & STATE ASSEMBLY BILLS." Class Activity published in TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology. Originally published 2004 in Families, edited by G. E. Macheski, K. S. Lowney, and M. Capece. Washington DC: American Sociological Association. (
Smith, T. and C. Corrado. (2008). "Children’s Valentine’s Day Cards: Practicing Gender Norms and Heteronormativity." In Betsy Lucal (ed.), The Sociology of Sexuality and Sexual Orientation: Syllabi and Teaching Materials. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association Teaching Resources.
Corrado, C. and T. Smith. (2008). "Isn't New Orleans Back to Normal? ADramatugical Analysis of Post-Katrina New Orleans." In Danielle A. Hidalgo and Kristen Barber (eds.), Narrating the Storm: Sociological Stories of Hurricane Katrina. Oxford: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Smith, T. and Toseland, R. (2006). “Effectiveness of a telephone support program for
caregivers of frail older adults.” The Gerontologist, 46, 5, 620-629.
Engelhardt, J.; McClive-Reed, K., Toseland, R., Smith, T., Larson, D., & Tobin, D. (2006).“Effects of a program for coordinated care of advanced illness on patients, surrogates, and healthcare costs: A randomized trial.” The American Journal of Managed Care, 12, 2, 93-100.
Toseland, R. and Smith, T. (2006). “The Impact of a Caregiver Health Education
Program on Health Care Costs.” Research on Social Work Practice, 16, 1, 9 - 19.
Smith, T., Toseland, R., Rizzo, V. & Zinoman, M. (2005). “Conducting a telephone
support group for caregivers of the frail elderly.” Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 44, ½, 151-172.
Smith, T. (2004). “New York State assembly bills.” In G. Macheski, K. Lowney, M. Capece, K. Warner, and M. Laughlin (eds.), Teaching About Families: A Collection of Essays, Syllabi, Projects, and Assignments, Websites, and Bibliographies. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association Teaching Resources.
Smith, T. (2004). “The rituals of marriage.” In G. Macheski, K. Lowney, M. Capece, K.
Warner, and M. Laughlin (eds.), Teaching About Families: A Collection of Essays, Syllabi, Projects, and Assignments, Websites, and Bibliographies. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association Teaching Resources.
Toseland, R., Smith, T., & Zinoman, M. (2004). “Social work practice with family
caregivers for frail older persons.” In M.J. Holosko & P.A. Taylor, Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings. (3rd ed.). Canadian Scholars Press.
Toseland, R., McCallion, P., Smith, T. & Banks, S. (2004). “Supporting caregivers of
frail older adults in an HMO setting.” Journal of Orthopsychiatry, vol. 74(3), 349-364.
Toseland, R., McCallion, P., Smith, T., Huck, S., Bourgeois, P., & Garstka, T. (2001).
“Health education groups for caregivers in an HMO.” Journal of Clinical
Psychology, 57(4), 551-570.
Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (2001). Supporting Caregivers Through Education and
Training. A technical assistance monograph prepared for the National Family
Caregiver Support Program Initiative of the U.S. Administration on Aging.
PUBLICATIONS FORTHCOMING AND IN PROGRESS:
Brady, M. and Smith, T. (submitted 2011). “Gendered Toys in the Secondary Wedding Market.” Class Activity submitted to TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology.
Smith, T. and L. West Steck (submitted). “The Emotion Work of Motherhood and Graduate Student Status.” Journal of Family Issues.
PRESENTATIONS AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS AND EVENTS:
Steck, L. and Smith, T. (February 2013). “The Social and Material Organization of Infant Feeding Discourse in the United States” Roundtable Discussion. 2013 Eastern Sociological Society 83rd Annual Meeting. Boston, MA.
Corrado, C., M. Hernandez, T. Smith and L. Steck. (August 2011). ‘The Feminist Teaching Portfolio: Gendered Aspects of Teaching Evaluations and Course Content.” Professional Development Workshop, 2011 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Navada.
Smith, T., and Laura West Steck. (February 2011). “Constructions of “Natural” Infant Feeding Practices and the Consumer Market in Breastfeeding Support Products.” 2011 Eastern Sociological Society 81st Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA.
Smith, T. (March 2010). “Grandchildren in the Sandwich”, Paper Presentation, 2010 Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Boston, MA.
