2025 SSW Impact Magazine by School of Social Work

MAGAZINE

Addressing the Grand Challenges Through Research

Eliminate racism

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 inequality

Achieve equal opportunity and justice

WELCOME

From the Dean and Associate Dean

On behalf of the Office of Social Work Research (OSWR), I'm thrilled to present this year's Impact Magazine, our annual celebration of research, scholarship, and innovation that drives meaningful change in our communities.

This year's theme, "Bridges of Knowledge: Where Collaboration Meets Impact," recognizes the transformative research partnerships that have advanced social work science throughout the year. Despite significant disruptions and uncertainty in the research landscape, our discipline has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Social work researchers, true to our profession's core

values, have not only risen to meet these challenges but have flourished through strategic collaborations between faculty, students, community partners, and interdisciplinary colleagues.

The stories featured in this issue illuminate how discovery and impact emerge from the creative intersections of research, education, policy, and practice. These collaborative efforts have yielded extraordinary results: a notable increase in faculty and student publications, the development of new partnerships with community organizations and government agencies, the launch of an innovative research training certificate program for BSW and MSW students, and the establishment of a robust network of social work researchers spanning institutions across Alabama.

Each article in this issue represents more than individual achievement it showcases the power of connection, the strength found in partnership, and the profound impact that emerges when we bridge different forms of knowledge and expertise.

As you explore these pages, I invite you to consider how these collaborative models might inform your own work and inspire new partnerships. The research highlighted here demonstrates that our greatest breakthroughs occur not in isolation, but at the intersection of diverse perspectives, shared commitment, and collective action.

Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing social work research and for building the bridges that connect knowledge to meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.

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.

on of the School of Social Work’s Impact Magazine, our Annual Office of Social Work Research. Enjoy!

From left: Drs. Nicole Ruggiano (Associate Dean of Research), Ravi Majeti (Assistant Vice President for Interdisciplinary Research), and Schnavia Hatcher (Dean of the School of Social Work)

NSF Ranking Among Social Work Programs In Federal Research Expenditures

New and Continuing External FundingFor SSW FacultyInvoled Research Projects $19.3 Million Grant Funding

New Awards Led or Supported By SSW $6 Million

Number of facultystudent partnerships for Research

56 Percent of partnerships involving undergraduate Students 32%

Number of faculty-student collaborations on conference presentations Research education

Number of BSW and MSW students with extracurricular research training

9 Conference and Workshop Presentations

100% of Tenure Track Assistant Professors With Grant Funding Increase in Annual Peer-reviewed Publications

Dissemination 13th

Research and Scholarship News and Accolades

Breaking New Ground: Dr. Lindamarie Olson Bridges Neuroscience and Mental Health

DrLindamarieOlsonispioneeringanunusual combination:socialworkandneuroscience.Asaninagural fellowattheAlabamaLifeResearchInstitute(ALRI),she's usingbrainimagingtechnologytobetterunderstandtrauma andhelpyoungpeopleheal.

"OneofthethingsthatIloveaboutsocialworkisthatit incorporatesaspectsofsomanyotherdisciplineswithinit. ButtheoneareawhereIfeellikewearelackingintraining andknowledgeistheeffectsofthingsonthebrain,andhow thatrelatestotherestofourbiopsychosocialhealth,"Olson explains.Herjourneyintoneurosciencebeganduringan internshipataresidentialtreatmentfacilitythatused neurofeedbackandEEGstotreatchildrenwithsevere emotionaldisturbances

Whatstruckhermostwasthepowerofshowingadolescents actualimagesoftheirbrains."Ithinkit'ssohelpfultobe abletositdownwithanadolescentandshowthempictures oftheirbrain,andespeciallyattheendoftreatment,to showhowtreatmentcancausetheirbraintochange,"she says.

Olson'scurrentresearchfocusesonformerfosteryouth, usingMRItechnologytostudyhowthebrainresponds totraumatic,neutral,andhappymemories.Thegoalis tounderstandtheneuralbasisofdissociation acommon responsetotraumathataffectsdailyfunctioning.

TheALRIfellowshipprogrambringstogetherfaculty fromdifferentdisciplinestolearnneuroimaging techniques,writegrants,anddeveloppilotstudies.For Olson,it'sbeentransformative."It'schangedthewayI viewtheentireresearchprocess,"shenotes.

Theresearchhaspracticalimplicationsbeyondacademia. OlsonisworkingwithAlabama'sDepartmentofMental HealthandDepartmentofYouthServicestoidentify gapsincareacrossthestateShe'salsoexpanding neurofeedbackservicestochildren'sadvocacycenters throughoutAlabama.

Herworkrepresentsagrowingtrendofinterdisciplinary collaboration,showinghowbrainsciencecanenhance traditionalsocialworkapproachestohelpvulnerable populationshealandthrive.

Dr. Olson uses MRI images to study the role of neuroscience in social work.

AssociateDeanofResearchandDevelopment,Dr.NicoleRuggiano,has beennamedaResearchLeaderFellowbytheAssociationofPublicand Land-GrantUniversities’CouncilonResearch(APLUCOR).TheCOR ResearchLeaderFellowshipisa12-monthleadershipdevelopment programdesignedtoprepareemerginguniversityresearchleadersfor seniorrolesinresearchadministration.Duringhertimeasafellow,Dr. Ruggianowillengagewithexperiencedresearchexecutives,have ongoingmentoringandlearningopportunitiesaboutthecurrentstateof academicresearch,andattendsitevisitsatresearchinstitutionsacrossthe USAspartofherparticipationintheprogram,DrRuggianowill completeaprojectfortheUniversityofAlabamatosupportresearch security.“Researchsecurityisanongoingchallengeforacademic institutionsandiscurrentlyanationalpriority,”sheexplains.“AsUA advancesitsresearchenterprise,itwillbeextremelyimportantto maintaincompetitivenessforfederalresearchfunding.”Dr.Ruggianohas particularinterestinlearningaboutresearchsecurityissuesspecificto researchinvolvingartificialintelligence.

Data-Driven Change: Black Belt Initiative Reveals Critical Youth Protection Needs

TheSchoolofSocialWork'sBlackBelt InternshipInitiativeisgeneratingsignificant researchinsightsthattranslatedirectlyinto communityaction.Whatbeganasastudent placementprogramhasevolvedintoa powerfuldatacollectionandanalysisproject uncoveringpatternsinyouthservicesacross ruralAlabama.

WorkingalongsidetheDallasCountyJuvenile ProbationOffice,MSWstudentsconducteda comprehensivesix-monthanalysisofjuvenile intakeformsThissystematicdatareview revealedapreviouslyunquantifiedpattern: familialsexualabuseemergedasasignificant andrecurringconcernamongreferredyouth intheregion.

Theresearchapproachdemonstrateshowembeddedstudentpractitionersserveaseffectivedatacollectors,utilizingdirectaccessto casefilesandcommunitysystemstoidentifytrendsthatmightotherwiseremaininvisible.Basedonthedataanalysis,theinitiative developedtargetedtrainingprogramsforschoolprofessionalsandcommunitymembers.Theseevidence-basedinterventions focusonenhancingearlyidentificationofwarningsignsandimprovingaccesstoresourcesforvictims.

