2024 Impact Magazine | The University of Alabama School of Social Work by School of Social Work

IMPACT MAGAZINE

Addressing the Grand Challenges through research

Eliminate racism

Promote smart

Promote smart decarceration

End homelessness

Eradicate social isolation

Close the health gap

Advance long and productive lives

Harnessing technology for social good

Create social responses to a changing environment

Build healthy relationships to end violence

Ensure healthy development for youth

Prevent gun violence

Build financial capability and assets for all

Reduce extreme economic

Reduce extreme economic inequality

Achieve equal opportunity and justice

WELCOME

From the Dean and Associate Dean

We are excited to launch the second edition of Impact Magazine, the School of Social Work’s annual research and innovation report! In it, I hope you enjoy stories of the incredible and innovative projects that our faculty, students, and staff have contributed to over the year. As you will see throughout this issue, the School has been buzzing with research, scholarly, and creative activities! Although our work has contributed positively towards addressing numerous Grand Challenges of Social Work, in this year’s issue we wanted to highlight our many projects that have featured harnessing technology for social good, with an emphasis on projects addressing artificial intelligence and its role in social work research, education, and practice.

The School is also excited to welcome UA’s new Vice President of Research, Dr. Bryan Boudouris, whose focus on the important of research impact has helped us start a new academic year with inspiration and enthusiasm! Under his leadership, our faculty, students, and staff look forward to another exciting year of discovery, collaboration, and change making.

October 2024

Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW Professor and Associate Dean of Research

Greetings,

Welcome to the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work Annual Research Report!

This report was created to provide the latest news in social work research and scholarship from our faculty, upcoming research events related to social work, and profile some of the accomplishments from our doctoral students who are preparing to launch social work careers. The report will also highlight the impact of our work with vulnerable communities, particularly as we focus on the Grand Challenges of Social Work.

It is my privilege to introduce the 2nd edition of the School of Social Work’s Impact Magazine, our Annual Research and Innovation Report from our Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, and the Office of Social Work Research. Enjoy!

From Left: Dean Schnavia Hatcher, Vice President of Research Bryan Boudaris, and Associate Dean of Research Nicole Ruggiano

Dean Schnavia Smith Hatcher

Faculty Accolades and News

Dr. Hyunjin Noh Selected as a Sojourns Scholarship Leadership Fellow

Dr.HyunjinNoh

Dr.HyunjinNohwasawardedtheprestigiousSojournsScholarLeadershipFellowshipfrom theCambiaHealthFoundationthisyear.Thefellowship,whichsupportspalliativecare scholars,comeswitha$180Kgrantforherproject,"AdvancingaCarePlanningEducational InterventionforKoreanAmericanImmigrants."Forherproject,Dr.Nohformeda communityadvisoryboardofKoreanleadersinAlabamatoguideherprojectandheld focusgroupstounderstandattitudestowardend-of-lifecareintheKorean immigrantcommunity.Thesediscussionsrevealedsignificantculturalstigmas andmisconceptions,aswellastheneedforaculturallytailoredapproachtocare planning.Additionally,Dr.Nohisreceivingleadershiptraininginpolicypractice toenhanceherresearchandadvocacyinpalliativecare,whichsheaimstoexpandto otherimmigrantgroupsandinfluencepolicyinAlabama.Dr.Nohreportsthather experienceasaSojournsScholarhasbeeninstrumentalindevelopinganin-depth understandingoftheintersectionsbetweenpalliativecareandhealthcarepolicy

Dr. Nicole Ruggiano and Her Team Win the Culverhouse College of Business Entrepreneurial Growth Business Award

In2024,Dr.RuggianopresentedherAlabamaCaregiverConnectappattheUAFaculty& StaffInnovationPitchCompetition,winningtheCulverhouseCollegeofBusiness EntrepreneurialGrowthBusinessAward.Thisprize,thecompetition’ssecond-largest, recognizesventureswithstronggrowthpotentialaseitheranon-profitorfor-profit.

CaregiverConnectisagroundbreakingcrowdsourcedmappingtoolthathelpscaregivers byallowingthemtosharethelocationandinformationaboutlocalservicesandresources thatsupportpeoplewithdementiaandtheirfamilies.Usingartificialintelligence(AI) algorithms,theappisdesignedtoevaluatetheinformationenteredbycommunitymembers foraccuracyandorganizetheinformationtomakeiteasierforthemtofind.

CaregiverConnectisacollaborationbetweentheSchoolofSocialWorkandtheUA CollegeofEngineering,withDr.MonicaAndersonastheleadcomputerscientistfor theteam.Launchedin2020withNSFfunding,theinitiativealsohasthepotential forsupportingpublichealthinitiativesthatsupportcaregiversandpeoplewith cognitivedecline.Lastyear,UAundergraduatecomputersciencestudents contributedtotheapp’sdevelopmentaspartoftheirseniorcapstoneproject. TheprizemoneywillbeusedtorefinetheappbeforeapplyingforalargerNSF grant.Theteam’ssuccessunderscorestheapp’ssignificancefordementiacaresupport. MoredetailscanbefoundattheAlabamaCaregiverConnectInitiativewebsite: https://caregiverconnect.ua.edu/.

Dr.NicoleRuggiano

Dr.Monica Anderson

The Office of Social Work Research Awards

Three New Pilot Grants

MSW

ProgramDirectorandClinicalAssistantProfessorDr.DalilaJohnhasbeen awardedapilotgrantforherproject,"SocialSkillsandRelationshipDevelopment betweenChildrenwithAutismandTheirPeers."ThisprojectwilladapttheStay,Play, &Talkintervention,pairingschool-agechildrenwithautismwithtypicallydevelopingpeerstoenhancesocialskills.Theinterventionwillincludeparent-based trainingandinvolvepre-andpost-assessmentstoevaluateitsimpacton socializationandpeerrelationships.Dr.John’sinnovativeapproachaimsto improvesocialskillsandrelationshipsforchildrenwithautismandtheir typicallydevelopingpeers.Thisgrantsupportsherdedicationtomaking asignificantdifferenceinthelivesofchildrenwithautismandtheir families.

Dr.DalilaJohn

AssistantProfessorDr.HyunjuneLeereceiveda pilotgrantawardforhisproject,entitled,UnderstandingArtificialIntelligence(AI)LiteracyandEthical CompetenceAmongCollegeStudentsintheSocial Sciences:AComprehensiveMixed-MethodsInvestigation.”For thisprojecthewillinvestigateAIliteracyandethicalcompetence amongcollegestudentsinthesocialsciences.Currently,thereisa criticalgapinaddressingacriticalgapinAIeducationfordisciplines outsideofSTEM.Thismixed-methodsstudywillexplorestudents’ understanding,attitudes,experiences,ethicalcompetence,andeducationalneeds regardingAI.ItwillalsosurveyAIliteracyandethicalcompetenceamongasample of200socialsciencestudentsattheUniversityofAlabama.Attheendoftheproject Dr.Leewilldisseminatehisfindingsthroughatownhallmeetingwithstudentsandfaculty atUA,gatheringfeedbacktoinformthedevelopmentofinterventionstrategiesfor enhancingAIliteracyandethicalcompetence.

Dr.LindamarieOlson

AssistantProfessor,Dr.LindamarieOlsonreceivedanawardforherstudy, entitled, Pilot Study of Neurofeedback for Adolescents with Histories of Trauma Exposure. ForthisprojectDr.Olsonwillconductarandomized controlledtrialtoevaluatetheeffectsofaneurofeedback interventionforyouthwithahistoryoftrauma.Participantsin thisstudywilllearntoself-regulateastheytraintheirbrain activitythrough30sessionsofEEGguidedneuro-feedback. Theirbehaviorwillbeevaluatedatfivetimepointsduringthe study.

Dr.HyunjuneLee

Welcoming Our New Research Faculty!

TheSchoolofSocialWorkattheUniversityofAlabamaisproudtowelcome Dr.BrianE.BrideasProfessorandHillCrestFoundationEndowedChairin MentalHealth.Withanimpressiveacademicbackgroundandaprolificc career,Dr.Bride’sworkhasmadesignificantcontributionstothefields ofmentalhealth,traumaticstress,andsubstanceuse.

Dr.BrianBride

Internationallyrecognizedforhispioneeringresearchon secondarytraumaticstress(STS),Dr.Bridedevelopedthe SecondaryTraumaticStressScale,whichisnowusedglobally andhasbeentranslatedintomorethantwodozenlanguages. Hisresearchfocusesonunderstandingtheimpactoftrauma exposureonthoseinhelpingprofessionsandcreatingstrategiesto mitigatethenegativeeffects.HisworkonSTShasledtohimbeingnamed oneofthe"world'stop2%ofscientists"andoneofthe"top50globalsocial workscholars."

Dr.Bride’sextensivebodyofworkincludeshighlyregardedpublications,suchashis foundationalarticle,PrevalenceofSecondaryTraumaticStressAmongSocialWorkers,and DevelopmentandValidationoftheSecondaryTraumaticStressScale,whichcollectivelyhave almost3,000citations.AshestepsintohisnewroleatUA,Dr.Bridewillcontinuehisvitalresearch,contributingto bothacademicscholarshipandreal-worldapplicationsthatenhancementalhealthservicesandsupportthewell-being ofthosewhoprovidethem.Weareexcitedtoseetheimpactofhisworkonourcommunityandbeyond.

IncomingAssistantProfessor,Dr.SamanthaGuz(she/her)isacriticalsocialworkscholar focusingondismantlingthetiesbetweenpubliceducationandtheprisonindustrialcomplex. Withextensivedirectpracticeexperience,Dr.Guzexamineshowsocialforcesand organizationaldynamicsaffectschoolpractitionersandfamilies.Herresearch highlightsthreecentralprocesses:(1)theinfluenceofpolicyandthenon-profit sectoronpubliceducation,(2)hownarrativesofrace,gender,anddisability intersectwithdirectpractice,and(3)howdirectpracticecanempower familiesnavigatingthepubliceducationsystem.Throughherresearch, sheprovidestoolsforpractitionersandactiviststocreatemeaningful changeintheirorganizationsandcommunities.Hercurrent researchcentersontheschool-prisonnexus,specificallyhow alternativehighschooltransferscontributetostudentpushout. Additionally,Dr.Guz'swiderangeofpublicationscovers topicssuchasschool-basedmentalhealthservices,racialjustice ineducation,andyouthmentalhealthinterventions,helpingshape thefutureofschoolsocialworkandeducationalpolicy.

Dr.SamGuz

Herteachingandresearchbridgepracticeandpolicy,offeringinsightsinto howschoolsocialworkcantransformbothpractitionerengagementandfamily outcomes,whileherworkcontinuestosupportactivistsandeducatorsinadvancing socialjusticeinschools.

Welcome Back from Sabattical!

AssociateProfessorDr.LeahCheathamwasonsabbaticalduringthespring2024semester. Dr.Cheathamrecentlyconductedastudyonhealthcareaccessamongyouthinfostercare whohavedisabilities.ThisprojectwasfundedbytheDorisDukeFoundation.Dr. Cheathamutilizedhertimeonsabbaticaltoadvancethiswork,withaparticularfocus ondisseminatingprojectfindingstobroaderaudiences.Herdisseminationplans includedaninternationalpresentationattheannualmeetingoftheEuropean ScientificAssociationonResidentialandFamilyCareforChildren (EUSARF),whichtookplaceattheUniversityofSussexinBrighton, England.Dr.Cheathamsaysthatoneofthepositiveoutcomesofher sabbaticalactivitieswasthatshewasabletoexpandhernetworkof collaborators,includingpartnershipswithresearchersatGeorge MasonUniversityandtheUniversityatBuffalo.This allowedhertogainnewperspectivesonherresearch agenda.Sheexplained,“Oneofmynewcollaboratorsisa healtheconomist,whowasabletoputanewlensonthework thatI’vebeendoing.We’vebeenconnectingaboutsomeofthe Medicaidageexpansionsforyouthwholeavefostercareaspartofthe AffordableCareActandhighlightingsomeoftheimplementation challengesassociatedwiththatpolicyinitiative.Wehavebeenbrainstorming abouthowtoensurethepolicyeffectivelyreachesmoreyouth.”

Dr.LeahCheatham

EUSARFParticipantsatthe UniversityofSussex

Dr.Cheathamin Brighton,England

Thetimingofhersabbaticalwasideal, coincidingwiththerecentcollectionofa substantialamountofqualitativedatathatneeded analysis."Ihadatonofdataonhealthcare access,"Dr.Cheathamsaid."Qualitativedatais incrediblyrich,butmyregularscheduledidn’t allowmethetimetocreativelyconsiderhowto sharethesefindingsanddeterminethenext steps."Dr.Cheatham’sultimategoalistoensure herfindingsareaccessiblebeyondacademic circles.Sheiscommittedtomakingherresearchavailabletothe public,enhancingtheimpactofherworkonhealthcareaccessfor vulnerableyouth.

Dr.Cheatham’ssabbaticalhasnotonlyadvancedherresearchbut alsostrengthenedhercollaborationsandbroadenedthereachof herimportantfindings.TheSchoolofSocialWorklooksforward tothecontinuedimpactofherworkinthefield. 6

SOCIALWORK 4.0

HARNESSING AI FOR SOCIAL GOOD

We are currently living in an era where technology is advancing at a rapid pace and artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in social work education, practice, and research. AI has the potential for reshaping social work and can be instrumental in improving outcomes for the individuals, communities, and organizations social workers interact with. However, there have also been many criticisms about integrating AI in social work, with many wondering how we can use it to advance social work goals in ways that are effective and ethical.

Several faculty within the School of Social Work have been addressing the Grand Challenge of Harnessing Technology for Social Good through projects that focus on AI. Learn more about how their innovative and groundbreaking projects are changing the landscape of technology and social work.

Exploring the AI Frontier

In May 2024 the Office of Social Work Research received a competitive grant from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to study the health and human service workforce training needs related to AI. A true collaborative effort, the project team is led by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano and includes several faculty members who are also administrators within the School: Drs. Dalila John, Schnavia Hatcher, Sebrena Jackson, Dione King, Hyunjin Noh, and Sherron Wilkes.

