Advisor: Dr Pauline DeLange Martinez
Dr. Pauline DeLange Martinez is a distinguished researcher and community engagement expert specializing in program and policy evaluation, cross-sector partnerships, and capacity building to enhance the quality of life for older adults and caregivers. Holding a PhD in Public Health Sciences from UC Davis, she currently leads evaluation projects at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing's Family Caregiving Institute. In this role, she consults with the California Department of Aging on the Local Aging and Disability Action Planning grant program, providing evaluation and technical assistance to 20 counties and 12 cities statewide. Supported by The SCAN Foundation, she is also developing a toolkit to assist rural leaders in creating local Multisector Plans for Aging (MPA), building on her previous work (2022-2023) aiding seven rural counties in California with their MPA development.
Since 2011, Dr. DeLange Martinez has been an independent consultant with the Center for Age Friendly Excellence (CAFE), spearheading age- and dementia-friendly initiatives across California and Oregon. An experienced educator, she has taught at San Jose State and Oregon State Universities and contributed to significant research projects addressing digital health, telehealth implementation, and COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Dr. DeLange Martinez also brings extensive experience in managing educational initiatives for the Alzheimer’s Association and leading various health initiatives. These include a health-plan-funded project addressing social isolation among older adults and an award-winning bilingual health promotion campaign focused on fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, and resource referrals. Additionally, she supported an interfaith initiative to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect.
Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the 2012 Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation, the 2018 SCAN Foundation Award for Innovation in Health Care, and the 2021 Mary Louise Remy PEO Endowed Scholar Award.
DeLange Martinez holds a master’s degree in Gerontology from San Francisco State University and a bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Her extensive publication record and active participation in various advisory committees and professional organizations reflect her dedication to advancing the field of aging and public health.