PSU-Hazleton Teacher of the Year award (2008)
Editorial board, Social Science and Medicine, Sociological Inquiry (1997-present).
Behavioral and Social Science Volunteer, CDC and APA Office on AIDS (1999-present)
Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, North Carolina (1997)
American Public Health Association -Technology Award (1996)
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research (1995-97)
Alpha Kappa Delta - Sociological Honor Society (1987)

Families as Partners in Homeless Drug Abuse Service. Washington University, NIDA (R03-DA14364), Michael Polgar (2001-2003). Homeless adults experience primary burdens, including poverty and illness. Relatives of homeless adults experience secondary burdens which are related to their roles as care givers. Health providers experience tertiary burdens often related to mental health and substance abuse problems. This study examines family burdens of homelessness over time, using a unique survey design and a large urban sample.
Service Transition Points: Bridges for Young Adults. Washington University, NIMH (R03-MH59108), Michael Polgar (1999-2002). The mental health system has a seam at precisely the point where mental health problems are most likely to first occur. Young adults, moving from their families of origin into adulthood, are at highest risk of problems with insurance, mental health, and substance abuse. This study empirically examines the mental health care system in a large region to show where and how service transition points are possible, outlining the bridges between youth and adult systems of care. Data is collected using a survey of 100 organizations. Findings describe inter-organizational relationships and cultural competence across this population of organizations.