The project will include surveys and focus groups with students, faculty, and external stakeholders to examine knowledge and needs related to AI. The data collected will be used for strategic planning and curriculum development. One of the outcomes of the project will be a pilot BSW course on social work practice with communities that will teach students how to use AI tools to address community needs.

Similarly, Dr. Hyunjune Lee is exploring the use and perspectives of AI among students. He has launched a pioneering study aimed at uncovering university students' knowledge and experiences with AI. Funded by the Office of Social Work Research Small Grant Program, Dr. Lee's project focuses on a demographic that is both highly connected digitally yet variably informed about the mechanisms and implications of AI technologies. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between the use of everyday technology and the understanding of AI’s capabilities and challenges," Dr. Lee explains. By surveying

“It's vital that the future workforce is not only adept at using AI but also cognizant of its ethical and social impacts."

~ Dr. Hyunjune Lee

universitystudents,histeamhopesto identifynotjustlevelsofawarenessbut alsoattitudestowardsAI,rangingfrom ethicalconcernstoexcitementabout itspossibilities.

Dr.Lee'sresearchisparticularly timely,giventherapiddeploymentof AItoolsinfieldssuchashealthcare, finance,andevensocialwork."It's vitalthatthefutureworkforceisnot onlyadeptatusingAIbutalso cognizantofitsethicalandsocial impacts,"Dr.Leenotes.Theoutcomes ofthisstudyareexpectedtoguide curriculumdevelopmentsinhigher education,ensuringthatprogramsare alignedwiththeevolvingtechnologicallandscapeandpreparing studentseffectivelyforthefuture.

Throughaseriesofsurveysandfocus groups,theprojectwillalsoexplore students'personalexperienceswithAI, fromchatbotsandvirtualassistantsto moresophisticatedusesineducational toolsandpersonaldevices."We're particularlyinterestedinhowstudents perceiveAI'sroleinenhancingor complicatingtheirlivesandstudies," saysDr.Lee.

TheimplicationsofDr.Lee'sstudy extendbeyondacademia.Byshedding lightontheeducationalneedsrelated toAI,thefindingscouldinfluence policydecisionsandstrategicplanning ineducationsystemsworldwide. Moreover,understandingstudent perspectiveswillprovidevaluable insightsfortechnologydevelopers aimingtocreatemoreintuitiveand beneficialAIapplications.

AsDr.Lee'sresearchprogresses,it promisesnotonlytomapthecurrent landscapeofAIfamiliarityamong youngadultsbutalsotospark discussionsonhowbesttointegrateAI educationintostandardcurricula.This initiativenotonlyhighlightstherole

" The needs of people with dementia and their care partners varies greatly. Chatbots offer an opportunity for providing tailored patient education and support, which may make them more likely to use them .”

~ Dr. Nicole Ruggiano

ofacademicresearchintechnology adoptionbutalsounderscorestheneed foraninformedapproachtotheAI revolutionsweepingacrossevery sectorofsociety.

Revolutionizing Dementia Care with AI

Intheworldofdementiacare, maintainingqualityoflifeforpatients andeasingtheburdenoncaregiversis apersistentchallenge.Dr.Nicole Ruggiano,aleadingresearcherinthe fieldofhealthcaretechnology,is makingsignificantstridestoward addressingthesechallengesthrough thedevelopmentofAItoolsdesigned tosupportindividualslivingwith dementiaandtheirfamilies.

Dr.Ruggiano'steamhasfocusedon creatinginnovativesolutionsthat leverageAItoprovidereal-time, accessiblesupport.Oneoftheirmost promisingdevelopmentsisan educationalandsupportivechatbot forcaregiversofpeoplelivingwith dementia.ThisAIresourcewaspart ofamultifunctionalmobileappand wasdesignedtoanswercommon questionsaboutdementiaand caregiving.Whentheappwastested inarecentstudyfundedbythe AgencyforHealthcareQualityand Research,theresearchersfoundthat thechatbotwastheapp'smost popularfeature,underliningthe

“Little ALAI”

criticalneedforimmediate,reliable informationinthecaregiving community.

Encouragedbythesuccessofthis feature,Dr.Ruggianoispartnering withresearchersfromFlorida InternationalUniversityandthe UniversityofCaliforniaatRiversidetoexpandtheireffortsto supportolderadultsinprimary carewhoareconcernedabout memoryloss.

TheimplicationsofDr. Ruggiano'sworkareprofound.By integratingAIintothedaily managementofdementiacare,her researchnotonlypromisesto transformthecaregiverexperience byreducingstressanduncertainty

butalsoempowersthoselivingwith dementiatomanagetheircondition moreeffectively.

Asthisresearchprogresses,the potentialtoinfluencepublichealth strategiesandhealthcaredeliveryis immense.Dr.Ruggiano'steamis pioneeringapaththatmanybelieve couldleadtowidelyaccessible digitalsolutionsfordementiacare, markingasignificantadvanceinthe intersectionoftechnologyand healthcare.

Byfocusingonuser-friendly,AIdriventools,Dr.Ruggianoisnot justenhancingthecarethat dementiapatientsreceive;sheisalso shapingthefutureofhowwethink aboutandmanagechronic

conditionsandmentalhealthinan agingpopulation.Asthisexcitingfield ofresearchdevelops,itholdsthe promiseofofferingmorenuancedand substantialsupportsystemsforoneof themostvulnerablesegmentsof society.

Revolutionizing Opioid Abuse Interventions with AI-Driven Solutions

Dr.HeeYunLeeiscurrently collaboratingwithateamof researcherstoimprovepolicyand serviceresponsestothecurrentopioid abuseepidemicbyharnessingAI. Althoughissuesassociatedwiththe opioidepidemicimpactbothhealth careandjusticesystems,datacollected withineachofthesesystemshasbeen siloed.Asaresult,decisionmakers experiencebarriersinfullygrasping whatisgoingonincommunities.

Dr. Jiaqi Gong, Associate Professor in UA’s College of Engineering and Dr. Hee Yun Lee, Professor in the School of Social Work, are leading an NSF-funded study that aims to revolutionize the management of public data related to the opioid crisis. They are also leading efforts at the University to launch its new Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (ALA-AI). Dr. Gong will serve as the center’s Inaugural Directors and Dr. Lee will service as one of two Co-Directors for the Center along with Dr. Sergei Gleyzer, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy.

Thisambitiousproject,whichwas fundedbytheNationalScience Foundation,aimstoestablishanopen knowledgenetworkthatwillharness healthandjusticedatarelatedto opioidabuse.Bydoingso,itseeksto unearthpatternsandsolutionsthatare oftenobscuredwithintraditionaldata analysismethods.Dr.JiaqiGong,who isanAssociateProfessorintheUA CollegeofEngineeringandlead scientistontheprojectelaborates, "Ourobjectiveistocreateasystem whereAIcanbringtogetherdisparate datasourcestorevealnewinsights intoopioidabuse,whichcanthen informpolicyandintervention strategies."

Theprojecthassignificant implicationsforthefieldofsocial work.TheintegrationofAIinto managingandunderstandingopioid abusethroughthisopenknowledge networkcouldsetanewstandardfor howdataisutilizedinsocialworkand

publichealthfields.Thepotential forthesetoolstoprovidetimelyand effectiveinterventionsisimmense, signalingasignificantshifttowards moredata-informedapproachesin tacklingsomeofsociety'smost challengingissues.Dr.Leeprovides anexampleofhowsomeAlabama communitieslacksubstanceabuse facilitiesandthereforethosewho needtreatmentmayhavetodrive twohoursormoreforservices.The informationfromtheopen knowledgenetworkcanhelp identifysuchgapstoimproveaccess toservicedelivery. Ethicalconsiderationsaredeeply embeddedintheproject's frameworktoensurethattheAI systemsaugmenthumandecisionmakingwithoutsupplantingthe essentialhumantouchthatisso crucialinsocialwork."Wemustbe vigilantabouttheethicaldimensions ofemployingAIinsuchsensitive areas,"assertsDr.Lee."Ourgoalis tousetechnologytosupportand enhancehumanefforts,notto replacethem."

Dr.Lee’sroleontheprojectfocuses oncollectingandanalyzingdata fromhealthandhumanservice leadersinAlabamatolearnmore abouttheirperspectivesaboutAIso theteamcanbetterunderstandthe needsofpotential endusersofthenetwork.However, shesaysthatmanyarenotfamiliar withAIandthateducationand trainingwillbeneededtointegrate thefindingsofthisstudyinto practice.

TheworkofDrs.GongandLeeis notjustpioneeringinthefieldof socialwork;italsoexemplifiesthe powerofinterdisciplinary

collaborationtocreatesolutionsthat areascompassionateastheyare innovative.Thisprojectunderscores theUniversityofAlabama’sroleasa leaderinmarryingtechnologywith socialcare,aimingtomakea substantialimpactontheopioid crisisandbeyond.

Advancing Qualitative Data Analysis on HIV Prevention Using AI

AssociateProfessorDr.KarenJohnson isleveragingAItoenhancequalitative dataanalysisinherworkwithHIV preventionamongAfricanAmerican womenwhohavebeeninvolvedwith thecriminaljusticesystem.Her project,whichispartofherNIA careerdevelopmentaward,focuseson tailoringanevidence-based interventionforAfricanAmerican womenintheBlackBeltcommunities ofAlabamawhoareatincreasedrisk forcontractingHIV.

OneofthecentralchallengesDr. Johnsonaddressesisthedeficitintrust thatthesewomenexperiencewhen engagingwithhealthcareandlegal providers,acriticalfactorinHIV transmissionandcareadherence.In ordertobetterunderstandandaddress thistrustissue,sheisutilizingAIto analyzelargeamountsofqualitative datafrominterviewsandfocusgroups withbothat-riskwomenandadiverse rangeofproviderswithinthecriminal justiceandhealthsystems.AIenables hertoidentifypatternsandthemesin theconversationsthatmightnotbe immediatelyapparentthrough traditionalqualitativeanalysismethods. Thisanalysisallowshertocompare datafromtheSouthwithdatafrom datacollectedthroughsimilarprojects intheNortheast,highlightingregional differencesinhowtrustisbuiltor eroded.

Dr. Karen Johnson’s NIH-funded study will use AI to analyze qualitative data from African American women in the Black Belt region of Alabama who are at-risk of contracting HIV to learn more about how to develop trust towards providers.

OneoftheinnovativeaspectsofDr. Johnson’sprojectisherexplorationof knowledgegraphs—avisual representationoftheconnections betweenthemesinthedata.These graphshelptoscaffoldunderstanding acrossdifferentecologicallevels,from individualtosystemic,revealingthe intergenerationalandstructural driversofdistrust.WhileAIholds tremendouspromiseforuncovering theseinsights,Dr.Johnsonalso acknowledgesthechallengesof workingwithAI,including overcominginherentbiasesinthe dataandrefiningtheAI’spromptsto yieldreliableoutputs.

Dr.JohnsoncollaborateswithAI experts,includingDr.JiaqiGong,to furtherherunderstandingofhow largelanguagemodelsandotherAI toolscanbeappliedtoqualitative research.Despitethecomplexities, Dr.Johnsonremainsexcitedabout thepotentialofAItotransformthe waysocialworkresearchis conducted,particularlyinitsability tobridgegapsinunderstanding betweenpractitionersand marginalizedpopulations. HerultimategoalistousetheseAIdriveninsightstocreateamechanism forfosteringtrustinproviders,which canthenbeintegratedintoHIV preventioninterventionstailoredfor BlackwomenintheDeepSouth. Thisnovelapproach,combiningAI withsocialworkresearch,offersa promisingpathwaytoaddressing long-standinghealthdisparitiesin vulnerablecommunities.

Leadership in Harnessing Technology for Social Good

AssociateDean,Dr.SebrenaJackson, isleadingthechargeasco-leadfor

theGrandChallengesofSocialWork initiative'sgoaltoharnesstechnology forsocialgood.Inthisrole,Dr. Jacksonisspearheadingeffortsto leverageAItosolvesomeofsociety's mostpressingissueswhileensuring thattheseadvancesbenefiteveryone, especiallyvulnerablepopulations.

Asco-leadofthetechnologyinitiative, Dr.Jacksonisnotonlyfocusingonthe poweroftechnologybutalso advocatingforkeypolicy recommendationstoguideitsethical andinclusiveuse.Amongthetop prioritiesismakingAIpolicy developmentandapplicationsmore inclusive.Dr.Jacksonemphasizesthe needtoinvolvediversevoicesinthe creationandgovernanceofAI technologiestoensuretheyare accessibleandequitableforall communities.“AIhasincredible

As co-lead for the Grand Challenge of Harnessing Technology for Social Good, Dr. Sebrena Jackson is working with a group of talented educators and researchers to navigate the world of AI within the social work discipline: Jonathan Singer, Lauri Goldkind, John Bricout, Johanna Creswell Baez, Steven Anderson, and Jennfer Parga. The group has already started disseminating their work through webinars and policy briefs focused on AI in social work research, education, and practice.

Several SSW Administrators are collaborating to examine the potential role and perspectives of integrating AI into social work education and practice.

From left: Drs. Nicole Ruggiano, Schnavia Hatcher, Dalila John, Sherron Wilkes, Dione King, Hyunjin Noh, and Sebrena Jackson

potential,butwemustbringmarginalizedvoicesintotheconversationsoit doesn’tleaveanyonebehind,”saysDr. Jackson.

Anothercrucialpolicyrecommendation isprioritizingAIliteracyineducation. Dr.Jackson’sleadershipunderscoresthe importanceofequippingthenext generationofsocialworkerswiththe skillsandknowledgetonavigateand leveragetechnologyeffectively."We wanttomakesurethatsocialworkers andthecommunitiestheyserve understandhowAIcanbeatoolfor positivechange,"sheexplains.

WithsupportofDr.Jackson’s leadership,theinitiativeispushingfor thesepolicychangestoguidehow technologyisdevelopedandappliedin socialservices.Theirworkisnotonly advancingthefieldofsocialworkbut alsohelpingshapeafuturewhere technologyisusedethicallyand inclusivelytoimprovelivesand strengthencommunities.