Thisrepresentsasignificantshiftfromreactivetoproactiveinterventionstrategies,withtrainingprogramsnowbeing implementedacrossSelmaandDallasCounty.TheinitiativeestablishedtheSelma-DallasCountyChildren'sPolicyAlliance, bringingtogetherover21communitypartnersasbotharesearchcollaborativeandimplementationnetwork.Throughthismodel, theSchoolbuildssustainableresearchinfrastructureincommunitiesthathistoricallylackedcomprehensivedataanalysis capabilities,contributingtotheinitiative's$2.7millioneconomicimpactacross17Alabamacounties.

Dr. Nicole Ruggiano participating at UA’s annual Faculty Research Day, which encourages undergraduate student engagement with faculty research projects.

From left: Director of Experiential Programs and Community Partnerships Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas, MSW student Swantrese Waver-Johnson, Judge Vernetta Perkins

PhD Student Uche Nwatu Selected for National Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Gerontology

PhDstudent,UcheNwatu,wasselectedthisyearbytheAssociationforGerontology EducationinSocialWork(AGESW)asa202Pre-dissertationFellow.AGESWisthe flagshiporganizationforgerontologicalsocialwork.Its'pre-dissertationFellowshipis awardedtodoctoralstudentswhodemonstrateacommitmenttothefieldofagingand plantopursuedissertationresearchingerontologyThegoaloftheFellowshipisto preparepromisingscholarsforacareerasagerontologicalsocialworkfacultymember. Theprogramprovidessignificantopportunitiesformentoring,methodologicaltraining, andprofessionaldevelopmentbyleadingscholarsinthefield.Italsoprovidessupport fortheawardeetotraveltotheannualscientificmeetingoftheGerontologicalSociety ofAmerica,whichwillbeheldinBostoninNovember2025.

AspartofherFellowship,Nwatu'sresearchaddressesacriticalyetoftenoverlooked crisis:howextremeheataffectsolderadultsinAlabama'sBlackBelt,oneofthenation's mostunderservedregionsDrawingfromherchildhoodinruralNigeria whereshewitnessedfirsthandhowfloodingand climatedisastersdisproportionatelyharmoldercommunitymembers Nwatuisnowinvestigatinghowextreme temperaturesimpactthedailylives,mentalhealth,andresilienceofolderadultslivinginpoverty.Herstudyfocuseson understandingtheirexperiencesandcopingstrategiesinthefaceofbrutalheatwaves,withthegoalofdeveloping community-drivensolutionsthathonortheirvoicesandstrengths.Inaregionalreadymarkedbylimitedinfrastructureand persistenthealthdisparities,Nwatu'sworkaimstoensurethatolderadultsaren'tleftbehindasclimatechangeintensifies, ultimatelyinformingpoliciesthatpromotebothclimateresilienceandhealthyaginginmarginalizedcommunitiesacrossthe ruralSouth.

PhD Student Terrell Richardson Receives Two National Awards for His Dedication to Improving Mental Health Among At-Risk College Students

PhDstudentTerrellRichardsonismakingwavesinhighereducationwithresearchthathitsclosetohome—andcloseto campus.Lastyearhehasearnedback-to-backnationalhonorsforhisgroundbreakingworkonmentalhealthsupportforatriskcollegestudents,particularlyBlackmennavigatinghighereducation.

Richardson'smostrecentaccolade,the2025OutstandingStudentAwardfromtheNationalAssociationofStudentPersonnel Administrators(NASPA),recognizeshiscommitmenttohighereducation'scoreprinciples:integrity,innovation,inclusion, andinquiry.Healsoreceivedtheprestigious2024MinorityFellowshipProgramDoctoralFellowawardfromtheCouncilof SocialWorkEducation.

ButRichardson'simpactextendsfarbeyondawardsceremonies.WhenCOVID-19 disruptedcampuslife,hedidn'tjustobservethecrisis—hestudiedit.Workingunder facultyguidance,Richardsondesignedandexecutedastudyexamininghowthe pandemicaffectedstudentleadersatMinorityServingInstitutionsandHistorically BlackCollegesandUniversities.Hisfindingsarenowhelpingcollegeadministrators bettersupportstudentleadersduringfuturecrisesandperiodsofcivilunrest.

Richardsonhasalsotakenhisexpertisedirectlytopractitioners,facilitatingtraining sessionsonculturallyinformedsuicidepreventionforyoungadultsofcolorthrough NASW-NCGuilfordCounty.Hishands-onexperiencespansclinicalservicesfor collegestudents,academicadvising,housingassistancefortheunsheltered,andhelping low-incomefamiliesnavigatepublicassistanceprograms.Withhisresearchlaserfocusedoncollegestudents,Richardsonisaddressingacriticalgapinmentalhealth support—onestudent,onestudy,andonetrainingsessionatatime.

From left: Dr. Daphne Cain, Dr. Leah Cheatham, and PhD student, Terrell Richardson at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research

PhD Student Uche Nwatu

Dr. Barbara Lester Selected as Top Ten Finalist for Student Research Award for Her Work Combatting Ageism

RecentDSWgraduate,Dr.BarbaraLesterwasatoptenfinalistforthe beststudentresearchawardatthe2024scientificmeetingofthe GerontologicalSocietyofAmerica(GSA)inSeattlelastNovember.She presentedherCapstoneresearch, Combatting Ageism: Evaluating the Impact of an Age-Positive Training in Health Care. Forherstudy,shedeveloped anevidence-basedanti-ageismtrainingforhealthcareemployeesto improvecareforolderadults.Dr.Lesterimplementedhertraining interventionthroughtheemployeecontinuingeducationprogramather healthcareorganization,IntermountainHealthinSaltLakeCity,Utah. Sheconductedpre-andpost-testsamongparticipantsthatevaluatedtheir attitudestowardsagingandolderadults.Overthecourseofeight trainings167employees,with64%completingbothpre-andpostevaluation.Shefoundthattherewasasignificantimprovementin participants’knowledgeaboutagingandreductioninageistbeliefs.

Student Poster Award

RecentDSWgraduate,Dr.MatthewAndersonreceivedtheStudentPosterAward forSelf-StarterforResearchDoneIndependentlyatthe9 AnnualCombatPTSD ConferenceinSanAntonio,Texas.Hisresearchwastitled, Trends of adverse childhood experiences among Veterans referred to a PCT at a Veterans Healthcare Medical Center. Aspartofhisresearch,Dr.AndersonanalyzeddataavailableataVAMedical CenterinMississippitoexamineadversechildhoodexperiences(ACEs)among veteranswhohadbeenreferredforspecialtyPTSDservicesandcomparedthe findingsfromapriorstudythatexaminedanon-veteranpopulation.Hisfindings demonstratedveteransweremorelikelytoreporthavinganACE,morelikelyto reportmultipleACEs,andweremorelikelytoexperiencespecificACEs,compared tothegeneralpublic.Thefindingsmayinformnewassessmentandclinicalpractices tobetteraddressmentalhealthamongveterans.

