Marasco, Sue, PhD

Dr. Sue Marasco is a multidisciplinary intellectual and research leader serving as Assistant Director of Research Programs and Proposal Development at Case Western Reserve University.

With advanced training in bioethics, medical humanities, and history, Dr. Marasco bridges clinical research, program evaluation, and the direct support of patients. She is recognized for her expertise in trauma-informed program design, needs assessment, gap analysis, and sustainable funding strategies.

Dr. Marasco collaborates with researchers, clinicians, and community partners to accelerate translational science, develop innovative recovery programs, and support effective, evidence-based care for individuals with complex health and psychosocial need.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

• Translational Science and Program Development – Leading research support and program development within the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC), facilitating proposal development and strategic planning across a seven-institution consortium.
• Trauma-Informed Recovery and Mental Health – Designing, implementing, and evaluating trauma-informed programs for individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and complex social needs.
• Community-Engaged Research – Collaborating with law enforcement, public health, and community organizations to support long-term recovery and violence prevention, and to reduce barriers to care for underserved populations.
• Data-Driven Evaluation and Discourse Analysis – Applying advanced skills in data capture, outcome evaluation, and discourse analysis to support program effectiveness, acceptability, and scalability.

MAJOR PROJECTS & FUNDING

• Trauma-Informed Recovery Initiatives, Developed and sustained evidence-based trauma-informed programs recognized for diagnostic complexity and impact, including those funded by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Medicaid, and the Three Arches Foundation.
• Public Health and Violence Recovery Programs, irected and evaluated programs in partnership with the Cleveland Police Department and May Dugan Trauma Recovery Center, supporting Marsy’s Law implementation and expanding recovery services across Cuyahoga County.
• Translational Science Leadership, Over $5.4M in public safety and behavioral health awards from the U.S. Department of Justice, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Ohio State Legislature, supporting scalable, data-driven programs for vulnerable populations.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

• Cleveland Police Foundation for services to the Fourth District Community, Cleveland Department of Police, 2022
• Anisfield-Wolf Memorial Award from Center for Community Solutions for the May Dugan Trauma Recovery Center, Cleveland Foundation, 2018
• Mental Health Provider Award, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Cleveland, 2016