“Technology should enhance human connections and support, not replace them.” ~Dr. Sebrena Jackson

ExpandingResearchtoDriveChange:YSI’sGrowingRole inYouthServicesPolicy

TheYouthServicesInstitute(YSI),partoftheUniversityof Alabama’sSchoolofSocialWork,haslongbeencommitted tosupportingyouthinthejuvenilejusticesystem.Known foroperatingkeyprogramssuchastheCertifiedTherapist forAdolescentswithProblematicSexualBehavior (CTAPSB),theContinuumofCareProgram(COCP),and TraumaSystemsTherapy(TST),YSIhastraditionally focusedondirectservicedelivery.Now,theinstituteis expandingitsreachbyincreasingresearcheffortsaimedat improvingpoliciesandprogramsforyouthacrossAlabama.

Dr.MandiFowler,ProgramDirectorandleadresearcherat YSI,isattheforefrontofthisshift.Inpartnershipwith AssociateProfessorDr.Lewis Lee,theirteamisanalyzing datafromtheAlabamaDepartmentofYouthServices(DYS) tobetterunderstandrecidivism —whenyoungpeoplereoffendafterbeingreleasedfrom residentialcare.“We’relearningmorewitheachnewdata set,”saysDr.Fowler.“TheseinsightshelpDYSmake informeddecisionsaboutplacementsandinterventionsthat canreducereoffending.”YSI’snewresearcheffortsaren’t justhelpingimproveindividualprograms—theyare guidingpolicydecisionsatthestatelevel.Dr.Fowler’steam looksatfactorslikeriskscoresandneedsassessmentsto determinewhichprogramsworkbestfordifferentgroups, suchasgirlsoryouthinspecificplacements.

“Our research helps Alabama’s Department of Youth Services understand where to direct resources to have the biggest impact.”

~ Dr. Mandi Fowler

solutions,allowingittomovebeyonditstraditionalrolein servicedeliverytobecomeakeyplayerinshapingjuvenile justicepolicy.Byevaluatingprogramsandproviding evidence-basedrecommendations,YSIisinfluencing decisionsoncommunity-basedprogramminganddiversion effortsthathelpreducethenumberofyouthentering deeperlevelsofthejusticesystem.Inadditiontoits partnershipwithDYS,YSIcollaborateswithother organizations,liketheTuscaloosaChildren’sCenter,and supportsgrantproposalsandprogramevaluationstofurther itsmission.Theseresearcheffortsnot onlyenhancesYSI’sexistingservicesbut alsoensurethatprogramsarecontinuouslyimprovedbasedonsoliddata.

ThisshiftrepresentsYSI’sgrowingfocusondata-driven

“Thoughwe’restillearlyinthisresearch,we’realready seeinghowitcandrivebetterdecision-makingand improveoutcomesforyouth,”saysDr.Fowler.By expandingitsresearchactivities,YSIiscreatingamodelfor otherstates,showinghowdatacanguidesmarterpoliciesin juvenilejustice.YSI’sgrowingresearchfocushighlightsits evolvingrole,notjustinprovidingservices,butasaleader inreforminghowjuvenilejusticeprogramsoperate. Throughthisapproach,theinstituteismakingalasting impactonthefutureofyouthservicesinAlabamaand beyond.

Dr. Fowler and her colleagues from Oklahoma University and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy have been invited to serve on a panel to share their expertise on juvenile justice at the 2024 National Conference on Youth Justice, convened by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington DC, November 2024.

Dr.MandiFowler

Dr.LewisLee

GLOBE TROTTING

EXPANDING DISCOVERY AND

IMPACT TO COMMUNITIES ABROAD

Ourfacultymembersaredeeplycommittedtoresearchthat addressestheGrandChallengesofSocialWork,makinga positiveimpactoncommunitieslocally,nationally,and internationally.Discoverpivotalprojectsthathighlightthe reachandinfluenceoftheirworkbeyondlocalboundariesto globalarenas.Theseinitiativesnotonlyaddressmajorsocial challengesbutalsoemphasizetheuniversalimpactof collaborativeandinnovativeresearchacrosscontinents.Join usinexploringtheseinspiringeffortsandthesignificant stridesourresearchersaremakingontheglobalstage.

D BRIDGING CULTURES AND ADVANCING END-OF-LIFE RESEARCH

r.EllenCsikai'ssemesterinMurcia,Spain,asa FulbrightScholarnotonlyofferedheraunique opportunitytoimmerseherselfinadifferent

culturebutalsoallowedhertosignificantlyadvanceherresearchonend-of-lifecareandcaregiversupport.Duringher timeattheUniversityofMurcia,Dr.Csikaiengageddeeplywiththelocalacademiccommunity,forgingvaluable collaborationsthatunderscoredtheuniversalimportanceofherwork.Theexperiencegaveheranopportunitytowork closelywithaninterdisciplinarygroupofcolleaguesastheyfocusedonprojectsthataddresspressingissuessurrounding end-of-lifecareacrossUS.andSpanishcultures.

OneofDr.Csikai’ssignificantcontributionsduringherstaywasguestlecturinginanEUprojectforstudentsfrom acrosstheEuropeanUnion.Herseminars,whichfocusedontopicslikedeathandanxiety,werehailedbystudentsas someofthemostimpactfulcontentoftheprogram,highlightingherabilitytoengagewithdiverseinternational audiencesonsensitivesubjectsthatareoftenleftunexplored.

“The Fullbright Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime to go to another country and meet colleagues in-person, because there’s only so much we can do online.”

~ Dr. Ellen Csikai

Beyondherteaching,Dr.Csikai'sworkinSpainwas partofalargereffortundertheEUniWellConsortium, whichincludesseveraluniversitiesworkingtoenhance collaborativeresearchacrossEurope.Sheplayeda pivotalroleinaprojectproposalaimingtofoster internationalcooperationonherresearchthemes, showingthepotentialofacademicexchangesto catalyzesignificantresearch endeavors.

Dr.Csikai’sexperienceillustratestheprofoundimpact oftheFulbrightPrograminfacilitatingnotjustthe exchangeofideasbutalsoinnurturingpersonaland professionalgrowth.Herstoryisatestamenttothe enrichingexperiencesthatawaitthosewillingtostep outoftheircomfortzonesandengagewiththeglobal academiccommunity.

ReflectingonhertimeinSpain,Dr.Csikaiemphasized theirreplaceablevalueofin-personinteractions,which enhanceunderstandingandsolidifyinternational partnershipsmoreeffectivelythanvirtual communications.HerjourneythroughtheFulbright Programnotonlyadvancedherresearchbutalsoleftan indeliblemarkonhercareerandtheinstitutions involved,encouragingamoreinterconnectedand collaborativeapproachtoglobalchallenges.

Catedral de Marcia, Spain

Dr. Ellen Csikai (Center) with colleagues at the University of Murcia, Dr. Jesús A. Guillamón Ayala (Left), Professor of Social Work and Vice-Dean of Institutional Relations and Communication; and Dr. Marina Llanos Olmos Soria (Right), Professor of Psychology and Vice-Dean of Internationalization.

EXPLORING INNOVATIONS IN DEMENTIA CARE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

InApril2024,Dr.NicoleRuggianoembarkedonan inspiringsix-weekadventureasavisitingscholaratthe UniversityofEdinburghinScotland.Hermission?To delveintohowtechnology,services,andpoliciesarebeing usedtosupportfamiliesaffectedbyAlzheimer’sdisease.Dr. Ruggiano’sinterestinScotlandbeganafewyearsagowhen herteamconductedastudyoncommercialchatbots designedtoassistpeoplewithdementiaandtheircaregivers. Chatbots,poweredbyartificialintelligence(AI),are softwareprogramsthatrespondtousers’textorverbal inputs.Dr.Ruggiano’steamevaluateddementia-focused chatbotsavailableonGooglePlayandtheAppleAppStore todeterminetheirsuitabilityforsupportingdementiacare. Theresults,publishedinthe Journal of Medical Internet Research,revealedthatwhilegeneralchatbotslikeAlexa, Siri,andChatGPTarequiteadvanced,thosedesignedfor dementiacarearestillintheirearlystages.

“Onechatbotstoodout,”Dr.Ruggianoshared.“Itwas developedthroughacollaborationbetweenresearchersat theUniversityofEdinburghandAlzheimer’sScotland,an advocacyorganizationsimilartotheAlzheimer’sAssociation intheU.S.”Intriguedbytheirwork,Dr.Ruggianoreached outtoDr.LeahMacCaden,anursingscholaratthe UniversityofEdinburgh,whoseresearchalsofocuseson supportivetechnologiesfordementia.

Duringherstay,Dr.RuggianoattendedseveralconferencesinEdinburgh andGlasgowandpresentedherresearchattheUniversityofEdinburgh’s AdvanceCareResearchCenter.“Iwasamazedathowtheresearch,services, andpolicysystemsinScotlandemphasizedthelivedexperiencesofpeople withdementiaandtheircaregivers,”shesaid.“Imetresearchers whoarefindingbetterwaystoinvolvepeoplewithdementiainthedesign andimplementationofresearchstudiesandpolicy.IntheU.S.,wefocuson community-partneredresearch,butnottothesameextent.”

Whennotimmersedinherresearch,Dr.Ruggianoenjoyedexploringthe vibrantcultureofEdinburgh.Sherelishedthecity’soutdooramenities, especiallyHolyroodPark,ashortten-minutewalkfromherdowntown residence.Thepark’sdormantvolcanoofferedstunningviewsandapopular hikingspot.Dr.Ruggianoplanstopursuemoregrantopportunitiestobuild onthepartnershipsshedevelopedintheU.K.,furtheringherdedicationto improvingdementiacarethroughinnovativeresearchandcollaboration.

Drs. Nicole Ruggiano and Leah MaCaden. Dr. MaCaden is a nursing scholar at the UniversityofEdinburgh

Dr.NicoleRuggianoatEdinburghCastle

HEALING THROUGH MOVEMENT: YOGA-BASED THERAPY FOR TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

InUganda,anovelprojectledbyDr.CatherineCarlsonis exploringthehealingpowersofyogaforhumantrafficking survivors.Thisinitiativeutilizesayoga-basedmentalhealth interventionknownas"MovewithHaRT."Fundedbythe DepartmentofStateandInnovationsforPovertyAction,the projectconductsarigorousrandomizedcontrolledtrial(RCT)to provideempiricalsupportforthistherapeuticapproach."Move withHaRT"integratesyoga,mindfulness,andgroupdiscussions intoaholistictreatmentdesignedtoaddresstheprofoundtrauma enduredbysurvivors.Initiallymetwithskepticismbysome duetoculturalmisconceptionsaboutyoga,theprogramnow receiveshighpraisefromparticipantsandstaffalikeafter orientationsessionsdemonstrateditssecular,movement-focused nature.

Dr.Carlsoncollaboratescloselywithlocalanti-trafficking organizationstodeliverthesesessionsinshelter-basedand communitysettings.Thesepartnersalsooffercounseling, economicempowerment,andeducationalservices,creatingasupportivenetworkforrecovery.Theinterventionhas shownpromisingoutcomes,withparticipantsreportingnotonlyimprovementsinmentalhealthbutalsophysical healthandastrongersenseofcommunity—acriticalcomponentforrebuildingtrust.

However,theprojecthasfacedsignificantchallenges,particularlythehighratesofsuicidalideationamong participants.Thisunexpectedhurdleledtotheincorporationofsuicidepreventiontrainingwithintheprogram, highlightingthecomplexmentalhealthneedsoftraffickingsurvivors.Dr.Carlsonnotestheintensivenatureof managingsuchahigh-needspopulationandtheadditionalresourcesrequiredtoaddresstheseurgentmentalhealth issueseffectively.

Bydocumentingthesuccessandchallengesofthe"MovewithHaRT"program,Dr.Carlsonaimstoinfluenceglobal healthstrategiesandadvocatefortheinclusionofholisticinterventionsintraumarecoveryeffortsworldwide.This projectnotonlyoffersimmediatesupporttosurvivorsbutalsosetsthestageforbroaderadoptionofinnovative, culturallysensitivehealingmethods.

Asthisinitiativeprogresses,itpromisesto extenditsimpactfarbeyondUganda, providingamodelforintegrating therapeuticyogaintorecoveryprograms fortraumasurvivorsglobally.Throughher dedicationandthepositivefeedbackfrom thecommunity,Dr.Carlson'sworkis craftinganewnarrativeofresilienceand recovery,onewherehealingthrough movementbringshopeandtransformation tothosewhohavefacedprofound adversities.

Dr. Carlson with staff from anti-trafficking organizations in Uganda who participated in a suicide prevention training as part of the initiative.

PEER REVIEWING Doctoral Program News

DR. DEBRA NELSON-GARDELL PASSES THE TORCH AS PHD PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Forthepast30years,theSchoolofSocialWorkhas beenprivilegedtohaveAssociateProfessorDr. DebraNelson-Gardellasadistinguishedcolleague, scholar,andeducator.Throughouthertenure,she hasassumednumerousleadershiproles,significantly impactingtheSchool’sgrowthandglobal connections.AstheCoordinatorofInternational Programs,Dr.Nelson-Gardellforgedstrong partnershipsbetweenUAandacademicinstitutions worldwide,includinguniversitiesinChina,Hong Kong,Ghana,andIndia.In2018,shewasawardeda prestigiousgrantfromtheKatherineA.Kendall InstituteforInternationalSocialWorkEducationto furthertheSchool’sglobalinitiatives.InMay2024, shereceivedtheHowardB.GundyAward,which recognizesherdistinguishedservicetotheSchool andtotheprofessionofsocialwork.Dr.NelsonGardellwasalsoapreviousrecipientofthe University’sMorrisLehmanMayerAward,which recognizesonefacultymemberandonememberof thegraduatingclasswhoexemplifyintegrity,selfless serviceandleadershipatUAandinthecommunity whilemakingsignificantcontributionstostudent life.