Two MSW Students Selected as Office of Social Work Research

MSWstudentsLeighMcMullinandBigvaiEstradahavebeen selectedasthefirstOfficeofSocialWorkResearchPractitioner Scholarsforthe2024-2025academicyear.Aspartoftheirpracticum experience,thestudentswilllearnmoreabouttheintersectionofsocial workpractice,research,andpolicy.Theywillreceivehands-onexperience incommunityassessmentsandpolicypracticethroughaprojectwherethe teamwillsurveyandinterviewlocalpolicymakersacrossthestatetolearn whattheirpolicyprioritiesareaswellastheirneedsareforevidenceand informationthatcaninformtheirpolicydecisions.Theywillalsoassist facultyintheSchoolwithidentifyinggrantopportunitiesthataddressthe GrandChallengesofSocialWorkandsupportgrassrootsorganizing activitiesthatsupportsocialworkresearchersandstudentsacrossthestateof Alabama.LeighandBigvaiareboth1 yearstudentsintheonlineMSW Program. st

Dr. Matthew Anderson Receives 2024 STRONG STAR Combat PTSD Conference

Dr. Barbara Lester (center) presenting her research at the 2024 GSA Scientific Meeting of along with her Capstone committee members, Drs. Nicole Ruggiano (left), and Troy Anderson (Univ. of Utah, right).

Dr. Matthew Anderson with his research poster at the 2024 STRONG STAR Combat PTSD Conference.

MSW Students Leigh McMullin (left) and Bigvai Estrada (right), who are completing their MSW practicum in the Office of Social Work Research.

NEW EDITIONS

TheSchoolofSocialWorkisexcitedtowelcomefivenewclinicalandtenure trackfacultymemberstotheschoolThesetalentedandinnovativescholarswill makepositivecontributionstotheSchool’seffortsinaddressingtheGrand Challengesforcommunitieslocally,nationally,andglobally.

r.DonnaT.HornsbyisjoiningtheSchool asaClinicalAssistantProfessor.She receivedherDSWfromtheUniversityofKentuckyand isalicensedmastersocialworker.Sheisalsothe ExecutiveDirectorandco-founderoftheCancer CaregiverAlliance,anon-profitsheestablishedin2024, wherehergoalistosupportcaregiversofcancerpatients whoarereceivingCAR-Tcelltherapyandstemcell transplants.

Inadditiontothiswork,Dr.Hornsbyhasmorethan31 yearsofsocialworkpracticeexperience,mostlyinchild welfare,whereshehasexperienceworkingatthelocal, state,andnationallevels.Asaclinician,sheiscertifiedas aTraumaandResiliencyPractitioner,trainedin Trauma-FocusedCognitiveBehaviorTherapy.

Dr.Hornsby’sresearchandscholarshipcentersaround herpracticeexpertise.Sheisinterestedinstudyingchild welfareandalsocancercaregiving,withthegoalof reducingcaregiverburdentosupportbothcaregiverand patientoutcomes.

r.LaceyJenkinsisarecentPhDgraduate fromtheUniversityofTexasatArlington, whereshecompletedherresearchonchild wellbeing.Herresearch,titled,"StrengtheningChild Well-Being:EvaluatingtheRoleofFamilyResource CentersinPreventingChildMaltreatment,"represents innovativethinkinginprevention-focusedchildwelfare. Ratherthanstudyinginterventionsafterproblemsoccur, Jenkinsexamineshowcommunity-basedresourcescan proactivelysupportfamilies,potentiallypreventingtheir involvementwithchildprotectiveservicesaltogether. Jenkinsbringsbothacademicrigorandreal-world experiencetoherresearch.Herprofessionalbackground includesdirectpracticeasachildwelfarecaseworker, schoolsocialworker,andadoptionspecialist— experiencesthatdeeplyinformherscholarlypursuits. Thiscombinationoffrontlineknowledgeandresearch expertisepositionsheruniquelytounderstandthe complexitiesfamiliesface.

Jenkins'researchproductivityisimpressive,with multiplepeer-reviewedpublicationsalreadyinprintand severalmoreunderreview.Hercollaborativeworkspans topicsfromstate-levelreunificationpoliciestoequityin childwelfareworkforcedevelopment.

r.VanessaL.JonesisaLicensedClinical SocialWorkerandDoctorofSocialWork withextensiveexperienceinclinicalpractice, supervision,andteaching.Sheearnedherbachelors degreeinSociologyfromtheUniversityofCalifornia, Davis,herMasterofSocialWorkfromColumbia University,andherDoctorofSocialWorkfromThe

Dr. Donna Hornsby

Dr. Lacey Jenkins

Dr.Jonesrecentlyservedasatherapist,administrativeand clinicalsupervisorattheU.S.DepartmentofVeterans AffairsPriortothisrole,shespent12yearsworkinginthe Californiaprisonsystem,wheresheprovidedabroadrange ofmentalhealthservices includingcrisisintervention, individualtherapyandsupervisedunlicensedsocialworkers formorethanadecade.PriortothatDr.Jonesworkedwith activedutymilitarypersonnelprovidingbehavioral interventions,andwithemotionallychallengedfoster children.ShealsoservedasanadjunctlectureratCalifornia StateUniversity,MontereyBay,forthreeyears. Herresearchinterestsfocusonthreekeyareas:social workers’exposuretoworkplacetrauma,theimportanceof robustclinicalsupervision,andtheemotionalwell-beingof incarceratedmen.

poverty,race,andsexuality--compoundbarrierstoaccessing healthandsocialservicesHisworkhopestoinformstigmareductionandpromoteequitableservicedeliveryfor marginalizedgroups.

PriortojoiningthefacultyatUAhewasthesocialwork supervisoratUnityWellnessCenter,anAIDSService OrganizationinOpelika,AL

r.PhilipKierceisfromAuburn,Alabama,and recentlycompletedaDSWfromtheUniversity ofKentucky.Hehasextensiveexperienceasamedicalcase manager,focusingonholisticsupportandadvocacyfor individualslivingwithHIVHisresearchexploreshow intersectingsocialstigmas--HIVstatus,genderexpression,

r.PeiyuanZhangjoinstheUAfacultywitha uniquecombinationofresearchexcellenceand real-worldimpactinend-of-lifecare.Freshfromcompleting herPhDattheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore,DrZhang hasalreadyestablishedherselfasarisingstaringerontological socialwork,withpublicationsintop-tierjournalsincluding Alzheimer's&DementiaandtheJournalofApplied Gerontology

Herresearchtacklesoneofhealthcare'smostchallenging areas:ensuringqualityend-of-lifecareforolderadults, particularlythosefromimmigrantcommunitieswhooften faceculturalandlanguagebarriersinnavigatingthe healthcaresystemDrZhang'scurrentfocusondeveloping assessmenttoolsforadvancecareplanninginnursinghomes addressesacriticalgapinsupportingresidentswithcognitive impairment.

