Dr. McDermott's research agenda focuses on both maternal and child health and disability epidemiology. Her research aim is to identify preventable causes of neurodevelopmental disabilities that originate in pregnancy, both from infections and environmental chemical exposures.
Biographical Profile
College
Arnold School of Public Health
Department
Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Tenure Status
Tenured
International Activity
International Activities
No
Institutional Focus Areas
Health Sciences
Extended Residence in Foreign Country
No
Speaks Non-English Language
No
Interest Background
Do you include students in your research?
Graduates
Interest Keywords
Disability, pregnancy outcomes, brain development
Institutional Focus Areas
Health Sciences
Personal Focus Areas
Environmental chemical causes of childhood disability-exposures related to adverse brain development, Infectious causes of childhood disability-exposures related to adverse brain development, Health of people with severe disability
Professional Preparation(Education & Training)
Dates
Institution
Location
Degree
Field of Study
1991
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
PhD
Public Health
1977
Tufts University
Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts
MS
Civil Engineering/Public Health
1970
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
BS
Nursing
Memberships & Professional Activities
Dates
Type
Description
Institution/Entity
2003
Membership
Analyst
Greenwood Genetic Center/DDSN
2005
Membership
Board Member
American Association for Health and Disability
2008 - 2011
Membership
Member
University Committee on Tenure and Promotion
2007 - 2009
Professional Activity
Policy Committee Chair
American Public Health Association-Disability Section
2008
Professional Activity
Women's Liaison Officer for AAMC-one of two from USC
2008
Professional Activity
Co-Editor in Chief
Elsevier Journal of Disability and Health
Positions & Appointments
Dates
Description
Institution/Entity
1985 - 2002
Instructor, Assistant, Associate Professor
University of South Carolina
2002 - Present
Tenured Professor, Professor of Family and Preventive Medicine
University of South Carolina
Recognition Awards, Honors, & Fellowships
Dates
Type
Description
Foundation/Entity
1999
Award
Research Advancement Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
1999
Award
Researcher of the Year Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
2001
Award
Research Advancement Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
2001
Award
American Rehabilitation Counseling Association Research Award, third place
2003
Award
Research Advancement Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
2004
Award
Mentor Award
Alpha Omega Alpha, Student Award for Danielle Soto
2005
Award
Research Advancement Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
2007
Award
Research Advancement Award
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
2017
Award
Elaine R. Monsen Award for Outstanding Research Literature
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2017 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo - Chicago, IL)
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