Dr.Nelson-Gardell’sscholarlycontributionsare noteworthy,focusingonchildmaltreatment,abuse, andtrauma-sensitiveinterventionsforchildrenand adolescents.HercollaborationswiththeAlabama DepartmentofHumanResourcesandIndianRivers BehavioralHealthhavebeeninstrumentalin providingtrauma-informedcareforchildrenwho haveexperiencedabuse.

Inrecentyears,doctoralstudentshaveimmensely benefitedfrom“Dr.Deb’s”leadership,mentorship, andwisdomassheservedastheDirectorofthePhD Program.Overhercareershehaschaired13 doctoraldissertationcommitteesandwasadedicated advocateforPhDstudents.Shenotonlysupported theiracademicjourneybutalsoactivelysought

opportunitiesforfellowships,andfundingforconference travelanddissertationresearch.

Dr. Brenda Smith (Left) presenting the 2024 Gundy Award to Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell

Dr.Nohholdsseveralpositionsfocusedonsupporting juniorscholars,includingservingontheBoardof DirectorsattheAssociationforGerontology EducationinSocialWorkandtheSteering CommitteeoftheDeepSouthResourceCenterfor MinorityAgingResearch.Sheisenthusiasticabout thisnewchapterinhercareerandlooksforwardto furtheringtheSchool’scommitmenttoexcellencein socialworkeducationandresearch.TheSchoolof SocialWorkeagerlyanticipatestheinnovative leadershipandvisionDr.Nohwillbringasshetakes onthisimportantrole.

PHD ALUM DR. EDSON CHIPALO RECEIVES THE UNIVERSITY OF

TheUniversityofAlabamaGraduateSchoolhas honoredDr.EdsonChipalo,adistinguishedalumnus oftheSchoolofSocialWork,withthe2024 OutstandingDissertationAward.Dr.Chipalo's groundbreakingdissertationexploredtheeffectsof adversechildhoodexperiencesandviolenceonthe healthandsocioeconomicoutcomesofadolescents, youngadults,refugees,andimmigrantsbothinthe UnitedStatesandlow-incomecountries.

Drawingonhisownexperiencesgrowingupasan orphaninZambia,Dr.Chipalo'sworkshedslighton significantglobalhealthissuesandoffersinsightsthat areaspersonalastheyareacademic.Nowservingas anAssistantProfessorattheUniversityof Cincinnati'sCollegeofAlliedHealthScience,he continuestoimpactthefieldthroughhisdedication toresearchandcommunityservice.

DuringhistimeattheSchoolofSocialWork,Dr. ChipaloworkedundertheguidanceofDr. CatherineCarlson,whochairedhisdissertation committee.Hisexceptionalworkunderher mentorshiphasnotonlycontributedtoacademic

discoursebutalsotopracticalinterventionsthataidsomeof theworld’smostvulnerablepopulations.

TheSchoolofSocialWorkisimmenselyproudofDr. Chipalo’sachievementsandhisunwaveringcommitment tosocialjusticeandcommunityupliftment.Thisaward recognizesnotjustascholarlyachievementbutalsoalife dedicatedtomakingadifferencethroughcompassionate actionandrigorousresearch.Welookforwardtoseeing howhisongoingworkwillcontinuetoinfluenceand inspirechangeincommunitiesaround theworld.

DSW GRADUATE DR. CHAD PARKER: SHAPING POLICY WITH RESEARCH AND LEADING CHANGE FOR YOUTH IN TRANSITION

Dr.Parker’sdoctoralresearchfocusedontransitional planningprogramsforyouthagingoutofresidentialcare. Hisfindings,whichwerepublishedinthepeer-reviewed Journal Child Welfare, havenotonlycontributedto academicdiscussionsbuthavealsoresonatedwith policymakers.Drivenbyadeepcommitmenttothewelfare ofchildrenintransition,Dr.Parkerfollowedachild forunderservedolderadults.Shehasworkedclosely withdoctoralstudents,co-authoringandcopresentingresearchfindings.

SSW PhD alumnus Dr. Edson Chipalo is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Allied Health Sciances.

welfarebillbeingconsideredbytheU.S.Congress andrealizedthatsomeaspectsofthelegislationcould beimprovedbasedonhisresearch.Hisconcernwas thatthebillwouldrequireallresidentialcare programsforyouthacrossthecountrytoimplement standardizedcare,regardlessofthepopulationsthey servedorlocalcontexts.Thisdidn’talignwellwith hisresearchfindingsaboutthediversityineffective transitionalcareprogrammodelsidentifiedinthe research.Heexplains,“Arealconcernforusisthat thesamestandardswouldapplytomyorganizationas theywouldapplytoawildernesstreatmentprogram inUtah.Twoorganizationsservingvastlydifferent youthintwoverydifferentstateswouldhavethe same‘rules’whenitcomestoplacement,service provision,terminationofservices,etc.Itisnot feasibleorrealistic.”Compelledtoact,Dr.Parker draftedapolicybriefbasedonhisCapstoneResearch andtraveledmultipletimestoWashingtonD.C.to meetwithlegislatorsandtheirstaff.Hisadvocacywas pivotalinalteringthelanguageofthebillsothatit betteraddressedtheneedsandchallengesfacedby youthexitingresidentialcare.Currently,thebillis stillbeingreviewedforconsideration.

Dr.Parker'sjourneyfromdoctoralresearchto legislativeinfluenceexemplifiesthepowerfulrolethat socialworkerscanplayinpolicymaking.Hissuccess inchangingfederallegislationhighlightsthe importanceofevidence-basedresearchinshaping lawsthatimpactvulnerablepopulations.

Preparing Future Scholars

AtTupeloChildren'sMansion,Dr.Parkercontinuestolead andinnovate,drivenbyhiscommitmenttoimproving outcomesforyouth.Hisstoryisnotjustoneofacademic achievementbutalsoofpracticalapplicationandadvocacy, demonstratinghowdedicatedsocialworkersareessentialin theintersectionofacademia,policy,anddirectcommunity service. WhiletheSchoolofSocialWorkhasincreasedenrollment initsdoctoralprograms,therehavealsobeenseveral initiativestopromotestudent-engagedresearch opportunitiesforBSWandMSWstudents.Oneexample ofthisisthegrowingnumberofBSWstudentswho presentedinthe18thannualUndergraduateResearchand CreativeActivity(URCA)Conference,whichtookplace inMarch2024.URCAisaUniversity-wideinitiative wherefacultyareencouragedtomentorundergraduate studentsthroughhands-onlearningaboutresearch methods.Amongthe550studentswhoparticipatedin URCAthisyearweresixBSWstudentsandthree psychologyundergraduatestudentswhocollaboratedwith SocialWorkfacultyonavarietyofprojects.Photosfrom theeventandthetitlesofstudentpresentationscanbe foundonpage21.

TheSchoolislaunchinginitiativestoencouragemore studentstoparticipateinresearch-relatedopportunities,like URCA.Oneinitiativereflectsanongoingcollaboration betweentheOfficeofSocialWorkResearchandacademic programleadership.Drs.NicoleRuggiano,DalilaJohn, andSherronWilkeshavecollaboratedtodevelopanew experientiallearningopportunityforBSWandMSW studentscalledtheStudentsInResearch-Collaborative ActionTraining(SIRCAT),whichwilllaunchinOctober 2024.Theprogramisaself-pacedonlinetrainingfor studentswheretheycanlearnmoreaboutresearch opportunities,developskillsin methodologies,suchasusing onlinesurveydevelopmentsoftwareprograms,andgetconnectedwithfacultyresearchersacross theSchool.Theinitiativehopes tobetterinformstudentsabout researchwhentheyaskabout opportunitieswhiledemonstratingtofacultytheskillsetsstudents havethatmaybenefittheirprojects.

Dr. Chad Parker during a trip to Washington DC where he met with legislators to share his research on child welfare policy.

MaryKinsey(BSW).ExploringtheImpactof EquineExperienceontheAssessmentof EquineStressLevels:AComparativeStudy. FacultyMentor:Dr.LauraHopson.

Dr.AvaniShahwithpsychologystudents

Fromleft:LaurynEmrick(BSW),BSWProgramDirector, Dr. Sherron Wiles, Sarah (BSW), and Madison Hasnani (BSW) and BSW Students were among the faculty and studentsattendingthe2024URCAConference.

BaileyGosset(Psych). SystematicReview: ImpactofPsychological InterventionsforPainin OlderWomen.Faculty Mentor:Dr.AvaniShah.

LaurynEmrick(BSW)-A QualitativeAnalysisofthe BarriersforOlderAdultsin AlabamatoReceiving Non-pharmacologicalPain Treatment.FacultyMentor: Dr.HyunjinNoh.

McKenzieBrown(Psych). SystematicReview:Impact ofPsychological InterventionsforPainin OlderAfricanAmericans. FacultyMentor:Dr.Avani Shah.

MagdalenaBatlle(Psych).–Howdo threetypesofacculturationstressaffect youthalcoholuseandsusceptibilityin Latino/aboysandgirls?Faculty Mentor:Dr.LucianaGiorgio

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference

MiyaLister(BSW)Exploringthe RamificationsofAn-Asian HateIncidentsonthe MentalHealthofAsian Americans:AnIn-Depth ScopingReview.Faculty Mentor:Dr.HeeYunLee.

ChrisCovin(BSW) andCassieChildress (BSW).E-WORTH South.Faculty

Mentor:Dr.Karen Johnson.

HalleCamarota(BSW). Equine-assistedservicesfor childrenwithdisabilities. FacultyMentors:Dr.Laura Hopson&Dr.Amy Traylor.

StudentsHalleCamarota (BSW)andMarindi Campbell(MSW)also presentedtheirresearch findingswithDr.Laura Hopsonatthe2024Alabama SocialWorkEducation Conference2024.

DiscoveriesDriving #LegendaryChange

Faculty Research Funding 2023-24

NewProjectswithSSWLeadPIs

Primary Investigator listed first with other UA co-investigators following. SSW investigators noted by bolded font.

Alabama.FundedbyTheUniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Karen Johnson,ChuongBui(AlabamaLifeResearchInstitute),JiaqiGong(CollegeofEngineering),& Hee Yun Lee.CTSAK12 ProgramattheUniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham.FundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaatBirminghamCenterforClinicaland TranslationalScience&NationalCenterforAdvancingTranslationalSciencesoftheNationalInstitutesofHealth.

Dione King.TheSociostructuralImplementationScienceCoordinationInitiative.FundedbyNorthwesternUniversity&the NationalInstitutesofHealth.

Dione King.CreatingAccess,Retention,andEngagement(CARE)Model.FundedbyFiveHorizonsHealthServices&Merck.

Dalila John & Dione King. Socialskillsandrelationshipdevelopmentbetweenchildrenwithautismandtheir peers:Exploringtheimpactofpeer-focusedandparent-basedtraining.UAOfficeofSocialWorkResearchPilotGrant.

Hee Yun Lee.StructuralRacismandHealth:VisualizingAnti-AsianHateCrimesduringtheCOVID-19Pandemic.Fundedbythe TheAsianAmericanFoundation&theRobertWoodJohnsonFoundation.

Hyunjune Lee.UnderstandingtheConstructionofFemininityandItsLinkwithBullyingAmongAdolescentGirlsUsinga Trauma-Informed,IntersectionalLens.FundedbyTheUniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Hyunjune Lee & Hee Yun Lee. UnderstandingArtificialIntelligenceLiteracyandEthicalCompetenceAmongCollegeStudentsin theSocialSciences:AComprehensiveMixed-MethodsInvestigation.UAOfficeofSocialWorkResearchPilotGrant.

Tenesha Littleton. Five-YearTrendsintheSocialDeterminantsofHealth,2018-2022:ImplicationsfortheWellbeingofBlack CustodialGrandmothersintheEraofCOVID-19.FundedbytheResourceCenterforMinorityAgingResearch(RCMAR)-Deep SouthandtheNationalInstituteonAging.

Hyunjin Noh,RebeccaAllen(CollegeofArts&Sciences), Hee Yun Lee,& Lewis Lee.AdvanceCarePlanningEducational InterventionforKoreanAmericanImmigrants.FundedbytheCambiaHealthFoundation.

Lindamarie Olson. PilotStudyofNeurofeedbackforAdolescentswithHistoriesofTraumaExposure.UAOfficeofSocialWork ResearchPilotGrant.

Nicole Ruggiano, Schnavia Hatcher, Sebrena Jackson, Dalila John, Dione King, Hyunjin Noh, Jade Scales, & Sherron Wilkes. EthicalAIUseinSocialWorkPracticeTrainingDevelopmentProgram.FundedbytheAlabamaCommissiononHigher Education.

Nicole Ruggiano & Amie Brunson. BuildingOurLargestInfrastructureforDementia(BOLD)ProgramEvaluation.Alabama DepartmentofPublicHealth&theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.

NewProjectswithSSWResearchTeamMembers

Primary Investigator listed first with other UA co-investigators following. SSW investigators noted by bolded font.

DeborahCasper(CollegeofHumanEnvironmentalSciences),MichaBerryhill,KarlyDowns, Laura Hopson, Hee Yun Lee, GeorgeMugoya,MercyMumba,LetishaScott,&TriciaWitte.Health.Opportunity.Passion.Equity.(H.O.P.E.)Childand AdolescentBehavioralHealthInitiativeinRuralAlabama.FundedbytheHealthResourcesandServicesAdministration.

MarkCheng(CollegeofEngineering)& Hee Yun Lee.NSFConvergenceAcceleratorTrackL:AnIntegratedandMiniaturized OpioidSensorSystem:AdvancingEvidence-BasedStrategiesforAddressingtheOpioidCrisis.FundedbyAuburnUniversity&the NationalScienceFoundation.

JiaqiGong(CollegeofEngineering),MatthewDolliver,JamesGeyer,XiaoyanHong,MatthewHudnall,& Hee Yun Lee.ProtoOKNTheme1:CreatingACross-DomainKnowledgeGraphtoIntegrateHealthandJusticeforRuralResilience.Fundedbythe NationalScienceFoundation.

JiaqiGong(CollegeofEngineering),QiuhuaDuan,& Hee Yun Lee.AI-EnhancedFloodStorytellingforMobilizingActionand BuildingResilienceinUnderservedCommunities.FundedbytheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration.