WhatsetsDrZhangapartisherhands-onclinicalexperience spanningtwocontinentsShe'sprovideddirectpalliativecare servicesinbothU.S.andChinesehealthcaresettings,giving herresearchanauthenticitythatcomesfromunderstanding patients'needsfirsthand.Asanewfacultymember,sheis alreadyfocusedongrantwritingtosupportherwork,which furtherdemonstrateshercommitmenttotransforminghow weapproachend-of-lifecareforourmostvulnerable populations.

Dr. Vanessa Jones

Dr. Peiyuan Zhang

Alabama Social Work Researchers Were Searching For Connection

UA Had The ANSWR

Whilechangestofederalresearchprioritiesandgovernment restructuringhavepresentednewchallengesforsocialwork researchacrossAlabama,somethingremarkablehappened: insteadofretreating,researchershavebeencomingtogether toincreasetheircapacityforpursuingtheirresearchagendas thattackletheGrandChallengesofSocialWork.

InitiatedbytheUAOfficeofSocialWorkResearch,the AlabamaNetworkofSocialWorkResearchers(The ANSWR)emergedfromasimplebutpowerfulidea that collectiveactionandgrassrootsorganizingcouldstrengthen thediscipline'sabilitytotacklethemostpressinghealth, social,andeconomicneedsfacingAlabamians.Whatstarted asinformalconversationshasblossomedintoa52-member networkspanning11collegesanduniversitiesacrossthestate, frommajorresearchinstitutionstohistoricallyblackcolleges anduniversities.

Thenetworkbringstogetherfacultyateverycareerstage, fromdoctoralstudentsandassistantprofessorsseeking mentorshiptoseasonedresearcherslookingforfresh collaborations.Forjuniorfacultyatsmallerinstitutions,

theconnectionhasbeenparticularlyvaluable offeringaccess toresourcesandopportunitiesthatmightotherwiseremain outofreach.

Thegroup'sfirstin-personretreatinJune2025drewmore than30researcherstoTheUniversityofAlabamacampus, wheretheymappedoutambitiousplansforthefutureTheir missionisclear:developandshareresources,training,and supporttostrengthensocialworkresearchacrossAlabama whileconnectingresearcherstoengageinimpactful scholarship.Bypoolingexpertiseandresources,these researchersareensuringthatAlabama'ssocialworkprograms cancontinuecontributingmeaningfulsolutionstotheGrand Challenges.

Otherstatesarewatchingclosely,consideringsimilar grassrootsorganizingefforts.TheANSWRprovesthatwhen researchersunite,theycancreatesomethinggreaterthanthe sumoftheirparts amodelthatcouldreshapehowacademic disciplinesprotectandadvancetheirworkinchallenging times.

“Socialworkhasalwaysbeenaboutcollectiveactiontoimprovecommunitywellbeing.Werealized weneededtoapplythatsamespirittoprotectingandadvancingourownresearchcapacity."

~Dr.NicoleRuggiano

of The ANSWR

PREPARING SOCIAL WORKERS TO NAVIGATE THE AI REVOLUTION

Likemanyprofessions,artificialintelligence(AI)hasplayedan increasingroleinsocialworkeducationandpractice,though thebenefitsandchallengesofusingAIinsocialworkremain unclear.Asadisciplinebuiltonhumanconnectionand empathy,thequestionremains:Howdoyoupreparestudents forafieldrootedinhumanrelationshipswhileembracing technologythatcouldreshapehowtheyserveclients?

Ateamoffacultyandadministratorsrecentlycompleteda studytoshedmorelightonAIinsocialworkAsone respondentfromthestudynoted,"AIisnotgoingawayand learninghowitcanassistusinaproperandethicalmanneris important."

The Reality Check

ThroughagrantfromtheAlabamaCommissiononHigher Education,theresearchteamsurveyed137socialwork students,faculty,andpractitionersacrossthestate.Whilemore thanathirdconsideredthemselvesknowledgeableaboutAI, only8.5%feltveryknowledgeable,andjust25%hadever takenAItraining.

"Manyofthestudentswhoparticipatedthoughtthat ChatGPTwastheonlyAItoolavailable,"saidDrNicole Ruggiano,wholedthestudyteam"Theywerequitesurprised thatthelandscapeofAIismuchmorecomplex"

Where AI Actually Helps

ThestudyrevealedwhereAIshowsthemostpromise: administrativetasksanddataanalysis.Socialworkersspend countlesshoursonpaperwork timethatcouldbespent directlyhelpingclients.AIcouldhandleroutinework,freeing professionalstofocusonbuildingrelationshipsandproviding emotionalsupport.

Butparticipantswereclearaboutboundaries.Activities requiringhumanjudgment likeclientassessmentsandcase management scoredloweronusefulness."Iworrythatsocial workerscouldrelytoomuchonAI,"oneparticipant explained"AIisnotempatheticandcannotmakerealhuman connectionsforus"

Teaching the Next Generation

Theresearchteamdidn'tjuststudytheproblem they createdasolution.Theydevelopedpilotcontentforapilot BSWcoursethattaughtstudentstointegrateAIintosocial workpracticeresponsibly.

Theresearchteammeasuredstudents’AIreadinessbefore andafterthecourse,andtheresultsshowedthattheymade significantimprovementsintheirself-efficacyinusingAI insocialworkpracticesettingsStudentsweresurprisedby therangeofAIapplicationstheydiscovered,from practicinginterviewskillstoanalyzingcommunityneeds.

Navigating Ethics

Thestudyhighlightedtheprofession'sbiggestconcern: ethics.Over100participantscitedethicalissuesastheir primaryworry,followedbyprivacyconcerns.Socialwork dealswithvulnerablepopulationsandsensitive information,makingtheseconcernswell-founded. Ratherthanavoidingthesechallenges,theAlabama approachsuggestsaddressingthemthrougheducationand clearguidelines.

Looking Forward

ThestudypointstowardafuturewhereAIbecomesatool inthesocialworker'stoolkit notareplacementforhuman judgment,butawaytohandleroutinetasksmore efficiently.Thekeyispreparationthroughpropertraining inhowtouseAItoolsethicallyandeffectively.

Thechallengenowisensuringthatsocialworkeducation keepspacewithtechnologicalchangewhilepreservingthe human-centeredvaluesthatmaketheprofessionunique.

This project was led by several SSW faculty and administrators: Dr. Nicole Ruggiano (Project Lead), Dr. Schnavia Hatcher, Dr. Sebrena Jackson, Dr. Dalila John, PhD Student Denise Kan, Dr. Hyunjin Noh, Ms. Jade Scales, and Dr. Sherron Wilkes

Parks, Crime, and Community Health: A Data-Driven

Partnership for Safer and Healthier Neighborhoods

WhenUAAssociateProfessorDr.LewisLeereceivedan unexpectedinvitationfromacolleaguein2022,hecouldn't haveimagineditwouldleadtogroundbreakingresearchthat couldreshapehowcitiesdesigntheirneighborhoods.The proposalwasintriguing:analyzedatafromnearly1,000urban parksacrossAlabamatounderstandtheirimpacton communityhealthandsafety.

