Susan D. Stewart is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at Iowa State University. She received her doctorate in sociology from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Stewart's professional areas of interest are gender, family, and demography and specifically how complex living arrangements affect the physical and emotional health of adults and children. Dr. Stewart is the author of BRAVE NEW STEPFAMILIES and just completed a new book, CO-SLEEPING IN FAMILIES. Her research has been supported by grants from the NICHD, USDA, Joint Center for Poverty Research, and the Annie E.

Casey Foundation. She has published papers on a diverse range of topics, including child and adolescent obesity, eating habits, nutrition, fertility intentions and behavior, child support and visitation, stepchild adoption, and women's financial literacy.