CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Elena Portacolone

Position:          Assistant Adjunct Professor
                           Institute for Health and Aging
                           University of California in San Francisco (UCSF)

Address: 2626 Lorina Street

Berkeley, CA 94705 USA

Tel. 510 830 9309

email: elena.portacolone@ucsf.edu

www: www.elenaportacolone.com

EDUCATION

1989 - 1995	Universita’ degli Studi di Torino	Laurea	Political Sciences
2002 - 2004	University of California, Berkeley	Master	Business Administration (MBA)
2002 - 2004	University of California, Berkeley	Master	Public Health (MPH)
2005 - 2011	University of California, San Francisco	Ph.D.	Sociology

PRINCIPAL POSITIONS HELD

2011-2012

2005-2011

Adjunct Professor at San Jose State University.

Graduate Researcher, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences,
UC San Francisco

Living solo. 2007. Interviewed and spent time with 16 older adults living alone in the Bay area as exploratory fieldwork for the dissertation proposal.
2008. Conducted ethnographic research for Prof. Eric Klinenberg (NYU) on living solo in the United States. This Research Assistant position involved recruitment and in-depth interviews of 39 adults living alone in the Bay Area and investigation of the services available to older adults living alone in San Francisco.

2009 and 2010. Conducted ethnographic research among older adults (75+) living alone in San Francisco for the dissertation. Recruited and interviewed 47 informants speaking English, Russian, Cantonese, Spanish, and Laotian. Published an article on the initial findings in Ageing and Society in June 2011.

Organ Trafficking. 2008. Interviewed an Italian official for Prof. Nancy Scheper-Hughes’ book on organ trafficking.

Social Security. 2007. Coded interviews and fieldnotes of Prof. Estes’ visits to Social Security offices.

Social Movements Theory. Since 2005 conducted fieldwork among seven chapters of the Gray Panthers to study their struggle for social justice and the impact of Maggie Kuhn’s legacy. Fieldwork included historical archival work, interviews, and participant observation. Initial research published in an article co-authored with Prof. Estes. Two articles are in progress with Profs. Estes (UCSF) and Hollister (UCSF).

DISSERTATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Carroll Estes (UCSF), Members: Nancy Scheper-Hughes (UC Berkeley), Sharon Kaufman (UCSF), Eric Klinenberg (New York University), and Chris Phillipson (Keele University, UK).

Dissertation Title: “Precariousness among older Americans living alone in San Francisco:
An ethnography.”

HONORS AND AWARDS

2003	David Starkweather Fellowship in Health Services Management	Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
2005	LifeLong Medical Care Scholarship	Lifelong Medical Care
2005	Graduate Dean’s Health Science Award	Graduate Division, UCSF
2006	Graduate Dean’s Health Science Award	Graduate Division, UCSF
2007	Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship	Women Health Care Executives
2007	Sigma Xi Scholarship	Sigma Xi
2007	Andrew Scholarship Fund	School of Nursing, UCSF
2007	Graduate Dean’s Health Science Award	Graduate Division, UCSF
2008	Graduate Dean’s Health Science Award	Graduate Division, UCSF
2009	Virginia Olesen Fellowship	Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF
2009	Soroptimist Fellowship	Soroptimist Association of Northern California
2009	White Fellowship	UC Humanities Research Institute
2009	Sigma Xi Scholarship	Sigma Xi
2010	Silver Jubilee Scholarship	American Association University Women
2010	Graduate Dean’s Health Science Award	Graduate Division, UCSF
2010	Carroll Estes Fellowship	Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF
2010	Anselm Strauss Fellowship	Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF

KEYWORDS/AREAS OF INTEREST

Urban sociology, critical gerontology, comparative studies, housing policies, living alone, deinstitutionalization, meaning of autonomy, disability.

AFFILIATIONS

Affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues at UC Berkeley starting March 2012.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

2004-2005

Development Planner, Lifelong Medical Care, Berkeley, CA
Primary care provider with revenues of US$17 million specialized in preventative services, health education, mental health and social services to a low-income population.

Managed foundations and federal grants. Streamlined processes related to geriatric services, referrals, community outreach and health education. Contributed to the strategic plan.

2004

Intern, Mental Health Department. Trieste, Italy.
One of the best worldwide best practices of de-institutionalization.

Coordinated the visit of the World Health Organization delegation from Palestine.

2004

Consultant, Center for Elders Independence, Oakland, CA.
Non- profit agency with revenues of US$20 million, part of the PACE Program.
CEI provides home care and day care to elders and disabled.

Conducted an in-depth survey among participants, caregivers and employees. Formulated recommendations to management on long-term strategy.