Whatstartedasa"lightheartedinvitation"quicklyevolved intoarobustcollaborationbetweenresearchersfromThe UniversityofAlabama,UAB,andtheUniversityofNew HampshireTheinterdisciplinaryteam spanningsocial work,occupationaltherapy,nursing,andpublic administration wasunitedbyasharedbeliefthaturban parks,oftenoverlookedascriticalinfrastructure,playan essentialroleinshapingneighborhoodsafetyandqualityof life

Theirinnovativeapproachcombinedhigh-resolutionsatellite imageryfromGoogleEarthProwithcrimedataandCDC healthindicatorstocreateacomprehensivepictureofhow parksizeaffectscommunities.Thiswasn'tjustacademic curiosity theteamwasaddressingurgentquestionsabout healthequityinurbanareas,wheredisparitiesinaccessto greenspaceoftencompoundexistinginequalities.

Thefindings,publishedinleadinghealthjournals,revealed surprisingconnections.Largerurbanparkswereconsistently associatedwithlowerneighborhoodcrimeratesandbetter physicalhealthoutcomesMostnotably,theteamdiscovered thatparks'mentalhealthbenefitsworkprimarilythrough enhancedneighborhoodsafety apreviouslyunknown

pathwaythatcouldinformfutureurbanplanning strategies

"Thisprojectwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithout genuineinterdisciplinarycollaboration,"explainsDrLee "Bybringingtogetherexpertisefromsocialwork, occupationaltherapy,publichealth,andnursing,wewere abletoapproachcomplexquestionsabouthealth,crime, andurbaninfrastructurefrommultipleangles."

Theresearchfacedsignificantchallengesearlyon, includingdataqualityissuesthatinitiallyproduced contradictoryresults.Ratherthanabandoningtheir researchquestions,theteambroughtingeospatialanalysis expertDr.AkhlaqueHaque,whoseexpertisehelpedthem transitiontomorerigorousmeasurementmethodsusing satellitetechnology.

ForcommunitiesacrossAlabamaandbeyond,these findingsofferconcreteevidenceforpublicinvestmentin larger,accessibleparksaspartofcomprehensivestrategies toimprovesafetyandhealthTheresearchprovidessocial workers,urbanplanners,andpolicymakerswithscientific backingtoadvocateforgreenspaceexpansionthat addresseslocalneedswhilepromotingequity.

Theteamisnowpreparingtoexpandtheirresearch nationally,seekingtotesttheserelationshipsacrossdiverse geographiccontextsandgeneratepolicy-relevantevidence tosupporthealth-promotingurbaninfrastructure nationwide.

Interdisciplinaryteammembersforthisprojectincluded(fromleft):Dr.GibranMancusfromtheUniversityofNew Hampshire,Dr.HonK.YuenfromTheUniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham(UAB),Dr.LewisLeefromtheUA SchoolofSocialWork,andDr.AkhlaqueHaquefromUAB.Integratingsatellitedatawithhealthandcrimedata,the teamdemonstratedtheimportantrolethaturbanparksplayincommunityhealthandcrimerates.

BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS CONTINENTS

DR ABIGAIL MILLS' FULBRIGHT JOURNEY AT UA

WhenDr.AbigailAdubeaMillsarrivedatThe UniversityofAlabamainJanuary2025,shebroughta visionfortransformativecross-culturalcollaboration. OverfivemonthsasaFulbrightScholar-in-Residence, thisdistinguishedGhanaiansocialworkscholarhaslefta lastingmarkoncampusandthroughoutTuscaloosa.

BreakingNewGroundinDisabilityEducation

Dr.Millsachievedasignificantmilestonebyteaching thefirstdisability-focusedcourseeverofferedatUA's SchoolofSocialWork.Thisinterdisciplinarycourse providedcrucialinternationalperspectivesondisability rights—expandingbeyondtypicalU.S.-focused curriculum.Herguestlecturesinneurodevelopmental disabilitiescoursesfurtherenrichedstudentlearning withglobalinsights.

“Dr.

has sparked interest among current and likely future students in the area of disability rights."

~ Dr. Leah Cheatham

BuildingLastingPartnerships

Dr.Mills’influencereachesbeyondtheclassroom.She engagedinconversationswiththeCollegeofArtsand SciencesregardingsupportingtheAfricanStudiesMinor programatthecollege,andwillbeteachingsessions onlineafterreturningtoGhana.Herresearch presentationshaveopeneddoorsforfuture collaborationsbetweenUAandtheUniversityof Ghana.

Dr.MillsbringsimpressivecredentialsasSeniorLecturer andPhDProgramCoordinatorattheUniversityof Ghana'sDepartmentofSocialWork.Herrecent groundbreakingresearchutilizesartificialintelligenceto promotesexualandreproductivehealthoutcomesfor adolescentswithdisabilitiesinGhana.

DeepCommunityEngagement

Beyondcampus,Dr.Millsimmersedherselfin Tuscaloosa'sdisabilityadvocacyecosystem,volunteering withtheAlabamaDisabilityAdvocacyProgramand Tuscaloosa'sOnePlace.Herengagementwith TuscaloosaCitySchoolsprovidedcross-culturalinsights intopubliceducationsystems.

Hercommunityinvolvementfosteredmutual understanding—acoreFulbrightmission.From

fellowshippingwithFirstPresbyterianChurchtohosting facultyfortraditionalGhanaianmeals,Dr.Millscreated meaningfulconnectionstranscendingprofessionalboundaries.

ALegacyofUnderstanding

Asherresidencyconcludes,Dr.Millsleavesbehind partnerships,inspiredstudents,andcollaborationsthatpromise toenrichbothuniversitiesforyearstocomeHerwork demonstrateshowacademicexchangecreateslastingchange, onemeaningfulconnectionatatime

Mills

Associate Professor and Dr. Mill’s Institutional Host

(From Left) Dr. Tori Jessen, Dr. Teresa Wise, Dr. Abigail Mills, Dr. Leah Cheatham, and Dr. Nicole Ruggiano.

SpecialthankstothosewhosupportedAbigail’sresidencyatUA,including:Dr.DebraNelson-Gardell,ProfessorEmeritusandformerCoordinatorof InternationalPrograms,Dr.LeahCheatham(SSWHost);Dr.TeresaWhite,AssociateProvostforInternationalEducation&GlobalAffairs,Dr.Lisa Pawloski,collaboratorfromArts&Sciences,andDr.ToriJessen,AssistantDirectorofInternationalPartnershipsandScholarships

Clockwise, from top: Drs. Abigail Mills and Debra Nelson-Gardell; Ms. Christina Norris (left), Senior Case Advocate for UA’s Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program and Dr. Mills; Dr. Mills giving a presentaiton at a SSW Research Rounds Event

SEEDS OF COLLABORATION:

IN A COMMUNITY

FROM

IDEA TO IMPACT: THE JOURNEY OF COLLABORATIVE

InasmallcommunitygardentuckedawayinTuscaloosa, somethingremarkablewasgrowingalongsidethebroccoli andcollardgreens.Whatstartedasaninnovativeteaching practiceinacommunitygarden,ledbysocialworkfaculty memberJadeScales,blossomedintoanimpactfulresearch collaborationthatwouldtransformhowstudentslearn, howfacultyteach,andhowcommunitiesbenefitfrom universityexpertise

Planting the Partnership

Fiveyearsago,socialworkinstructorJadeScalesfirst visitedJeremiah'sCommunityGardenasamedicalsocial workerfortheGoodSamaritanClinic,whichprovides medicalanddentalcaretounderservedcommunity members.Whatshediscoveredwasmorethanjusta communitygarden itwasaplacewherebarriersdissolved andcommunitythrived."Wegottocrossalotofbarriers," Scalesrecalls."Wemetolderadults,youngeradults,all differentethnicities,alldifferentreligiousbeliefs.Mysocial workbrainjustsaid,'Wow!Thisisareally,reallyspecial place'"

WhenScalesbecamefull-timefacultyin2023,shemadea personalcommitmenttohigh-impactexperientiallearning centeredonsustainablecommunitypartnerships.

