Dr. Robert Taylor

Biography

Robert Joseph Taylor is the Harold R. Johnson Endowed Professor and Sheila Feld Collegiate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. He serves as the Director of the Program Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research. His research primarily focuses on informal social support networks among adult and elderly Black Americans, examining the significant factors that influence these connections. Taylor has been recognized as one of the most influential faculty in the field of social work based on his extensive publication record, which includes over 175 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has been involved as a principal investigator in major studies funded by the National Institute on Aging and has contributed substantially to the understanding of mental health and social support in Black communities. Taylor has edited significant texts in the field and has served on the editorial boards of numerous scholarly journals. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the James Jackson Outstanding Mentorship Award from the Gerontological Society of America. Taylor is also noted for his leadership roles in various research panels and committees, driving forward important discussions around aging and mental health in diverse populations.

Research Interests