Smith, T., Jessica Erricolo (student), and Elyse Denorfia (student) (February 2009). “Designing an Intergenerational Gerontology Course on Family and Gender Norms Using Scrapbooking Techniques.” Roundtable Discussion, 2009 Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Smith, T., Laura West Steck and Erin Anderson. (February 2009). “Navigating
The Job Market During an Economic Recession.” 2009 Sociologists for
Women in Society Winter Meeting. Savannah, GA.
Smith, T. and Wendy Christiansen. (August 2008). “Mentoring throughout the Lifecourse: From Graduate Student to Retiree.” Career Development Workshop. 2008 Sociologists for Women in Society Summer Meeting. Boston, MA.
Smith, T. (August 2008). “The Tax Preparer Cometh: Strategies for Academic Activists.” Career Development Workshop. 2008 Sociologists for Women in Society Summer Meeting. Boston, MA.
Smith, T. (February 2008). “Gender and Teaching Evaluations.” Panel Session Cosponsored by the Committee on the Status of Women and the Eastern Region Chapter of Sociologists for Women in Society. 78th Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. New York, NY.
Smith, T. and Rizzo, V. (August 2007). “Recognizing ‘Caring’ in a State-wideCapacityBuilding Effort: The Arthritis Program in New YorkState”, Carework Network Conference, NYC.
Smith, T. (March 2007). “Family and Lifecourse Issues Facing Adults Caring for Grandparents",2007 Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA.
Smith, T. and L. West Steck. (March 2007). “Teaching Workshop: Succeeding at Small Institutions,” ”Author Meets Critic Session: Katharin Zippel, The Politics of Sexual Harassment: A Comparative Study of the United States, the European Union, and Germany,” “Panel: Women of Color in the Profession: Challenges in Teaching, Research, and Practice” and “Paper Session:Doing Research On Women, About Women and For Women.” Panel sessions organized by Tamara L. Smith and Laura West Steck, co-chairs of the ESS Committee on the Status of Women, 77thAnnual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Philadelphia, PA.
Corrado, C. and T. Smith. (March 2007). “Prepping Your First Class.” Co-Presenter, Teaching Workshop. 2007 Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA.
Smith, T. (March 2006). “Building Bridges between ESS and Sociologists for Women in
Society (SWS)(panelist).” 2006 Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting.
Boston, MA.
Smith, T. and L. West Steck. (February 2006). “Teaching Workshop: Issues Women Face in the Classroom,” “Panel: Sexual Discrimination and Harassment in Academia,” and “Panel: Career Trajectories of Women in Sociology.” Panel sessions organized by Tamara L. Smith and Laura West Steck, co-chairs of the ESS Committee on the Status of Women, 76th Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Boston, MA.
Smith, T. (November 2005). “Adult grandchildren caring for frail elderly grandparents.”
2005 Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
Keys, J., Smith, T. and Sullivan-Catlin, H. (August 2005). “Teaching about controversial
issues.” Co-leader, Teaching Workshop. 2005 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA.
Smith, T., & West Steck, L. (February 2005). “Breast, bottle, or both? The emotion
work of infant feeding among contemporary mothers.” 2005 Eastern Sociological
Society Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.
West Steck, L. & Smith, T. (February 2005). “Ethical dilemmas in web-based qualitative
research: The case of online message board communities.” 2005 Eastern
Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.
Smith, T. & Toseland, R. (August 2004). “The effectiveness of a telephone group for
spouse and child caregivers: Sociological implications.” 2004 Carework
Network Bi-Annual Conference. San Francisco, CA.
Smith, T. (April 2004). “Results of a telephone support group for spouse and child
caregivers.” 2004 Joint Conference of the American Society on Aging (ASA)
and the National Council on the Aging (NCOA). San Francisco, CA.
Smith, T. & West Steck, L. (February 2004). “The intersecting spheres of motherhood
and graduate school.” Symposium presentation for the Women and Academia Panel Session, Sloan Family and Work Mini-Conference, at the Eastern
Sociological Society Annual Meetings. New York, NY.
Smith, T. (February 2004). “Sociologists’ careers: The timing of children in graduate
school and beyond: Where are they now?” Panelist, Eastern Sociological
Society Annual Meetings, New York, NY.