Jeremiah'sCommunityGarden,avolunteer-runnonprofit gardencombatingfoodinsecuritybygrowingover10,000 poundsoffreshproduceannuallyforlocalresidents, seemedliketheperfectfit."They'reveryoverlooked.They don'thavealotoffunding.Theydon'thavealotof staffing,"Scalesexplains."Buttheworktheydoreallycan't bedescribedwithwords."

TherelationshipdeepenedwhenScalesbegan incorporatingservicelearningintoherBSWcourseon socialworkwithorganizationsandcommunities.

GARDEN

HOW SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH TOOK ROOT

SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Studentsdidn'tjustlearnaboutcommunitypractice theylivedit,gettingtheirhandsdirtytendingthegarden whileunderstandingitsbroadersocialimpact.

An Unexpected Research Opportunity

AssistantProfessorDrLucianaGiorgiohadbeen watchingScales'workwithinterestAspecialistinsleep healthresearch,Giorgiowasintriguedbythepotential connectionsbetweenfoodinsecurityandsleeppatterns andsawanopportunitythatcouldservemultiple purposes."Weneededtogathermoreinformationand pilotdatatobeabletoapplyforbiggergrantsthatcould providebettersupportthegarden,"Giorgioexplains.She approachedScaleswithanidea:Whatiftheycombined theirexpertisetocreatearesearchprojectthatwould benefitthegardenwhileprovidingmeaningfullearning experiencesforstudents?

Thecollaborationwasnatural.GiorgiowasteachingPhD studentsinherqualitativeanalysiscourseandherstudents neededrealdatatoworkwithScaleshadBSWstudents whoneededhands-oncommunitypracticeexperience AndJeremiah'sCommunityGardenneededresearchdata tosupportfuturegrantapplicationsandtelltheirstory moreeffectively.

Growing a Research Project

Whatemergedwasacarefullyorchestratedcollaboration thatputthecommunity'sneedsfirst.Ratherthan imposingaresearchagenda,theteamreachedoutto Jeremiah'sCommunityGarden'sboardtounderstand whattheyneededmost."Oneofourvalueswiththe projectwasmakingsurethatitwastruetothenarrative andtheneedoftheorganization,"Scalesemphasizes.

Theprojectwasstructuredtomaximizescientificrigorwhilebalancingthe imelineandvaryinglevelsofresearchtrainingofthoseinvolved.PhD tswoulddesigntheresearchprotocol,createinterviewguides,and isethedatacollectionandanalysis.BSWstudentswouldbetrainedto ctparticipantinterviews,beresponsibleforrecruitingandenrolling chparticipants,andcollectingandmanagingthesurveyandinterview heycollected.Everyonewouldlearnbydoingrealresearchthat edtorealpeople.

st,theyhadtoovercomesomenaturalresistancefromBSWstudents, ftentimesarenotawareoftheroleofresearchinsocialwork.Thekey owingthemhowresearchandsocialworkpracticeinterconnect"I hinkyoucanseparateresearchandsocialwork,"Scalesreflects "Researchisalwaysapartofsocialwork,becausewearesocialscientists"

Cultivating Skills and Confidence

Thepreparationwasintensive.PhDstudentsdevelopedcomprehensive trainingmaterialsandprotocolsfortheBSWstudents,walkingthemthrough everythingfromobtaininginformedconsenttopracticinggoodinterview techniques.Theycreatedphysicalbinderswithstep-by-stepinstructionsfor recruitingparticipants,obtaininginformedconsent,andconducting interviews.

"AtfirsttheBSWstudentswerelike,'WhatintheworlddidIsignupfor? Whatishappening?'"Scalesrecalls."Andthentheywerelike,'Oh,wegot this.Wedon'tevenneedyou—we'vegotitcovered!'"

Thetransformationwasn'tjustinconfidence itwasin understanding.Throughmid-semesterevaluations,Scales discoveredthattheresearchcontentofthecourseandtheir hands-onexperienceinusingresearchmethodstoadvance communitieswasamongsomeofthestudents'mostvalued topics.

ForPhDstudents,theexperienceprovidedsomethingequally valuable:areminderofwhytheybecamesocialwork researchers"Asresearchers,wecanreallygetawayfrom communityworkandcommunityengagement,"Giorgio notes"Thisprojecthelpedconnectthemandreignitethat passiontodoresearchbecauseit'smakinganimpactinthe community."

WhenPhDstudentsbegantoanalyzetheinterview transcripts,theylearnedhowqualitativeresearchcanbeused tocommunicateacommunityorganization’sstoryand advocateforthesupporttheseorganizationsneedtogrowand continuetoserveindividualsandfamiliesinneed.

Harvesting Results

Overthecourseofonesemester,thecollaboration accomplishedsomethingremarkable:aseriesofcompleted interviewsthatprovidedJeremiah'sCommunityGardenwith credibledataabouttheirimpactWhenGiorgiopresentedthe findingstothegarden'sboard,theresultspaintedapictureof anorganizationwhoseinfluenceextendsfarbeyondthe producetheygrow.

Community Impact Beyond

Food. Theresearchrevealed fourmajorthemesofcommunityimpact.Whileproviding freshfoodwasuniversallymentionedbyparticipants,the garden'sinfluenceranmuchdeeper.Educationemergedasa powerfultheme communitypartnersdescribedlearning aboutnewfoodslikebokchoy,discoveringhowtocook unfamiliarvegetables,andgainingknowledgeabout sustainablegardeningpractices.

Perhapsmostremarkably,theresearchdocumentedhowthe garden“fedsouls”aswellasbodies.Volunteersspokeabout "thevalueofvolunteerwork"andfindinggratificationin "doingsomethinglargerthanthemselves"Thegardenhad becomewhatoneparticipantcalled"awelcomingspace"that strengthenedcommunitybondsandbroughttogetherpeople whomightneverotherwiseinteract.

“Being part of the project has truly been a meaningful and fulfilling experience. In addition to the hands-on learning and qualitative research skills I gained, especially in areas like teamwork, collaboration, and community-based research, what stood out most for me was the opportunity to volunteer directly in the garden. Getting my hands in the soil, experiencing nature, and connecting with fellow volunteers was remarkably soothing... Altogether, it has been a rich and cherished experience for me, one that has left a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally.”