2003

Intern, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Created the basis for the framework for an international collaborating network in the field of long-term care. Contributed to the World Health Report 2004 section on aging and poverty, and fostered the exchange of information on research on aging mainly in Africa.

1995-2002

CNH Global NV, London, UK.
Global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of agricultural & construction equipment with revenues of US$12 billion, 27,000 employees and a network of 10,000 dealers.

Dealer Network Development Manager, Worldwide (2001-2002)

- Directed the creation and implementation of $500,000 worldwide Dealer Standard Program for three major brands leading to the assessment of 8,000 dealers measured on the achievement of 70 standards varying by brand and continent.
- Evaluated potential investment of CNH in e-business ventures.
- Played a key role in the provision of a corporate web-site to the dealer network.
- Managed all possible facets of training throughout the Company.

Customer Care Manager, Europe (1999-2000)

Led the European organization through a major cultural change shifting the focus from the product to the final customer, this involved managing a team of three and:
- Developed pan-European procedures to centralize the management of the customer care process, ensuring the resolution of more than 5000 cases per year. - Led cross-functional team aimed at appointing the provider of the European Customer Response Center.

Commercial Services Coordinator Italy, UK and Europe (1995-1998)

Coordinated and ensured the smooth introduction of new technologies among
220 field managers and 2,500 dealers and the subsequent creation of electronic data exchange processes.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Memberships

2005 - present	American Sociological Association, member
2006 - present	Women Health Care Executives, member
2007 - present	American Aging Association, member
2007 - present	Society for the Study of Social Problems, member
2007 - present	Gerontological Society of America, member
2009 - present	American Anthropological Association, member
2009 - present	American Association University Women, member
2010 - present	Sociologists for Women in Society, member

SERVICE TO PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

2011	Invited by the editor of Ageing and Society to review one submission on independence among older adults.

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

INTERNATIONAL

2012

2010

“Precariousness among older adults living alone in the Bay Area of San Francisco: An ethnography.” Centre for Social Gerontology, Keele University, UK. (oral presentation)

"The Myth of Independence for Older Americans Living Alone: A Critical Reflection." Center for Research on Families and Relationships, University of Edinburgh, UK. (oral presentation)

2008

"Living Alone in Older Age in the US: The Tyranny of Independence and Its Relation to Social Isolation and Other Hardships." Royal Geographical Society Annual Meeting, London, UK. (oral presentation)

2006

"Modelli di Deinstituzionalizzazione delle Persone Anziane negli Stati Uniti: l'Esempio di On Lok a San Francisco." Dipartimento di Geriatria, Universita' di Milano, Italy. (oral presentation)

NATIONAL

2011	"Is Age Segregation the Best Alternative for Older Americans Living Alone?" Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. (oral presentation)
2011	"Why Older Lesbians Living Alone Often Fare Better Than Other Older Women Living Alone?" Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. (oral presentation)
2011	"The Influence of Sexual Orientation in the Experience of Living Alone in Older Age in Urban America: Initial Findings." Women In Medicine Conference, Annual Meeting. Stowe, VE. (oral presentation)
2011	"The Influence of Housing Policies in the Wellbeing of Older Adults Living Alone in a Northern American City." Society for the Study of Social Problems, Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. (oral presentation)
2011	"The Gray Side of Bowling Alone: The Tattered Social Networks and Secret Agendas of Older San Franciscans Living Alone." Society for the Study of Social Interaction, Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV. (oral presentation)
2011	"The Influence of Housing Policies in the Experience of Living Alone in Older Age." American Aging Association, Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. (poster)
2009	"The Gray Panthers: What Future Ahead?" American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. (oral presentation with Carroll Estes and Brooke Hollister)
2009	"The Tyranny of Freedom Among Older Adults Living Alone and the Role of the Gramscian Organic Intellectual."Association of American Geographers, Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. (oral presentation)
2008	"The Invisible Struggles of Older Americans Living Alone." American Anthropological Association. Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. (oral presentation)
2007	"The Gray Panthers: Reflections on 35 years of critical analysis and social action." Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting. (oral presentation with Carroll Estes)
2007	"Maggie Kuhn, Social Theorist: Legacy of the Political Economy of Aging and Critical Gerontology."Gerontological Society of America, Annual Meeting. (oral presentation with Carroll Estes)

REGIONAL AND OTHER INVITED PRESENTATIONS

2012 2011	Living Alone in Older Age in San Francisco:Preliminary Investigations in the LGBT community.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Partnership. San Francisco, CA. (oral presentation) "Precariousness among older San Franciscans living alone." At Home When Growing Old, monthly meeting. San Francisco, CA. (oral presentation)
2011	""Precariousness among older San Franciscans living alone: An Ethnography." Sociologist for Women in Society, Bay Area Symposium. San Francisco, CA. (oral presentation)
2011	"One-Head Households, Inequality, and Social Policy." Course on "Families, Inequalities, and Social Policies," Sociology Department, UC Berkeley, CA. (oral presentation)
2010	"The Challenges of Living Alone in Older Age in Urban America." Course on "Sociology of the Family," Sociology Department, UC Berkeley, CA. (oral presentation)