JacquelineHorsley(CollegeofCommunication&InformationSciences)& Daphne Cain.AModelforDisasterMentalHealth Communication:TestingaThree-ProngedApproachtoSupportCommunicatorsandAffectedPublics.FundedbytheArthurW. PageCenter.

JunLiu(CollegeofEngineering),MichelleCheshire,StevenJones, Hee Yun Lee,RobertMcKinney,JeremyPate,TeresaWelch,& FeleciaWood.SCC-PG:Buildingasmartandconnectedruralcommunityforimprovedhealthcareaccessthroughthedeploymentof integratedmobilitysolutions.FundedbytheNationalScienceFoundation.

ProjectsContinuingWithSSWLeadPIsfromPreviousYear

Primary Investigator listed first with other UA co-investigators following. SSW investigators noted by bolded font.

Accountability

Jill Beck.EvergreenSchool.FundedbyTuscaloosaCitySchools.

Jill Beck.YouthServiceInstitute(YSI).FundedbytheAlabamaDepartmentofYouthServices.

Daphne Cain, Schnavia Hatcher,& Kristy Holt.TitleIV-EStatewideProgram.FundedbytheAlabamaDepartmentofHuman Resources&theU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.

Catherine Carlson &ChuongBui(AlabamaLifeResearchInstitute).EvaluatingtheMovewithHaRTinterventiononimproving mentalhealthofhumantraffickingsurvivors.FundedbyInnovationsforPovertyAction&theU.S.DepartmentofState.

Luciana Cosenzo.ExaminingthebarriersandfacilitatorstooptimalsleephealthamongEnglish-andSpanish-speakingLatina mothersinAlabama.FundedbyTheUniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Mandi Fowler & Jill Beck.ContinuumofCareProgramProjectExpansioninRuralAlabama.FundedbytheOfficeofJuvenile JusticeandDelinquencyPreventionwithintheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.

Jill Beck.

BasedSexOffenderProgram:ContinuumofCare(ABSOP:COCP).FundedbytheAlabamaDepartment ofYouthServices.

Karen Johnson, ChuongBui(AlabamaLifeResearchInstitute),&PamelaPayne-Foster(CollegeofCommunityHealthSciences). ProjectE-WORTHSouth:TargetingHealthEquityandtheHIVEpidemicamongBlackwomenwhousesubstancesofabusein communitycorrectionsintheDeepSouth.FundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham&theNationalInstitutesofHealth.

Hee Yun Lee.MobileMentalHealthEducation,AwarenessandLearning(mHEAL)InitiativeforLawEnforcement.Fundedbythe SubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration.

Hee Yun Lee &JoshuaEyer(CulverhouseCollegeofBusiness).ImplementationofanIntegratedTeleECHOandHealthOutpost ModelforOpioidPreventionTreatment,andRecoveryinRuralAlabama.FundedbytheHealthResourcesandServices Administration.

Tenesha Littleton.ProtectingchildreninAlabama'sBlackBelt:Theroleofsocialsupportnetworks.FundedbyTheUniversityof Alabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Hyunjin Noh & Lewis Lee.UnderstandingtheAttitudestowardDeprescribingandKnowledgeandViewsofNonPharmacologicalPainManagementamongCommunity-DwellingOlderAdultswithMultipleChronicHealthConditions.Funded bytheNorthernCaliforniaInstituteforResearchandEducation.

Nicole Ruggiano &JasonParton(CulverhouseCollegeofBusiness).IntegrationofHealthInformationTechnologyandPromotion ofPersonhoodinFamily-CenteredDementiaCare.FundingbytheNationalInstituteonAgingattheNationalInstitutesofHealth.

Nicole Ruggiano,MonicaAnderson-Herzog(CollegeofEngineering),JaneDaquin(CollegeofArts&Sciences),&JeffreyGray (CollegeofEngineering).SCC-PG:PlanningLive,SustainableCommunityAssetMappingforaDementiae-FriendlyAlabama. FundedbytheNationalScienceFoundation.

Amy Traylor.LeadershipEducationinAdolescentHealth.FundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham.

ProjectsContinuingWithSSWLeadPIsfromPreviousYear

Primary Investigator listed first with other UA co-investigators following. SSW investigators noted by bolded font.

DavidAlbright(CollegeofArts&Sciences)& Karen Johnson.RemodelingAlabama'sMobileCrisisSystemofCare.Fundedbythe AlabamaMedicaidAgency.

JenniferCox(CollegeofArts&Sciences),SusanDewey, Karen Johnson,&SusanWhite.EstablishingaCenterforResearchin BehavioralHealthandtheCriminalLegalSystem.FundedbytheSozoseiFoundation.

MarthaCrowther(CollegeofCommunityHealthSciences),CassandraFord,SharleneNewman, Hyunjin Noh,& Nicole Ruggiano.DeepSouthResourceCenterforMinorityAgingResearch(RCMAR).FundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaat Birmingham.

GeorgeMugoya(CollegeofEducation),JoyBurnham,RyanCook,HeatherFrye, Laura Hopson,AbbyHorton, Sebrena Jackson, Hee Yun Lee,EmilyLund,&MercyMumba.PromotingMentalhealthServicesandEquity(PROMISE).FundedbytheU.S. DepartmentofEducation.

LesleyReid(CollegeofArts&Sciences), Leah Cheatham,JaneDaquin,&MatthewDollier.WRNAValidationStudy.Fundedby theAlabamaDepartmentofCorrections.

SusanWhite(CollegeofArts&Sciences),ChoungBui, Catherine Carlson,&MatthewHudnall.OptimizingCBTImplementation amongCommunityProvidersThroughInternet-basedConsultationandNetworking(i-CAN).FundedbytheNationalInstituteof MentalHealthattheNationalInstitutesofHealth.

SELECT FACULTY AND STUDENT ACHEIVEMENTS

FROM 2021-2024

Tania Alameda-Lawson

Associate Professor and DSW Program Director

Publications

Horsley, J. S. & Cain, D. S. (2024). Integrating Mental Health in Disaster Communication Theory and Practice. In B. F. Liu & A. M. Mehta, Routledge Handbook of Risk, Crisis, and Disaster Communication, (pp. 285 – 299). NY: Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group.

Cain, D. S. (2022). Disasters in Times of Shelter-In-Place: Social Work and the COVID – 19 Pandemic. In K. Corcoran & A. R. Roberts, Social Workers’ Desk Reference, 4th ed, (pp. 61 - 68). NY: Oxford University Press.

Callihan, M.L., Smith, S., Gibson, K., Bolton, K., Kaylor, S. K., Horton, A. G. Cain, D. S., & Lippe, M. P. (2022). The Use of High-Fidelity Simulation to Promote Authentic Learning in Undergraduate Social Work Students. Best Practices in Mental Health, 18(1), 62 – 70.

Presentations

Cain, D. S. (January 2024). Differential Diagnosis: Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). University of Alabama School of Social Work Continuing Education Program, Virtual (181 participants, international).

Richardson, T., Gowdy, G. & Cain, D. S. (January 2024). Associations Between Depression and Marijuana Use among Black Male Collegians. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Washington, DC.

Publication

Alameda-Lawson, T., Lawson. (2019). Ecologies of collective parent engagement in urban education. Urban Education, 54, 1085-1120. 10.1177/0042085916636654

Presentations

Green, S.-R. Alameda-Lawson, T., Bennett, M. D., Murray, D.E., & Wilkes, S. K. (2019). Elevate Social Work. 2019 Social Work Month Symposium, Tuscaloosa, AL. Wilkes, S. K., Alameda-Lawson, T., & Johnson, K. (2020). Advancing Online Macro Social Work Education: Team-based experiential 360 photo tour. Council on Social Work Education, Virtual.

Green, S.-R. Alameda-Lawson, T., Bennett, M. D., Murray, D. E., & Wilkes, S. K. (2019). Elevate Social Work. 2019 Social Work Month Symposium, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Publications

Catherine Carlson

Associate Professor

Carlson, C., Cordisoc Tsai, L., Baylosis, R., Hentschel, E., Bonachita, C.L.O., Fishbach, J., & Waingerg, M. (2023)

Cultural perceptions of suicide in the Philippines reported by service providers from the anti-trafficking sector: a qualitative study. International Journal of Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2023.2290224

Carlson, C., White, S.W., Hudnall, M., Lochman, J., & Laird, R.(2023). Leveraging data science to advance implementation science: The case of school mental health. Journal of School Health. DOI: 10.1111/josh.13385

Cordisco Tsai, L., Carlson, C., Baylosis, R., Nicholson, T., Benitez, C. & Wainberg, M. (2023). Suicide prevention training in the anti-human trafficking sector: An evaluation study. Journal of Human Trafficking. DOI:10.1080/23322705.2023.2238570

Cordisco Tsai, L., Carlson, C., Baylosis, R., Hentschel, E., Nicholson, T., Eleccion, J., ... & Wainberg, M. (2022). Practitioner experiences responding to suicide risk for survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines. Qualitative Health Research, 32(3), 556-570.

Namy, S., Carlson, C., Morgan, K., Nkwanzi, V., & Neese, J. (2022). Healing and Resilience after Trauma (HaRT) Yoga: Programming with survivors of human trafficking in Uganda. Journal of Social Work Practice, 36(1), 87-100.

Carlson, C., Namy, S., Nakuti, J., Mufson, L., Ikenberg, C., Musoni, O., Hopson, L., Anton-Erxleben, K., Naker, D. & Wainberg, M. (2021). Student, teacher, and caregiver perceptions on implementing mental health interventions in Ugandan primary schools. Implementation Research and Practice, 2, 1-10. DOI: 10.1177/26334895211051290

Publications

Luo, Y., Li, Q., Jeong, H., & Cheatham, L. P. (2022). The Association between Social Determinants of Health and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Secondary Analysis among Four Racial/Ethnic Groups. BMC Public Health, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889022-14486-x

Wang, K., Cheatham, L. P., Marbut, A. R., & Chen, X. (2021). Longitudinal associations between cancer historyand cognitive functioning among older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2021.104521

Cheatham, L. P., Luo, Y., Hubbard, S., Jackson, M. S., Hasenbein, W., & Bertram, J. (2021). Cultivating safe and stable spaces: Reflections on a campus-based support program for foster care alumni and youth experiencing homelessness. Children and Youth Services Review, 130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106247

Presentations

Cheatham, L. P., Smith, N. L., Jackson, M. S., Register, H., Rawls, J., Gannon, B. S., Fleckman, J. (2024, January). Exploring Barriers to Healthcare Access Among AL Youth with Disabilities Leaving Foster Care: A Collaborative Research Approach. Paper presented at the annual program meeting for the Society of Social Work and Research in Washington, DC.

Cheatham, L. P., Smith, N. L., Jackson, M. S. (2023, September). Promoting Health Equity through Healthcare Access among Youth Transitioning from Foster Care with Disabilities. Paper presented at the EUSARF XVI International Conference, Brighton, UK.

Katz, C. C., Jackson, M. S., Cheatham, L. P., Dworsky, A., Geiger, J., Harty, J., Johnson, R., Okpych, N., Powers, J., Salazar, A., Shpiegel, S., Taussig, H., & Courtney, M. E. (2023, September). The Transition-Age Youth Special Interest Group (TAY-SIG): The Establishment and Activities of a US-Based Network of Child Welfare Researchers. Paper presented at the EUSARF International Conference, Brighton, UK.

Associate Professor

Leah Cheatham

Publications

Csikai, E.L., & Maynard, Q.R. (in press). How do older adults define a ‘good death’: A scoping review, Midwest Social Sciences Journal. Accepted 2-23-24

Csikai, E.L., & Bullock, K. (2024). ‘The growth of social work in palliative and end-of-life care in the United States: How did we get here? Palliative Care and Social Practice. 18-1, 1-10. Accepted 6-15-24. Published online first 7-26-24 DOI: 10.1177 26323524241263625

Roulston, A., Gerson, S.M., Csikai, E.L., & Dobrikova, P. (2023) How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Palliative Care Social Work Services? A Scoping Review, The British Journal of Social Work, 2023; bcad042, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad042

Shaw, S.L. & Csikai, E.L. 2023. No Visitors Allowed! The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Nursing Home Residents. Journal of LongTerm Care, May 10;2023:54-66.

Bruton, A.E., Debosik, L.R., Pitzer, K.A., Csikai, E.L., & Washington, K.T. (2023) Problem-Solving Dimensions among Caregivers of People with Cancer Receiving Outpatient Palliative Care, Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care, 19:1, 23-32, DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2022.2139333

Shaw S., & Csikai, E.L. (2023) The Preservation of Spousal and Partner Relationships Among Nursing Home Residents, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2252877

Curtis Davis

Assistant Profess

Publications

François, S., Blakey, J., Davis, C., Stevenson, R., Walker, T. (2022). When the Helpers Need Help: Navigating COVID19 and Racism as a Black Student Studying the Helping Professions. The Journal of Community Psychology.

Francois, S., & Davis, C. (2022). Lifting the veil: Considering the conceptualizations of racism-based trauma among social workers. Qualitative Social Work, 21(2), 294-313.

Davis, C., & Francois, S. (2021). “All Skinfolk, Ain’t Kinfolk”: Engaging with Racial Identity and RacismBased Trauma in Social Work Curricula. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 41(3), 209-229.

Ellen Csikai

Davis, C., & Francois, S. (2020). Behind closed doors: Considering a triphasic traumatic incarceration experience. Traumatology, 26(2), 193–204.

François, S., & Davis, C. (2022). What is Safety to You? Determining an Inductive Conceptualization of Neighborhood Safety through Centering the Voices of Community Residents. Urban Social Work, 6(2), DOI: 10.1891/USW-2021-0004

Presentation

Wilkes, S., Davis, C. One Click Away: Proposing and Utilizing a Virtual Platform to Amplify Marginalized Voices during Crises. Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM).

Publications

Luciana Giorgio

Assistant Professor

Spandola, C.E., Groton, D.B., Giorgio Cosenzo, L., Fantus, S., Hilditch, C.J., Burke, S.L., Littlewood, K., Bertisch, S.B., Zhou, E.Z. (2023). Sleep and sleep knowledge among social work students: Implications for mental health and selfcare education. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

Alcántara, C., Giorgio Cosenzo, L.A., McCullough, E., Vogt, T., Falzon, A.L., Peréz Ibarra, I. (2021). Cultural adaptation of psychological interventions for prevalent sleep-wake disorders in the United States: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews.

Giorgio Cosenzo, L.A., Diaz, S.V., Morris, M., & Alcántara, C. (2020). Risk and protective factors for insomnia among Asian, Black, and Latinx adult immigrants in the United States: A socioecological analysis. In G. Hall & E. Huang (Eds.), Mental and Behavioral Health of Immigrants in the United States. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press.

Presentations

Giorgio Cosenzo, L.A., Diaz, S.V. (2023, June). The Moderating Effects of Adherence to Female Gender Role Expectation on the Relationship between Family Relationship Quality and Insomnia Severity among Latina women. Poster presentation presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Indianapolis, IN.

Giorgio Cosenzo, L.A., Alcántara, C. (2023, March).

Synergistic effects of social support and social strain on insomnia symptoms among Latinx women and men. Poster presentation presented at the 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society, San Juan, PR.

Publications

Fitzgerald, T., Teasley, M., Keyes, T., & Hatcher, S. (2023). Reducing racialized barriers to school success for all children and youth In M. Teasley, M. Spencer, & M. Bartholomew (Eds.), Social Work and the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism, (pp. 459-475). Oxford University Press. DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780197674949.003.0018

King, D., Orihuela, C., Mrug, S., & Hatcher, S. (2021). Future aspirations, leisure time, and sexual health risk behaviors among Black youth in one urban city. Urban Social Work, 5(1), 15-27. doi: 10.1891/USW-D-20-00007

Honors and Awards

2024 Phenomenal Woman in Advocacy and Public Policy, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Alabama

2023 Paul Harris Fellow, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International

Presentations

Hatcher, S., Spencer, M., Guterman, N., Pettus, C., & Silk, K.(January, 2024). Recentering and generating equity in knowledge: How will the Grand Challenges for Social Work Go Grander? Roundtable presented at Annual Conference, Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.

Voisin, D., Hatcher, S., & Bryant, B. (January, 2023). Steps Towards Decolonizing Social Work Education and Research, Symposium presented at Annual Conference, Society for Social Work and Research, Phoenix, AZ.

Schnavia Hatcher

Professor and Dean

Publications

Hopson, L. M., McGraw, K., Hanenburg, C., Bailey, R., & Braswell, A. (2024). Pilot evaluation of equine-assisted learning for children affected by trauma with concurrent parent support. HETI Journal: International Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.58862/HCTK3539

Hopson, L. M., O’Neal, J., Bailey, R., Dugard, J., McGraw, K., Hanenberg, C., Anderson, D., McKissock, B., Traylor, A., Parker, C., & Samples, C. (2023). Feasibility Study of an Equine-Assisted Learning Intervention for Children with Disabilities. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 6 (1). https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol6/iss1/12

Hopson, L. M., Kenney, J.L., Church, W. T., and Beck, J.R. (2022). “Never give up.” Adjudicated girls’ school experiences and implications for academic success. International Journal of School Social Work, 7 (1) https://doi.org/10.4148/2161-4148.1060

Hopson, L. M., Lidbe, A., Jackson, M. S., Adanu, E., Li, X., Penmetsa, P., Lee, H., Anderson, A., Obuya, C., & Meerdink, G. (2022). Transportation to school and academic outcomes: A systematic review. Educational Review. DOI: 10.1080/00131911.2022.2034748

Berryhill, B., Carlson, C., Hopson, L. M., Culmer, N., & Williams, N. (2022). Adolescent depression and anxiety treatment in rural schools: A systematic review. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 46(1), 13-27, https://doi.org/10.1037/rmh0000183

Associate Professor an Associate Dean of Educational Programs and Student Services M.Sebrena Jackson

Publications

Colvin, A.D., Jackson, M.S., Bullock, A.N. (2024). Beyond limits: Exploring the possibilities for using the metaverse to teach social work practice skills. Advances in Social Work, 24(1), 141-155. https://doi.org/10.18060/27053

Jackson, M.S., Dozier, K., Colvin, A.D., & Bullock, A.N. (2022). Exploring youth voices in a pre-college program: Implications for policy, practice, & research. Child Abuse & Neglect, 130(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105126

Laura Hopson Associate Professor

Jackson, M.S., Day, A., Ford, L., Salizan, A., & Lester, C.(2022). College Promise for Youth In or Aged Out of Foster Care. In C.M. Millett (Ed.), Depicting the ecosystems of support and financial sustainability for five college promise populations. Educational Testing Service. (Research Report) https://doi.org/10.1002/ets2.12350

Presentation

Lewis, C. E., Jackson, M.S., Torres, K., Glynn, G. (2023). Foster Youth and Driving Act. Congressional Briefing Panel. Washington, D.C.

Honors and Awards

2024: Selected to receive the CSWE Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award

2023: Selected as Co-Lead for Grand Challenges for Social Work: Harness Technology for Social Good

Dalila John

MSW Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor

Presentations

John, D. (April 2024). The increased prevalence of autism: Are social work educators and practitioners adequately prepared to respond? Interactive workshop at the National Association of Social Work-Alabama Chapter State Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Foster, C., John, D., Turner, L., & Wilkes, S. (March 2024). Can’t we all just get along? Why women of color with practice doctorates have to fight to belong? Poster presentation at 12th Annual Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, Arlington, VA.

Foster, C., John, D., Turner, L., & Wilkes, S. (March 2024). Can’t we all just get along? Why women of color with practice doctorates have to fight to belong? Virtual workshop presented at 2024 National DSW Conference on Social Work Education and Social Work Practice.

John, D. (March 2024). Black social work faculty: Finding joy, connection and success within the academy. Oral presentation at the 4th Annual Coalition of Black Social Workers Conference, Nashville, TN.

John, D. (November 2023). Strengthening connections between social work education and practice to increase students’ long-term success. Interactive workshop at 51st Annual Alabama-Mississippi Social Work Education Conference, Birmingham, AL.

John, D. (October 2023). Dismantling racism within the academy: Examining the experiences of Black social work faculty. Oral presentation at the 69th Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Publications

Johnson, K. A., Hunt, T., Puglisi, L., Chapman, B., EpaLlop, A., Elumn, J., Braick, P., Bhagat, N., Ko, E., Nguyen, A., Johnson, R., Graham, H. K., Gilbert, L., ElBassel, N., & Morse, D. S. (2023). HIV/STI/HCV Risk Clusters and Hierarchies Experienced by Women Recently Released from Incarceration. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(8), 1066. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081066.

Presentations

Keynote speakerat the 2024 East Kentucky University's 19th Annual HERstory Conference held on April 2, 2024.

Johnson, K. A., Hunt, T., Walsh, P., Braick, P., Go, A., Schlusselberg, A., Price, C., Gilbert, L., El-Bassel, N., & Morse, D. (2024). WORTH Transitions: Racial and ethnic differences among women recently released from incarceration who use substances impacting efforts to prevent HIV/STI/HCV. Abstract submitted for presentation at the 2024 InWomen Group Conference. Virtual.

Johnson, K. A., Shah, Z., Hunt, T., Walsh, P., Braick, P., Gilbert, L., El-Bassel, N., & Morse, D. (2024, June 15- 19).

Depression Outcomes among Women Participating in WORTH Transitions. Paper presented at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence 86th Annual Scientific Meeting, The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Honorific Awards

2024 University of Alabama School of Social Work Faculty Award for Research, Teaching, or Service, recognizing achievements in research.

2024 Early Career Faculty Service and Leadership in Social Work Education Award from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Karen Johnson Associate Profesor

Publications

Howard, T. H., King, D. M., Dyson, Y. D., & Sargent, E. (in press). Emerging Adulthood In M.D. Dorsey (Ed.), Understanding Diversity in Human Behavior and Development in the Social Environment. Springer Publishing. https://www.springerpub.com/understandingdiversity-in-human-behavior-and-development-in-thesocial-environment-9780826166517.

Hee Yun Lee

Professor and Endowed Academic Chair on Social Work and Health

Dorsey, M. D., Adams, V., Howell, T. H., Rutledge, J., King, D. M., Craddock, J., & Jaffery, A. (2024). “There's always something. Some type of showing of some form of sex...”: Exploring the role of social media content on sexual health behaviors and decision-making among young Black females. Journal of Adolescent Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/074355842412685

Dorsey, M., King, D. M., Howell, T. H., & Dyson, Y.D. (2022). Culturally responsive sexual health intervention for Black adolescent females: A systematic review of the literature. Children and Youth Services Review, 137(1), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106480

Presentations

Keane, K., Evans, R. R., Wilkinson, L., King, D. M., Leban, L., & Macrina, D. (2024). Identifying protective factors that promote better school-related outcomes among children who experience ACES. National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference [oral presentation], Savannah, GA

King, D. M. (2022). The use of racial affinity groups as an inclass teaching strategy. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Conference [poster], Anaheim, CA

Awards & Recognition

Coach Excellence Award, National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, Faculty Success Program

Publications

Lee, H.Y., Song, J., & Choi, E.Y.D (2023). Childhood abuse and opioid prescription use in adulthood: Differences between non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks in the United States. PLoS ONE. 18(9): e0291752. https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291752.

Lee, H. Y., Yoon, Y. J.,F Choi, Y. J., & Ham, Y-H. (2024). Factors Associated with Korean American Women’s Health-Related Internet Use: Findings from Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 26, 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903023-01540-y

Presentations

Dione King

Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Professional Advancement and Assessment

Lee. H. Y. (May 2024). Keynote Speaker, The Digital Revolution in Mental Health Treatment: Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Paving the Way for Intervention Directions. Korea Academy of Mental Health Social Work. Seoul, Korea.

Lee. H. Y. (May 2024). Keynote Speaker, Augmenting Health Literacy among At-Risk Groups: Harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence. Asian Health Literacy Conference, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam.

Honors and Awards

Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award, One of the highest honors at the University of Alabama, recognizing unparalleled excellence and impact. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, November 2022.

President’s Faculty Research Award, Recognizing exceptional faculty researchers across the University of Alabama's Colleges and Schools.

Hyunjune Lee Assistant Professor

Publications

Russell, K., Xia, T., Voith, L. A., & Lee, H.(in print). Randomized controlled trials aimed at reducing adolescent dating violence: A brief review of Russell et al. Health Science & Education.

Russell, K. N., Withrow, A., Voith, L. A., Vernon, C., Lee, H., & McKinney, S. (2023). Exploring Low-Income, Black Fathers’ Strengths and Barriers to Positive Change using Qualitative Methods. Family Relations.

Voith, L.A., Russell, K., Lee, H., Salas Atwell, M., McKinney, S., Thomas, T., & Barksdale, E.M. (2023). Using Grounded Theory to Develop a Theory of Change for a Violence Intervention Program. Evaluation & Program Planning.

Lee, H., Russell, K. N., O’Donnell, K. A., Miller, E. K., Bender, A. E., Scaggs, A. L., ... & Berg, K. A. (2022). The effect of childhood intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure on bullying: A systematic review. Journal of Family Violence, 1-18.

Award

Frank R. Egan Award for BSW Teaching and Mentoring 2024 (awarded by UA SSW)

Presentation

Lee, H., Russell, K., Withrow, A., Coleman, D., & Xia, T. (2024, January). An Examination of the Effects of Varying Types of Childhood Violence Exposure on the Aggressive Behaviors during Adolescence: Using a Sample of Predominantly Youth of Color from Low-Income Households. Oral paper abstract accepted at the Society for Social Work and Research 28th Annual Conference: Recentering & Democratizing Knowledge: The Next 30 Years of Social Work Science, January 10-14, 2024. Washington, D.C.

Publications

Lee, L. H., Yoon, Y., Kim, D., Noh, H., Jones, S., & Lee, H. Y. (2023). Perceived transportation barriers moderate the association between depressive symptoms and household transportation use: A pilot study. Journal of Transport & Health, 33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2023.101713

Lee, L. H., Kim, M., Carlson, C., Ellis, T., Johnson, K., & Pretz, A. (2022). The association between perceptions of neighborhood conditions and the employment of emerging adults formerly involved in the juvenile justice system. Youth & Society 54(7), 1280–1303. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X221103898

Lee, L. H., & Kim, M. (2022). The effect of work on antisocial behavior among formerly incarcerated young adults: A panel analysis. Social Work Research, 46(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svac003

Presentations

Lee, L. H., Kim, D., Yoon, Y., Noh, H., Jones, S., & Lee, H. Y. (October 2023). Depression-transportation disparities in rural AL: A health equity lens for anti-oppressive education. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Lee, L. H., Fowler, M. R., Beck, J., Lee, H., Allen, A. (January 2023). The moderating effect of residential area on the association between race and recidivism among juvenile justice-involved youth in Alabama. Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), Phoenix, AZ.

Honors and Awards

The Dean’s Faculty Award for Research, Teaching or Service, University of Alabama School of Social Work (5/2023)

Lewis Lee Associate Professor

Publications

Littleton, T., & Font, S. A. (2024). Racial residential segregation and disparities in child protective services: A study of large US counties. International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-024-00205-z

Debra Nelson-Gardell

Associate Professor and Coordinator of International Initiatives

Littleton, T. & Freisthler, B. (2023). Affordable housing and neighborhood child maltreatment reports. Child Maltreatment. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595231218177

LaBrenz, C., Littleton, T., Shipe, S., Bai, R., & Stargel, L. (2023). State policies on child maltreatment and racial disproportionality. Children and Youth Services Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107048

Font, S., Kennedy, R., & Littleton, T. (2023). Child protective services involvement and exclusionary school discipline. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13941

LaBrenz, C., Kim, Y., Baiden, P., Shipe, S., Littleton, T., Cho, M.J., Bai, R., & Stargel, L. (2022). State child maltreatment policies and disparities in substantiation: A study of stateadministered child welfare systems in the U.S. Child Maltreatment. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595221143136

Presentation

Littleton, T., Newman, S., Okine, J., & Saasa, S. (2024; April).

Perceived racial discrimination, adverse childhood experiences, and dissociative symptoms among Black Americans in rural communities [paper presentation]. Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development. Panama City, Panama.

Tenesha Littleton

Publications

Dziegielewski, S., Nelson-Gardell, D., & Colby, I. (2024). Introduction to Social Work: The People’s Profession (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Bolton, K., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2024). Following a thread: A commentary on Jane Gilgun’s transformative intellectual legacy. Journal of Qualitative Social Work. DOI: 10.1177/1473325024125222

Ozturk, B., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2023). From lived experience: Listening to stories of healing from Middle Eastern immigrant IPV survivors. Violence Against Women. DOI: 10.1177/10778012231155166

Jackson, M.S., Nelson-Gardell, D., Williams, J., Tang, N., Yang, F. (2021). International collaboration for mutual benefit: A southwest China and Southeast United States Partnership. China Journal of Social Work. DOI: 10.1080/17525098.2021.1909237

Coleman-Reed, F., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2021). Grandparent caregivers: Promoting positive life satisfaction. The Journal of Aging and Social Change. DOI: 10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v11i01/159-170

Sutton, A., Beech, H., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2020). Intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion. Encyclopedia of Social Work, DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1368

Hyunjin Noh Associate Professor and PhD Program Director

Publications

Jeong, H., & Noh, H. (2023). Resilience as a Protective Factor in Older Adult Suicide: A Rapid Review. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2023.2202729

Suntai, Z., Noh, H., Lee, L., Bell, J. G., Lippe, M. P., & Lee, H. Y. (2023). Quality of Care at the End of Life: Applying the Intersection of Race and Gender. The Gerontologist. February 14th, 2023 (OnlineFirst) https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnad012

Noh, H., Bui, C., & Mack, J. (2022). Factors affecting hospice use among adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, 12(2), 151–158. https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2021.0225

Lee, H. Y., Noh, H., Choi, E., & Lee, L. H. (2022). Social determinants of willingness to discuss end-of-life care with family and doctors among Korean American immigrants: Findings from a cross-sectional survey in Alabama. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e6056-e6066. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.14043

Publications

Warr, R., Ruggiano, N., Daquin, J., Anderson Herzog, M., Jiang, Z., & Gray, J. (2024). Health Information Seeking Using Tech and Non-Tech Sources Among a Diverse Sample of Caregivers in the Deep South. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 67(5), 605-620.

Hristidis, V., Ruggiano, N., Brown, E. L., Ganta, S. R. R., & Stewart, S. (2023). ChatGPT vs Google for queries related to dementia and other cognitive decline: Comparison of results. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e48966. doi: 10.2196/48966

Luo, Y., Ruggiano, N., Bolt, D., Witt, J. P., Anderson, M., Gray, J., & Jiang, Z. (2023). Community asset mapping in public health: A review of applications and approaches. Social Work in Public Health, 38(3), 171-181.

Brown, E. L., Ruggiano, N., Allala, S. C., Clarke, P. J., Davis, D., Roberts, L., ... & Bourgeois, M. S. (2023). Developing a Memory and Communication App for Persons Living With Dementia: An 8-Step Process. JMIR Aging, 6, e44007.

Honors and Awards

Culverhouse College of Business Entrepreneurial Growth Business Award (2nd Place for the University of Alabama Faculty and Staff Innovation Pitch Challenge)

2023-24 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program Fellow

Nicole Ruggiano Professor and Associate Dean of Research

Presentations

Shah, A.,Swain, J., & Lewy, H. (November, 2023). Hospital closures in Alabama: National Policy Considerations. Poster presented at the Gerontological Society of America Conference Tampa, FL.

Costlow Hill, K., Xiaa, M., Cundiff, J.M., Parker, J. G., Shah, A.,and Parmelee, P. (November, 2023). The Impact of Perceived Control on Stressor Reactivity Across Adulthood and Late Life.Poster presented at the Gerontological Society of America Conference Tampa, FL.

Honors and Awards

OutstandingUndergraduateResearchMentor(2024)

FacultyMentorfor 2 Award

WinningUndergraduateResearchand Creative Activity Presentation Posters (2024)

1st place Poster Award winner for the 2024 UAB Health EquityResearchSymposium

Faculty Advisor for the UAOutstandingCultural and Identity Based Organization Award – South Asian Culture Club (2024)

Cassandra Simon

Associate Professor

Publications

Melton PA, Sims OT, Oh H, Truong DN, Atim K, Simon C. (2021). African American Ethnicity, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Arthritis Independently Predict Cooccurring Depression and Obesity among Community-dwelling Older Adult Alabamians. Social Work in Public Health, 36(3):344-353. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2021.1895019.

Simon, C., & Constance-Higgins, M. (2023). Oppression an diversity: Race and social justice (4764). In Carole Cox and Tina Maschi (Eds.). Integrating Human Rights and Social Justice into Social Work Practice. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group: New York.

Presentations

Avani Shah

Simon, C. (2024). Defining Your Own Success in the Academy: Unbought and Unbossed. Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference. Arlington, VA.

Simon, C. & Melton, P. (2024) Social Justice in Social Work Education, Special Interest Group. Society for Social Work Research. Washington, DC.

Honors and Awards

Simon, C. (2024). Breaking Barriers Award. Recognized by UA Chapter of the National Panhellenic Association for significant contributions to moving forward DEIA efforts for the university community.

Simon, C. (2022) Phenomenal Woman of West Alabama. Recognized by Townsquare Media as a professional who has made significant contributions to state with community, scholarly and leadership activities.

Brenda Smith Professor

Publications

Smith, B.D., & Resendez, H. (2024). Practicing up: Teaching social work students how to challenge authority figures. Social Work Education.

Wang, K., Gu, D., Kang, S., & Smith, B.D. (2024). Older adults’ online activities and cognition: Investigating the psychological mechanisms and age and gender differences. Social Science & Medicine.

Wang, K., Chen, X., Gu, D., Smith, B.D., Dong, Y., Peet, J., & Zak, J. (2024). Examining first and second-level digital divide at the intersection of race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status: An analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The Gerontologist.

Presentations

Smith, B.D., Abura-Meerdink, G., & Abshire, A. (2023). Opportunities and risks in the use of simulation labs for child welfare education. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, November 27, 2023.

Smith, A.M., & Smith, B.D. (2023). Body camera evidence in police killings: Race, region, and implications for social work. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, November 29, 2023.

Research Report

Smith, B.D., Bell, A., & Abshire, A. (2024). Faculty and Student Experiences with the University of Alabama Social Work Simulation Lab: Final Report. Tuscaloosa, AL: UA School of Social Work.

Publication

Hopson, L.M., O’Neal, J., Bailey, R., Dugard, J., McGraw, K., Hanenberg, C., Anderson, D., McKissock, B., Traylor, A.C., Parker, C., & Samples, C. (in press). Feasibility study of an equine-assisted learning intervention for children with disabilities. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice.

Presentations

Traylor, A.C., Hopson, L.M, Dobbins, A., & Williams, J.D. (2021, November). Analyzing a Southern School of Social Work’s anti-racist policies: BSW program implications. Presentation made at the 67th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Orlando, FL.

Traylor, A.C, Hopson, L.M., Komara, C., Jones, S., O’Neal, J., Davis, E., Hall, E., & Mastradonas, L. (2021, January). Impact of equine assisted activities and therapies on child behavior and family well-being. Presentation made at the 25th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Conference held virtually due to COVID-19.

Lim, C., Williams, J.D., Trull, V., & Traylor, A.C. (2020, January). Engaging key stakeholders for solutions in applied research on human trafficking. Presentation made at 9th Annual Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Education Conference, Waikiki, Hawaii.

Amy Traylor Associate Professor

Sherron Wilkes

BSW Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor

Presentations

Wilkes, S., & Davis, C. (March 2024). One Click Away: Utilizing a Virtual Learning Series to Amplify Marginalized Voices during Crises. Presented at the 41st Annual Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) in New Orleans, LA.

Wilkes, S., Foster-Reese, C., John, D., & Turner, L. (March 2024). Can't we all just get along? Why women of color with practice doctorates have to fight to belong?

Presented at the 2024 National DSW Conference on Social Work Education at the University of Alabama School of Social Work in Tuscaloosa, AL

Foster-Reese, C., John, D., Wilkes, S., & Turner, L. (April 2024). Can't we all just get along? Why women of color with practice doctorates have to fight to belong?

Presented at the 12th annual Faculty Women of Color in the Academy (FWCA) National Conference in Arlington, VA.

Arendt, V., Blunt-Carter, M., Francis, W., Harris, J., Hodge, J., Manalo, V., Smith, T., & Wilkes, S. (June 2024). Social Work is a Political Profession. Presented at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) National Conference in Washington, DC. Social Work is Political (socialworkers.org).

John, D., Wilkes, S., & Chapman-Thomas, C. (2024, October). The Reemergence of the DSW: Where Have We Been and Where Do We Go? Presenting at the Council on Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting in Kansas City.

John, D., Lynch, B., Turner, L., & Wilkes, S. (2024, November). Overlooked and Undervalued: Strategies for Cultivating Community and Retaining Black Faculty. Presenting at the 2024 International Conference on Urban Education (ICUE) Biennial Meeting in Cancun, Mexico.

DoctoralStudents

Philip Asamoah (PhD)

Publications

Asamoah, P., Abokyi, S.N., & Nunfam, V.F. (2024). Challenges of parents of young adults misusing psychoactive substances in small-scale mining communities in Ghana. Cogent Mental Health, 3(1), 1–37.https://doi.org/10.1080/28324765.2024.2382182

Haley Heckman Beech (PhD)

Publications

Rahill, G.J., Joshi, M., Zlotnick, C., Beech, H.H., Sutton A.R., & Burris, C. (2019). "Give me proof": A covert but coercive form of non-partner sexual violence contributing to teen pregnancy in Haiti and opportunities for mental health intervention. Journal of Aggression Maltreatment, and Trauma, 29(7), 835–855.https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2020.1738616

Sutton, A.R., Beech, H.H., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2020). Intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion. Encyclopedia of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013 .1368

Andrea Bell (PhD)

Presentations

Bell, A., Abshire, A., & Smith, B.D. (2024). “Free to make mistakes”: Which social work competencies do faculty prioritize in simulation labs? Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO, October 25, 2024.

Bell, A. & Cain, D.S. (2024). Professional developmental coaching as a retention strategy to strengthen the frontline child welfare workforce in Alabama. 23rd Annual Fall Social Work Conference, Birmingham, AL, October 10, 2024.

Smith, B.D., Littleton, T., & Bell, A. (submitted for review). Counties with fewer than 1,000 child maltreatment reports: Enigmas and opportunities. Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference. Seattle, WA, 2025.

Reports

Bell, A., Abshire, A., & Smith, B.D. (2024). Faculty and Student Experiences with the UA Simulation Lab: Final Report. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama School of Social Work.

Stefanie Binion (PhD)

Publications

Stevenson, E., Reid, C., & Binion, S.(2024). Diversity and Grit: First Generation College Students in Online Degree Programs. The American Journal on Distance Education, 1–12.

https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2024.2408813

Johnson, K.A., Wang, K., Lee, L.H., Binion, S., & Carlson, C.(2024). SAVA syndemic and comorbid HIV risks among youth transitioning from the U.S. juvenile legal system. Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services, 22(3), 51–74.

https://doi.org/10.1080/15381501.2024.2376551

Johnson, K.A., Binion, S., Waller, B., Sutton, A., Wilkes, S., Payne-Foster, P., & Carlson, C. (2022). Left behind in the U.S.’ Deep South. Deep South-Specific Risks and the Impact on HIV and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Efforts Targeting Black Women: An Opinion Article. Frontiers in Reproductive Health Journal. 4:1008788.

https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2022.1008788

Presentations

Binion, S. & Newell, T. (2024). First Generation College Students in Online Degree Programs: How do individual levels of grit and social connectedness differ between FGCS enrolled in baccalaureate programs. 2024 Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Binion, S. (2023). To What Extent Do Levels of Individual Functioning Influence Criminal Involvement: A Secondary Quantitative Analysis of the Research on Pathways to Desistance Data. 2023 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Ellis, T., Register, H., Binion, S., & Alberda, K. (2023). Removing the Barriers: A Holistic Approach to Higher Education for Displaced and Foster Care Youth. 2023 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Elsa Candelario (DSW)

Presentations

Candelario, E. (2023, June 2). Strategic management webinar (Instructor). Rutgers School of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education, New Brunswick, NJ (virtual).

Candelario, E. (2023, May 19). Achieving culturally responsive services for Latina/os by reducing barriers to social work education: A case study. Latino Social Workers Organization National Latinx Social Work Conference 2023, Portland, OR.

Singh, K. & Candelario, E. (2023, April 18). Founding Your Own Nonprofit Organization: Tips for Social Work Management Students and Emerging Leaders (Presentation). Network for Social Work Management, New Jersey Chapter. Newark, NJ (virtual).

Candelario, E. (2023, March 3). Social work education’s role to increase access to services for Latinx populations (Conference session panel presentation). University of Alabama School of Social Work 2023 National DSW Conference on Education and Social Work, Tuscaloosa, AL (virtual).

Awards

PI, Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service Training, and Assessment (LISTA) Certificate Program’s Bilingual Social Worker Scholarship Program Rutgers School of Social Work. Funding Source: Latino Action Network Foundation.

PI, Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service Training, and Assessment (LISTA) Certificate Workforce Development Program Rutgers School of Social Work. Funding Source: Cigna Foundation.

Erick da Luz Scherf (PhD)

Publications

da Luz Scherf, E. (Accepted, Forthcoming 2024). AntiRacist Values in Portuguese Baccalaureate Social Work Education: A Content Analysis Study. The International Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 21(2), 86-114.

da Luz Scherf, E. (2024). Addressing Discrimination and Healthcare Disparities for Sexual and Gender Minorities in South Africa: A Human Rights-Based Perspective. Journal of Health Management, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/09720634231216025

da Luz Scherf, E. & Viana da Silva, M.V. (2023). Brazil’s Yanomami Health Disaster: Addressing the public health emergency requires advancing criminal accountability. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 01–05. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1166167

Presentations

da Luz Scherf, E. (October 2024). “Immigration Policy as a Social Determinant of Health among Brazilian Immigrants in the United States.” Presented at Council on Social Work Education's 70th Annual Program Meeting. Kansas City, MO.

da Luz Scherf, E. (March 2024). “Investigating the (non-)place of race and ethnicity in undergraduate social work education in Portugal.” Presented at Infusing Resilience, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Big Easy, BPD 41st Annual Conference. New Orleans, LA.

Media Interview

SAGE Research Methods Series (2024). Video Interview: Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity in Social Work. https://methods.sagepub.com/video/raceethnicity-and-diversity-in-social-work.

Haelim Jeong (PhD)

Publications

Noh, H., Suntai, Z., Won, C., Jeong, H., & Lee, L. H.(2024). A qualitative exploration of rural older adults’ experiences with pain from chronic illnesses and its treatment. Research on Aging, 46(9-10), 468479.https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275241246279

Samora, J., Jeong, H.,Conway, F. N., & Claborn, K. R. (2024). Applications of immersive virtual reality for illicit substance use: A systematic review. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 85(2), 158-167. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.23-00189

Presentations

Jeong, H.& Noh, H. (June, 2024). Resilience as a protective factor in older adult suicide: A rapid review.Accepted for symposium. International Association for Suicide Prevention 11th Asia Pacific Conference. Bangkok, Thailand.

Jeong, H.& Moss, M.C. (Accepted). Social work educator’s role in suicide prevention on college campuses: What’s next? Submitted for interactive workshop. Council of Social Work Education 70thAnnual Program Meeting.

Awards

Southeastern Conference (SEC) Emerging Scholars Program.

University of Alabama Graduate Council Fellowship.

Denise Kan (PhD)

Publications

Carless, D., Ormerod, J., Douglas, K., Kan, D., Meach, R., Hayes, L.D., Hilliard, N., Ingram, J., Mair, J.L., Mclaughlin, M., Sanal-Hayes, N.E.M., & Sculthorpe, N.F. (2024). “You Think You’re Going to Get Better”: A Creative-Relational Inquiry into Long Covid and Physical Activity. Qualitative Inquiry, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10778004241234633

Presentations

Carless, D., Ormerod, J., & Kan, D. (2024, August 28th). “You Think You’re Going to Get Better”: A CreativeRelational Inquiry into Long Covid and Physical Activity. Oral Presentation. Qualitative Research Network at The University of the West of Scotland.

Kan, D. (2024, May). A Qualitative Study to Describe the Veterinary Lived Experience and Its Implication to Social Work Practice.Oral Presentation. 20th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.

Kan, D. (2024, May). My Voice Matters: The Impact of Natural Disasters on The Deaf Adult Population. Oral Presentation. 20th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.

Noh, H., Lee, L.H., Jeong, H., Kan, D., Emrick, L., Hasnani, M., & Waddell, W. (2024). Views on Deprescribing and Non-Pharmacological Pain Management among Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Health Conditions and Chronic Pain. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the US Deprescribing Research Network, May 15, Boston, MA (Invited).

Kan, D. (2023, May). What Are Canadian Veterinary Professionals' View of Collaborating With Social Workers? Oral Presentation. 19th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.

Kirsten Laha-Walsh (PhD)

Publications

Albright, D.L., Laha-Walsh, K., Thyer, B.A., Godfrey, K., & Waller, R.J. (2020). Combat veterans with polytrauma and traumatic brain injury: Exploring variables affecting access to social work outpatient services. Traumatology, 26(4), 344-350. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/trm0000245

Parrott, S., Albright, D.L., Laha-Walsh, K., Eckhart, N. R., & Allen, H.G. (2022). When we Post About #Veterans: The Role of News Media in Guiding Social Media Dialogue about Military Veterans. Journal of Veterans Studies, 8(1), 222-230. https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v8i1.311

Miller, K., Laha-Walsh, K., Albright, D.L., & McDaniel, J. (2021). Changes in Alcohol Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Sample of Cannabis Users. Journal of Substance Use, 26(6), 626-631. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2021.1875069

Awards

Project Director, Greater Birmingham Area Veteran Needs Assessment, Alabama, 2020-2022.

Rebecca McMahan (DSW)

Presentations

McMahan, R. (2024, March 27). Accommodations in Social Work Practice. (Virtual Presentation). NASW Ohio Monthly Presentation Series.

McMahan, R. & Jones, V. (2023, October 20). Accommodations in Social Work Practice: Creating an Effective Learning Environment for Clients. (Conference Session). NASW California Annual Conference, Burbank, CA.

McMahan, R. (2023, May 6). Gender Affirming Surgery Training: Writing Gender Affirming Letters for Clients. (Conference Session). National Transgender Health Summit Presentation, San Francisco, CA.

James Meadows (PhD)

Presentations:

Meadows, J.T. & Cheatham, L.P. (2024 January)

Military Families in the Exceptional Family Member Program: Attorney Understandings of Experiences and Policy. Oral presentation for Society of Social Work Research 2024 conference, Washington D.C.

Meadows, J.T.& Cheatham, L.P. (2023, October)

Military families with dependents with disabilities: Policy Understanding&Experiences of Attorneys. Oral presentation for Council for Social Work Education 2023 Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Amber Mott (PhD)

Publications

Smith, N.L., Smith, A.M., Mott, A., & Smith, B.D. (2023). Enhancing Supports for Novice Workers in Child Welfare: A Study of Coaching for Child Welfare Interns. Families in Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894231185373

Joana Okine (PhD)

Publications

Johnson, K.A., McDaniel, J.T., Okine, J., Graham, H.K., Robertson, E.T., McIntosh, S., Wallace, J., & Albright, D.L. (2024). A machine learning model for the prediction of unhealthy alcohol use among women of childbearing age in Alabama. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 59(2), 11-21. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agad075

Presentations

Johnson, K.A. & Okine, J. (2023, October). HIV risks in U.S. rural deep south: Implications for social work education and practice. A paper presented at the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM), Atlanta, GA.

Littleton, T., Newman, S., Okine, J. & Saasa, S. (2024, April). Perceived racial discrimination, adverse childhood experiences, and dissociative symptoms among Black Americans in rural communities. A paper presented at the Joint Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development, Panama City, Panama.

Moasun, Y. & Okine, J. (2024, May). Disability, personhood, and citizenship: Re-presenting gendered experiences of adults with disabilities from a rural cultural context. A paper presented at the 20th International Congress on Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI), Urbana-Champaign, IL.

Muñoz, M. H., Okine, J., Brown, E. L., & Ruggiano, N. (2024, July). The State of the Arts in Mobile Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices for People with Dementia: Evaluation of Features and Functions. Poster presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Okine, J., Malele, P.K., Kan, L., Coleman-Reed, F., Nelson-Gardell, D. & Abshire, A. (2024, May). The road to ICQI: A journey to today. A paper presented at the 20th International Congress on Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI), Urbana-Champaign, IL.

Melody Platt (PhD)

Awards

2023-2024 | National Alumni Association Fellow, Social Work PhD Program: The University of Alabama (UA), Tuscaloosa, AL.

Tracy Pressley (PhD)

Publications

Williams, J., Jackson, M.S., Barnett, T., Pressley, T., & Thomas, M. (2019). Black Mega Churches and the Provision of Social Services: An Examination of Regional Differences in America. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 38(2), 161179. https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2019.1577786

Terrell Richardson (PhD)

Publications

Richardson, T.T., Cain, D.S., & Cheatham, L. (Manuscript submitted for publication).Associations between depression and marijuana usage among Black male collegians: Results from the Healthy Minds Study.

Richardson, T.T., Dozier, K., & Jackson, M.S. (Manuscript submitted for publication).Pathways to success: A systematic review of pre-college programs for foster youth.

Richardson, T.T., Cheatham, L., & Cain, D.S. (Manuscript submitted for publication). Social determinants of mental health: Investigating the relationship between degree attainment and serious psychological distress among Black males in the U.S.

Presentations

Richardson, T.T. &Covin, C. (2024).Bright ideas: Transforming higher education with policy briefs. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators-Alabama Drive-In Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Awards

Outstanding Contribution to Teaching, University of Alabama School of Social Work.

Leila Salimova (PhD)

UMOJA Award (Outstanding Graduate Student Award) National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Publications

Salimova, L. & Rusnáková, M. (2024) Collaborative strategies for adolescent suicide prevention: insights from Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan. Discover Mental Health, 4(45). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-02400102-4

Salimova, L. (2023). Mobility for a Better Life: A Fragmented Story of the Migrant. Asean Social Work Journal, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v11i2.50

Salimova, L. (2022). The Problem of Teenage Suicide in the Kyrgyz Republic: a Brief Study on Psychosocial Stressors Related to Suicidal Ideation of Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Academia Letters, Article 4640. https://doi.org/10.20935/AL4640

Salimova, L. (2023). The influence of technology on suicide prevention. In book: WayScience Edition: 2n International Scientific and Practical Internet Conference Chapter: Future Healthcare: Innovations, Advances and Progress. Publisher: FOP Marenichenko V.V., Dnipro, Ukraine, 165 p., ISBN 978-617-829313-0.

Presentations

Jegede, O., Agbo, N., & Salimova, L. (2022, April)

Poster presentation at Riga Stradinas University (RSU) Students' Perceptions, Experiences and Shift in Learning Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. RSU International COVID-19 Conference. DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.22441.26726.

Natalia L. Smith (PhD)

Reports

Smith, N.L., Smith, A.M., Mott, A., Powell, A., & Smith, B.D. (2022). University of Alabama Title IV-E Coaching Initiative: Focus Group Report. Tuscaloosa, AL: The University of Alabama School of Social Work.

Publications

Mumba, M.N., Davis, L.L., Smith, N.L., Evans, T., & Castillo, R. (2022). Effects of unemployment on opioid use treatment trajectories: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 33(3), 168171.

https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000480

Presentations

Smith, N.L., & Cheatham, L. (2023). Reproductive healthcare access among Alabama youth transitioning from foster care with disabilities. Poster presentation given at the annual meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.

Smith, N.L., Gannon, B., Cheatham, L.P., Jackson, S., Fleckman, J., Register, H., & Rawls, J. (2022, November). Healthcare access among Alabama youth transitioning from foster care with disabilities. Poster Presentation at the 13th Annual CCHS Research and Scholarly Activity Day, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Smith, N.L., Smith, A.M., Mott, A., & Smith, B.D. (2022, November). Could a supervisor be more like a coach?: An evaluation of child welfare coaching. Eposter Presentation at the 2022 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, Anaheim, CA.

Awards

American Dissertation Fellowship (Spring 2023).

Outstanding Contributions to Scholarship Award (Spring 2023).

Chris Ward (DSW)

Publications

Ward, C.J., Secret, M., & Newmark, A. (2020)

Converting a face-to-face introductory research methods course to an online format: Pedagogical issues and technological tools. In Kurzman, P. A. Editor & Littlefield, M. B. Editor (Eds.), Online and distance social work education: Current practice and future trends.

Secret, M., Ward, C.J., & Newmark, A. (2019) Converting a face-to-face introductory research methods course to an online format: Pedagogical issues and technological tools. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 39(4-5), 455-476. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2019.1635558

Charles, J.K.L., Perkins, N.H., Ward, C.J., Stewart, M.L., & Secret, M.C. (2019) Research knowledge of advanced standing and traditional students: Implications for BSW education. Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, 24(1), 27-47. https://doi.org/10.18084/1084-7219.24.1.27

Presentations

Ward, C.J. & Neff, D. (2021, July) What’s the purpose?: A workshop constructing embedded evaluation questions. Presentation at the South Carolina Conference on Innovations in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference, Conway, SC.

Ward, C.J. & Neff, D. (2021, April) Did it work?: A pilot embedded evaluation project. Presentation at the Social Work Distance Education conference, San Antonio, TX.

Bloomquist, K.R. & Ward, C.J. (2019. April) Hurry up and wait: Navigating the university third party partnership in Online program development and delivery. Presentation at the Social Work Distance Education conference, San Antonio, TX.

Retisha Warr (PhD)

Publications

Presentations

Warr, R. (2023). Intergenerational trauma of firstgeneration college students with parental Incarceration. Poster presentation given at the annual meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.

Warr, R., Jackson, S.M., & Noh, H. Intergenerational Trauma for First- Generation College Students with Parental Incarceration. Council for Social Work Education, October 26-29, 2023, Atlanta, GA.

Warr, R. & Cheatham, L.P. Exploring IncarcerationBased Trauma During COVID-19. Presented at Southeastern Universities Graduate Research Symposium, March 30, 2022.

Warr, R., Lee, L., & Cheatham, L.P. Isolated & Separated: PTSD During COVID-19 in Women’s Prisons Set in the Deep South. Submitted to Society of Social Work and Research Conference January 1115, 2023, Phoenix, Arizona.

Albright, D.L., Suntai, Z., Ayres, K., McDaniel, J.T., Warr, R., & Dane, J. (Under review). Adverse health behaviors among sexual minorities: Comparisons between spouses of active-duty service members and civilians. Society of Social Work and Research Conference, January 11-15, 2023, Phoenix, Arizona.

Cho Rong Claudia Won (PhD)

Presentations

Pearl, D., Evans, T., Locke, E., Maxcy-Brown, J., Peterson, J., & Won, C.R. (2023, April). Community engagement in graduate education: Developing the next generation of scholars. Panelist. Gulf-South Summit, Athens, GA.

Won, C.R., Nam, Y., & Lee, H.Y. (2023, January). Lived experiences of racism during COVID-19 pandemic in deep South: Voices and resolutions from young Korean American adults. Oral. 2023 Annual Conference of Society for Social Work and Research, Phoenix, AZ.

Awards

Fellow, MHFA Doctoral Grant ($5000), National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Fellow, Public Engagement Learning Community ($1500), University of Alabama.

Fellow, Emerging Community Engaged Scholars University of Alabama.

Fellow, Minority Fellowship Program, Council on Social Work Education.