~ Uche Nwatu, SSW PhD Student

Facilitating Educational Goals. Forstudentsinvolvedin theresearch,theprojectdemystifiedresearchandshowed themhowitcouldservecommunitiesTheylearnedto conductinterviews,understandqualitativemethods,andsee themselvesascapableresearchers"Theywerenolonger intimidatedbyengaginginresearch,"Giorgioobserves PhDstudentsgainedexperienceinprojectmanagement, mentoring,andtranslatingcomplexresearchconceptsfor differentaudiences.Whentheypresentedpreliminary resultstotheundergraduates,"itwaskindoflikeaquizfor them,"Giorgioexplains."Theyhadtoexplainqualitative analysistosomebodywho'sneverdoneitbefore."

Lessons from the Garden

Thesuccessofthiscollaborationoffersimportantlessonsfor otherfacultyinterestedincommunity-engagedresearch education.BothScalesandGiorgioemphasizedthe importanceoffindingyourniche,identifyinggenuine communityneeds,andcommittingtosustainabilityrather thanone-timeprojects

"Don'tpressureyourselftodoitbecauseitseemedlikea goodidea,"Scalesadvises."Findyourniche,findtheactual needinyourcommunity,sothattheworkneverlosesits purpose."

Communitypartnerswereparticularlyvocalaboutthe garden'sessentialroleintheirownmissions.AsGiorgio reportedtotheboard,"Partnerstalkedabouthow Jeremiah'sCommunityGardenisthereasonwhytheycan dowhattheydoTheydirectlycreditedJeremiah's CommunityGardenforbeingabletofeedpeopleand makingfreshfoodavailabletothecommunitymembers theyserve."

Emotional Impact of the Findings. WhenGiorgio presentedthesefindingstotheboard,theemotionalimpact wasimmediate.Boardmemberandoneoftheoriginal foundersoftheGarden,Mr.RoyLofton,capturedthe feelingmanyexperienced:"Youknowitinthebackof yourheadthatyouaremakinganimpact.Butwhen someoneelsetellsyou,‘Yeah,youreallydidmakea differencehere,’...it'sencouraging."

Thecollaborationalsohighlightedthevalueofpartnerships betweenresearchfacultyandteaching-focusedinstructors."I wouldn'thavebeenabletoexecutethisatthemagnitudeof successwithoutDr.Luci'sexpertise,"Scalesacknowledges. Giorgioechoesthissentiment:"IlearnedsomuchfromJade onhowtobeaneffectiveteacherandhowtoworkwith communities."

Breaking Down Silos

Perhapsmostimportantly,theprojectdemonstratedhow breakingdowntraditionalacademicsiloscanbenefit everyoneinvolved.Insteadofresearchfacultyand instructionalfacultyworkinginisolation,theycombined theirstrengthstocreatesomethingneithercouldhave accomplishedalone

"Itissocounterproductivethatyou[tenuretrackfaculty] haveresearchneedsassociatedwithyourposition,andIhave researchopportunitiesbecauseI'mteachinganddoing experientiallearninginthecommunity,"Scales "We'rebothworkingsohardinsilos,insteadof togetherandmakingthoseprioritiesalign."

Seeds for the Future

FortheUniversity,theprojectrepresentssomething equallyvaluable:amodelformeaningfulcommunity engagementthatservesrealneedswhileproviding transformativeeducationalexperiencesTheresearch findingswillbeusedtosupportfuturegrantapplications, butperhapsmoreimportantly,they'vecreateda foundationforsustainedpartnershipbetweenthe universityandoneofitsmostvitalcommunity organizations.

AsScalesputsit,"Whenyouputthatrealityinfrontof students,iftheyreallywanttodosocialwork,it'sgoing toigniteasenseofmotivationandcourage."Thesame couldbesaidforfaculty:whenyouputrealcommunity needsinfrontofresearchers,itcanreignitethepassion thatbroughtthemtoacademiainthefirstplace. InasmallgardeninTuscaloosa,seedsofcollaboration havetakenroot,promisingaharvestthatwillfeednot justbodies,butmindsandcommunitiesforyearsto come

Theresearchhasalreadybeguntobearfruitbey itself.Thefindingsrevealednotjustthegarden's alsoopportunitiesforgrowth.Interviewparticip identifiedkeyneedsincludingfundingforbasic increasedvisibilityinthecommunity(especially universitystudents),andthedevelopmentofmo volunteertrainingprogramsTheresearchhighl needformoreformalizedsystems trainingprog volunteers,organizationalstructuresthatcanfunctionwhen keyleadersareabsent,andclearprotocolsforthemany studentsandvolunteerswhowanttohelp.

That’swherePatia“Leah”Connell,BoardPresidentfor Jeremiah’sCommunityGardenseesthebiggestadvantageto partneringwithresearcherstoachievetheirprogramming goals.Whiletheleadershipatgardenhasextensiveexpertise inagricultureandbotany,theyhavehadlessexperiencewith writinggrants.“Itrytodoeverything[atthegarden],butI can’tdoeverything.Idon’tknowthatmuchaboutgrant writingotherthanverysmallgrants.I’dliketolearn,”she stated.“So,beingabletohandthegrantwritingpiecetothe researchers,thatwillbenefitusbytakingarealbigloadoff ofmeandMrLoftonwhilewearedoingtheday-to-day operations”

Jeremiah's Garden is a nonprofit organization working to combat food insecurity in Alabama through their community garden and community programs. To learn more about their work or how to support their mission, readers can contact:

https://www.jeremiahscommunitygarden.com/ email: volunteer@jeremiahscommunitygarden.com

Welcoming Our New Grants and Contracts Specialist!

SierraRogers-FarrisjoinedtheOfficeofSocialWorkResearchasitsnewgrantsand contractsspecialist.SierrahasbeenwithUAsince2016andpreviouslyprovidedgrants andcontractssupportforUA’sCollegeofEducation.SierraholdsaBachelorofArtsin EnglishLiteratureandaMasterofArtsinWomen’sStudiesfromUA.

OSWR New Research Training Program for Student Research Engagement

worthycertificatethatsignalstheirresearchreadiness

Theresultsspeakforthemselves:of24first-yearenrollees,9havealreadyearnedtheir SIRCATcredentials.Studentfeedbackrevealstheprogram'srealvalue helping themconnectclassroomtheorytorealresearchapplicationsandequippingthemwith therightquestionstoaskfacultymentors.Withseveralprofessorsplanningto integrateSIRCATintotheirresearchcourses,weexpectevenstrongercompletion ratesaheadasthisinitiativetransformscuriousstudentsintoconfidentresearch collaborators.

The Productivity Paradox: Fewer Submissions, More Success

TheOSWRtransformedfacultyproductivitythisyearwithtwogame-changing,halfdaywritingretreatsheldatinspiringoff-campusvenues.Theseweren'tyourtypical academicgatherings facultydoveintocollaborativeresearchprojects,carvedout preciousuninterruptedwritingtime,andreceivedpersonalizedmentoringfromthe AssociateDeanofResearchandDevelopmentoneverythingfrommanuscript polishingtograntstrategy.