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE

2007 - 2008

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Student representative at faculty meetings

PUBLIC SERVICE

2011 - present	Community Living Campaign. San Francisco, CA.	Member of the Board of Directors
2009 - present	Meals-On-Wheels. San Francisco, CA.	Friendly visitor
2006 - present	Gray Panthers. Berkeley, CA.	Member
2003 - present	Sacred Space Yoga Sanctuary. Berkeley, CA.	Volunteer
2009 - 2011	Little Brother Friends of the Elderly. San Francisco, CA.	Friendly visitor
2005 - 2005	On Lok. San Francisco, CA.	Friendly visitor of Italian-speaking participants.
2000 - 2001	St. Mary Church. London, UK.	Friendly visitor
1998 - 2001	Amnesty International. London, UK.	Volunteer
1994 - 1996	Associazione Volontari Ospedalieri (Association of Hospital Volunteers). Turin, Italy.	Friendly visitor in hospice ward

TEACHING AND MENTORING

TEACHING

POSTGRADUATE AND OTHER COURSES

Spring 2012	Adjunct Professor. One section of "Aging and Society," one section of "Life Course Development," and one section “Your Health.” Health Sciences Department, San Jose State University, CA.	Taught three classes attended by a total of 100 students.
Fall 2011	Adjunct Professor. One section of "Aging and Society" and two sections of "Life Course Development." Health Sciences Department, San Jose State University, CA.	Taught three classes attended by a total of 100 students.
Spring 2011	Reader."Families, Inequalities, and Social Policies." Sociology Department, UC Berkeley, CA.	Assisted Prof. Reed with grading assignments for a course attended by 100 students.
Fall 2010	Reader. "Sociology of the Family." Sociology Department, UC Berkeley, CA.	Assisted Prof. Reed with grading assignments for a course attended by 100 students.
Spring 2009	Adjunct Professor. "Writing Seminar." College of Applied Sciences & Arts, San Jose State University, CA.	Course attended by 30 students.
Spring 2009	Teaching Assistant. "Issues in Nursing." School of Nursing, UC San Francisco, CA.	Assisted Dean Dracup with setting up the course and with grading assignments of 80 graduate students
Spring 2008	Teaching Assistant. "Issues in Nursing." School of Nursing, UC San Francisco, CA.	Assisted Dean Dracup with setting up the course and with grading assignments of 80 graduate students
Fall 2008	Reader."Urban Sociology." Sociology Department, UC Berkeley, CA.	Assisted Prof. Ogutu with grading assignments for a course attended by 100 undergraduate students.
Spring 2007	Teaching Assistant. "Issues in Nursing." School of Nursing, UC San Francisco, CA.	Assisted Dean Dracup with setting up the course and with grading assignments of 80 graduate students.
Fall 2007	Graduate Student Instructor. “Anthropology of Affliction: Introduction to Critical Medical Anthropology.” Anthropology Department, UC Berkeley, CA.	Assisted Prof. Scheper-Hughes with setting up the course and with grading assignments. Taught two one-hour weekly sections to 28 undergraduate students.
	Teaching Assistant. “Poverty in the U.S.” Department of Anthropology/ School of Nursing, UC San Francisco, CA.	Assisted Prof. Kiefer in setting up the course and in facilitating the course attended by 12 graduate students.
Winter 2007	Teaching Assistant. “Health and Human Survival.” Department of Anthropology/ School of Nursing, UC San Francisco, CA.	Assisted Prof. Kiefer in setting up the course and in facilitating the course attended by 12 graduate students.
Fall 2004	Teaching Assistant. "Financial Accounting." Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, CA.	Assisted Prof. Nielsen in a course attended by 30 MBA evening students.
Spring 2004	Adjunct Professor. "Italian Level One." Department of Italian Studies, UC Berkeley, CA.	Taught Italian to 22 students in a course worth five units.

RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH AWARDS

PAST

(Principal Investigator)	02/01/2010 - 04/20/2011
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
The Myth of Independence for Lesbians Over 75 Living Alone in San Francisco: a Comparative Study.	$10,000 total

(Partner)	07/01/2010 - 06/30/2011
UCSF Partnership Program
Living alone in older age: a partnership between UCSF and Planning for Elders in the Central City.	$2000 total

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS