Faculty & Research

Education:

• Ph.D. in Family and Child Ecology at Michigan State University, 2001
• M.A. in Family and Child Ecology at Michigan State University, 1998
• B.A. in Speech Communication and African American Studies at Indiana University, 1994

Contact Information:

(812) 856-5213

[send e-mail]

HPER Building, Room 116

Background:

• Journal Reviewer, Family Relations
• Section Chair and Reviewer, Hawaii International Conference on Social Sciences
• Groves Conference on Marriage and Family
• National Council on Family Relations
• International Research Fellowship Award, National Institutes of Health and Minority International Research Training Program, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Research:

• Print-Quality Photo

My primary area of research is focused on understanding resiliency traits and support systems within African American families. This includes exploring the interaction between African American families and religiosity/spirituality, media usage, and social resources. Current research activities include: Impact of popular media images on perceptions of ethnic populations and its influence on research scholarship; popular media depictions of African American sexuality and the impact on African American families; influence of African American family and community cultural beliefs on nutrition choices related to diabetes prevelance among African Americans; religiosity/spirituality patterns among African American families, including social support provided by African American churches; impact of community, religious, and social support resources on sexuality education in schools and families.

Publications:

(2005). A revised consideration of African American families: The salience of perception as an element in the facilitation of improved health behaviors. Eta Sigma Gamma Health Education Monograph Series, Special Edition on Minority Health.

Murray, Maresa, & McAdoo, Harriette (2005, November). Language meaning: Linking African American families to better health care. National Council on Family Relations conference, Phoenix, AZ.

(2003). Use of coping strategies among African American and Latino parents: Implications for practice. Race and Society, 6, 125-140.

Murray, Maresa J., Reece, Michael, Tanner, Amanda, & Legocki, Laurie. (August 4, 2005). An ecological assessment of sexuality in Indiana public schools. Media Seminar on Issues in Education hosted by Indiana University-Purdue University.

Murray, Maresa (2005, September). Issues related to applying an ethnic lens across the curriculum: Implications for ethnic faculty. Invited seminar on Teaching Techniques and Strategies, sponsored by the Indiana University Office for Strategic Hiring and Support.

"Media as Invisible Ecological Determinants of Perceptions of African Americans: Implications for Conducting Effective Sexual Health Research" (speaker, Faculty Research Seminar Series by the Research Council at Indiana University and the Sexual Health Research Working Group, March, 2006).

"HIV and AIDS Not Covered in Most Indiana Classrooms" (presentation, National Public Radio (NPR) from WFIU affiliate, August 16, 2005).

Courses Recently Taught:

HPER F150 Introduction to Life Span Development

HPER F258 Marriage and Family Interaction

HPER F348 Human Development 3: Early, Middle, and Late Adulthood

HPER F370 Family Health and the Media

HPER F417 African American and Latino Families

HPER F453 Family Life Education