Smith, T. & Toseland, R. (January 2004). “The cost effectiveness of a health
education group for caregivers in an HMO.” Symposium Presentation, 2004 Society for Social Work and Research. New Orleans, LA.
Toseland, R., Smith, T., & McClive, K. (November 2003). “Evaluating the
effectiveness of caregiver education and support programs.” 2003 Johnson &
Johnson/Roselynn Carter Institute Caregivers Program. Atlanta, GA.
Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (March 2003). “Telephone support groups for spouse and
child caregivers.” 2003 Joint Conference of the National Council on the Aging
and the American Society on Aging. Chicago, IL.
Smith, T. & Aquino, G. (March 2003). “The writing’s on the desk: An
ignored form of sexual harassment.” 73rd Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Philadelphia, PA.
Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (January 2003). “An evaluation of an advanced illness
coordinated care program.” Seventh Annual Conference for the Society of Social Work and Research. Washington, D.C.
Smith, T. & Toseland, R. (November 2002). “Supporting caregivers of frail older
adults in an HMO setting.” 55th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Boston, MA.
Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (April 2002). “Providing health education to an elderly
population.” Presented at Second Joint Conference of the National Council on the Aging and the American Society on Aging. Denver, CO.
Smith, T. (March 2002). “The needs of adult grandchildren caring for frail elderly
grandparents.” Presented at 72nd Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Boston, MA.
Toseland, R., McCallion, P., & Smith, T. (January 2002). “The effectiveness and
efficiency of health education groups in an HMO: 2-year results.” Presented at Sixth Annual Conference for the Society of Social Work and Research. San Diego, CA.
Toseland, R., McCallion, P., & Smith, T. (November 2001). “The effectiveness of
health education groups in an HMO: Cost results.” Presented at 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Chicago, IL.
Smith, T. & Hernandez, M. (November 2001). “Attitudes and stereotypes about
aging: Internet aging jokes.” Presented at 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Chicago, IL.
Ramos, B., Toseland, R. & Smith, T. (July 2001). “The effectiveness of a culturally
competent intervention for Latino caregivers of elderly family members.” Presented at XVIIth World Congress of the International Association of Gerontology. Vancouver, Canada.
Smith, T. & Hernandez, M. (March 2001). “You’ve got mail: Internet jokes and the
elderly.” Presented at 71st Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Philadelphia, PA.
Toseland, R., McCallion, P, Smith, T. & Huck, S. (November 2000). “The long-term
effectiveness of health education groups in an HMO.” Presented at 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Washington, DC.
Ramos, B., Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (November 2000). “Research with Latino
caregivers: the delivery of a health education program.” Presented at 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Washington, DC.
Smith, T., & Huck, S. (March 2000). “Caring for the caregiver: Recruitment strategies
and ethical considerations.” Presented at the 70th Annual Conference of the Eastern Sociological Society, Baltimore, MD.
Toseland, R., & Smith, T. (November 1999). “The effectiveness and efficiency of a
health education program.” Presented at the National Conference of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. Los Angeles, CA.
Smith, T. (March 1998). “Expanding the role of the grandchild: The relationship
between adolescent caregivers and their frail elderly grandparents.” Presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the Eastern Sociological Society. Philadelphia, PA.
Smith T. (October 1997). The Role of secondary caregivers in intergenerational
households: A closer look at adolescents.” Presented at the 15th Annual Meeting of the Society for Applied Sociology. Chicago, IL.
AWARDS, HONORS, AND GRANTS:
2009Innovative Pedigogical Initiatives Faculty Grant, Office of Academic Affairs, WestfieldState College, $1600
2008Faculty Travel Fund Grant, Office of Academic Affairs, WestfieldStateCollege, $1260.00
2006Honorable Mention: Excellence in Research. Sociology Department,
University at Albany, SUNY.
2005Finalist: Behavioral and Social Sciences Student Research Award at the Dissertation Level. Gerontological Society of America.
2005Presidential Outstanding Leadership Award. University at Albany, SUNY.
2004Paul Meadows Excellence in Teaching Award. Sociology Department, University at Albany, SUNY.
2003Presidential Research Grant. Initiatives for Women, University at Albany, SUNY.$2500.
2003Benevolent Association Research Grant. Albany Benevolent Association, University at Albany, SUNY. $500.
2003Graduate Student Research Grant. Graduate Student Organization, University at Albany, SUNY. $300.
