07/30/2026
We are honored to share that the partnership between Shepherd Center and Georgia State University's Department of Sociology was highlighted in the Spinal Column Magazine. This partnership has demonstrated what is possible when clinicians, researchers, faculty, and students come together to use research to help inform policies for disabled people to thrive in their communities, rather than just survive.
A core focus of this partnership is understanding and addressing the social determinants of health that shape community participation, housing, healthcare access, quality of life, and long-term outcomes for people with disabilities. This shared commitment also led to the creation of the Interdisciplinary Community Research on Disability (iCORD) Lab, where researchers, students, and community partners work together to generate actionable research that informs practice, policy, and advocacy.
We are deeply grateful to our colleagues, students, mentors, and community partners (Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse, Center for Leadership in Disability, and Center for Neighborhoods and Communities) who have contributed to this work. Most importantly, thank you to the individuals with disabilities and their families who are our lab members (and alumni), our experts, and our guide.
Read more here: Research Partnership with GSU Sociology Recognized with Ignite Award [https://lnkd.in/emdtzDWq]
iCORD Lab Members:
Dr. Raeda Anderson, director and founder
Dr. Daniel Pasciuti, co-director
Dr. Patricia Lawrence, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, senior scientist in disability and health
Pat Barrett, senior statistician
Lauren Leeder, research associate
Chloe Sellers, MA, research assistant
Iris Pi, research assistant
Zohana Afrin, research assistant
Jun Yang, research assistant
Melissa A. Treanor, research associate alumna
Madelief Tilder, research associate alumna
Dr. Ben Kail (incoming Fall 2026)
Dr. Joy Dillard Appel (incoming Fall 2026)
