Center for Family and Demographic Research

Zhenmei Zhang
zhangz12@msu.edu 
Curriculum Vitae

Associate Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University

Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, 2003

Dr. Zhang’s research addresses population health and the demography of aging with a strong focus on morbidity and mortality. Her work has looked at differences in chronic health problems, disability, and morbidity across race, ethnicity, nativity, and education. In addition, she is also interested in the effects of childlessness on the psychological well-being of older persons.

Recent Publications:

Lynn, F. B., Schneider, B., & Zhang, Z. (Forthcoming). The changing relationship between fertility and educational expectations: adolescents in the 1970s versus the 1980s. Journal of Family Issues.

Zhang, Z., Page, C., Conner, T., & Post, L. (Forthcoming). Family members’ reports of non-staff abuse in Michigan nursing homes. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect.

Zhang, Z., Hayward, M. D., & Lu, C. (2012). Is there a Hispanic epidemiologic paradox in later life? closer look at chronic morbidity.  Research on Aging, 34(5), 548-571. doi: 10.1177/0164027511429807

Schiamberg, L., Oehmke, J., Zhang, Z., Barboza, G., Griffore, R., Von Heydrich, L., Post, L., Weatherill, R., & Mastin, T. (2012). Physical abuse of older adults in nursing homes: A random sample telephone survey of adults with an elder family member in a nursing home. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 24, 65-83.

Zhang, Z., Schiamberg, L., Oehmke, J., Barboza, G., Griffore, R., Post, L., Weatherill, R., & Mastin, T. (2011). Neglect of older adults in Michigan nursing homes. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 23, 58-74.

Schiamberg, L., Barboza, G., Oehmke, J., Zhang, Z., Griffore, R., Weatherill, R., & Post, L. (2011). Elder abuse in nursing homes: An ecological perspective. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 23(2), 190-211.

Zhang, Z., Gu, D., & Hayward, M.D. (2010). Childhood nutritional deprivation and cognitive impairment among older Chinese. Social Science and Medicine, 71, 941-949.

Gu, D., Zhang, Z., & Zeng, Y. (2009). Access to healthcare services makes a difference in healthy longevity among older Chinese adults. Social Science and Medicine, 68, 210-219.

Bulanda, J.R., & Zhang, Z. (2009). Racial-ethnic differences in subjective survival expectations for the retirement years. Research on Aging, 31, 688-709.