2000Award of Distinction, Aging Comprehensive Exam. Department of Sociology, University at Albany, SUNY.
INVITED TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Smith, T. (2013). Faculty Panelist, “Stuck in Service: Gender and the Negotiation of Boundaries.” Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting, Boston MA.
Smith, T.(2010). Faculty Panelist, “What to do with a Bachelor’s in Sociology”, Discussion sponsored by the Sociology Club, Westfield State University.
Smith, T. (2010). “The Feminist Teaching Portfolio: Gendered Aspects of Teaching Evaluations, Students’ Qualitative Comments, and Course Content into Existing Courses.” FacultyCenter Workshop, WestfieldState College.
Smith, T. and N. Mangaliso. (2009). “What Can I Do With a Major in…Sociology?” Panel Discussion hosted by the Department of Sociology, Student Support Services/TRiO, Career Services, and the Academic Advising Center. November 9, 2009 in Scanlon Banquet Hall A.
Smith, T. (2009). “”What’s Age Got to Do With It? Why age is relevant to your class, and how to incorporate gerontological content into existing courses.” Month Celebrating Women and FacultyCenter Co-Sponsored Workshop, WestfieldState College.
Smith, T. (2008). Panelist, “Safe Schools” Queer Straight Student Alliance Pride Week Panels, WestfieldState College.
Smith, T. (2007). “The Sociological Implications of Katrina: Visual Sociology.”
Departmental Student/Faculty Presentation, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology, SkidmoreCollege.
Smith, T. (2006). “Tips on Teaching Large Classes.” Invited Panelist, Teaching
Committee, Sociology Department, University at Albany.
Corrado, C. and Smith, T. (2006). “First-Time Teaching Issues for Large Institutions”
Presentation on first time teaching for the Students of Sociology (SOS) Graduate Group, Brown Bag Lunch Series, University at Albany
Smith, T. (2005). “Qualitative Research Methods.” Social Welfare Master’s Level
Research Class, School of Social Welfare: SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. (2005, 2004). “Attending professional meetings as a graduate student.”
Sociology Graduate Student Seminar Class; Sociology Department: SUNY Albany (guest presenter).
Smith, T. (2004). “Publishing an article as a graduate student.” Sociology
Graduate Student Seminar Class; Sociology Department: SUNY Albany (guest presenter).
Smith, T. (2003). “The teaching portfolio: What your ‘perfect’ curriculum vitae
may be missing.” Students of Sociology Graduate Group: SUNY Albany;.
School of Social Welfare, SUNY Albany (workshop).
Smith, T. (2003). “Grandchildren as caregivers for frail elderly grandparents.”
Sociology Department: SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. (2002). “The qualitative interview guide: Methods and challenges for
researchers.” Doctoral Research Methods Course, School of Social Welfare:
SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. (2001). “Ethical considerations when researching the elderly.”
School of Sociology: SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. (2001). “Using qualitative methods for social welfare research.”
School of Social Welfare: SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. (2000). “Elder rights: What doctors are not telling their elderly
patients.” School of Sociology: SUNY Albany (guest lecturer).
Smith, T. & Harris, M. (1999). “Empowering assisted living residents to act on
their feminist intentions.” Women’s Residential Group; B’Nai B’rith Assisted
Living Facility: Albany, NY (workshop).
Smith, T. & Harris, M. (1999). “Hello, honey: The infantilization of nursing home
residents and how to prevent it.” Medical Staff Team; Daughters of Sarah
Nursing Home; Albany, NY (workshop).
Smith, T. (1998). “Effective communication with the elderly.” Project
Renaissance: SUNY Albany (guest speaker).
CONTRIBUTIONS OF SERVICE TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
CAMPUS COMMITTEES AND ROLES:
June 2013 to present: Sociology Department Chairperson
Spring 2013: Courtney Hall RA meet the professor event: invited faculty member
2012-present: Faculty advisor to the Sociology Club, Westfield State University
Fall 2012: Sociology representative at campus Chairs Meetings, Westfield State University
Spring 2011:Faculty Advisor for Melissa Brady (undergraduate honors student) for the Sociology of the Family course, Westfield State University
Spring 2010-Spring 2011: Member, Month Celebrating Women Steering Committee, Department of Ethnic and Gender Studies, Westfield State University