Theresultsrevealedafascinatingparadox:whilefacultysubmittedfewerarticlesthanin previousyears,theirpublicationsuccessratesoaredby27%!Thisstrikingshiftsuggests thatqualitytrumpedquantity facultywerecraftingmoretargeted,well-developed manuscriptsratherthanfloodingjournalswithpreliminaryworkTheretreatsappearto havefosteredamorestrategicapproachtoscholarship,wherededicatedtimefor reflectionandexpertguidancetranslateddirectlyintopublicationsthatjournalsactually wanted.Theseretreatsprovethatstrategicpausesinourbusyacademiclivescan acceleratetheveryoutcomeswe'reracingtoward.

(From Left): Drs. Sherron Wilkes, Lindamarie Olson, Amy Traylor, and Laura Hopson at the fall OSWR Writing Retreat. Retreats were offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Sierra Rogers-Farris

Discoveries Driving #LegendaryChange

Faculty Research Funding 2024-25

NewProjectswithSSWLeadPrimaryInvestigators(PI)or SitePrimaryInvestigators(PIs)

Lead/Site PI listed first with other UA co-investigators following SSW investigators noted by bolded font

Brian Bride. SecondaryTraumaticStressandTrauma-InformedProgrammingforSocialWorkersattheDepartmentof ChildrenandFamilies.ContractSTSProject.FundedbyServiceEmployeesInternationalUnion(SEIU)Education&Support Fund.

Brian Bride & Dione King. SocialWorkBehavioralHealthWorkforceEducationandTraining(BHWET)Program. FundedbytheU.S.HealthResources&ServicesAdministration.

Mandi Fowler & Jill Beck. IncreasingAlabama'scapacitytoprovideastatewidesystemofserviceforyouthwithPSB,their familiesandchildrenharmed.FundedbytheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.

Hee Yun Lee &JiaqiGong.AdaptationandFeasibilityTestingofanAI-EnabledWebAppBasedonAcceptanceand CommitmentTherapyforFamilyCaregiversofPeoplewithDementia.FundedbytheNationalInstituteofHealth.

Nicole Ruggiano & Amie Brunson BuildingOurLargestInfrastructureforDementia(BOLD)ProgramEvaluation AlabamaDepartmentofPublicHealth&theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention

Amy Traylor &KellyMillerUsingVirtualRealitytoHelpDevelopDiscrepancyandElicitChangeTalkinBrief MotivationalInterventionsforHeavyDrinkingYoungAdultsFundedbytheNationalInstituteonAlcoholAbuseand Alcoholism

NewProjectswithSSWResearchTeamMembers

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

JiaqiGong(CollegeofEngineering),QiuhuaDuan,& Hee Yun Lee.AI-EnhancedFloodStorytellingforMobilizing ActionandBuildingResilienceinUnderservedCommunities.FundedbytheNationalOceanicandAtmospheric Administration.

MercyMumba(CapstoneCollegeofNursing),GeorgeMugoya,TriciaWitte,AprilKendrick,KatherineDudding,& Hee Yun Lee.TheMindsandMentorsParaprofessionalTrainingProgram-OpiodImpactedFamilies(MiMPTO-OIF).Funded bytheU.S.HealthResources&ServicesAdministration.

SharleneNewman(AlabamaLifeResearchInstitute),MatthewHudnall,LetishaScott,WandaBurton,LindaKnol,& Amie Brunson. WestAlabamaCardiovascularHealth(WACH)Program.FundedbytheCentersforDiseaseControland Prevention.

ProjectsContinuingWithSSWLeadorSitePIsfromPreviousYear

Lead/Site PI listed first with other UA co-investigators following SSW investigators noted by bolded font

Jill Beck. AccountabilityBasedSexOffenderProgram:ContinuumofCare(ABSOP:COCP).FundedbytheAlabama DepartmentofYouthServices

Jill Beck. YouthServiceInstitute(YSI)FundedbytheAlabamaDepartmentofYouthServices

Daphne Cain, Schnavia Hatcher,& Kristy Holt.TitleIV-EStatewideProgram.FundedbytheAlabamaDepartment ofHumanResources&theU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.

Catherine Carlson &ChuongBui.EvaluatingtheMovewithHaRTinterventiononimprovingmentalhealthofhuman traffickingsurvivors.FundedbyInnovationsforPovertyAction&theU.S.DepartmentofState.

Luciana Cosenzo. ExaminingthebarriersandfacilitatorstooptimalsleephealthamongEnglish-andSpanish-speaking LatinamothersinAlabama.FundedbyTheUniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Mandi Fowler & Jill Beck. ContinuumofCareProgramProjectExpansioninRuralAlabama.FundedbytheOfficeof JuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPreventionwithintheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.

Karen Johnson, ChuongBui,JiaqiGong,& Hee Yun Lee CTSAK12ProgramattheUniversityofAlabamaat BirminghamFundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaatBirminghamCenterforClinicalandTranslationalScience& NationalCenterforAdvancingTranslationalSciencesoftheNationalInstitutesofHealth

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

Dione King. TheSociostructuralImplementationScienceCoordinationInitiative.FundedbyNorthwesternUniversity &theNationalInstitutesofHealth.

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

Hyunjune Lee. UnderstandingtheConstructionofFemininityandItsLinkwithBullyingAmongAdolescentGirls UsingaTrauma-Informed,IntersectionalLens.FundedbyTheUniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchand EconomicDevelopment.

Hyunjune Lee & Hee Yun Lee. UnderstandingArtificialIntelligenceLiteracyandEthicalCompetenceAmongCollege StudentsintheSocialSciences:AComprehensiveMixed-MethodsInvestigationUAOfficeofSocialWorkResearchPilot Grant

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

Tenesha Littleton. Five-YearTrendsintheSocialDeterminantsofHealth,2018-2022:ImplicationsfortheWellbeingof BlackCustodialGrandmothersintheEraofCOVID-19.FundedbytheResourceCenterforMinorityAgingResearch (RCMAR)-DeepSouthandtheNationalInstituteonAging.

Hyunjin Noh, RebeccaAllen, Hee Yun Lee, & Lewis Lee. AdvanceCarePlanningEducationalInterventionforKorean AmericanImmigrants.FundedbytheCambiaHealthFoundation.

Lindamarie Olson. PilotStudyofNeurofeedbackforAdolescentswithHistoriesofTraumaExposure.UAOfficeof SocialWorkResearchPilotGrant.

Nicole Ruggiano &JasonParton.IntegrationofHealthInformationTechnologyandPromotionofPersonhoodin Family-CenteredDementiaCare.FundingbytheNationalInstituteonAgingattheNationalInstitutesofHealth.

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

Karen Johnson, ChuongBui,&PamelaPayne-Foster.ProjectE-WORTHSouth:TargetingHealthEquityandtheHIV EpidemicamongBlackwomenwhousesubstancesofabuseincommunitycorrectionsintheDeepSouth.Fundedbythe UniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham&theNationalInstitutesofHealth.

Hee Yun Lee &JoshuaEyer.ImplementationofanIntegratedTeleECHOandHealthOutpostModelforOpioid PreventionTreatment,andRecoveryinRuralAlabama.FundedbytheHealthResourcesandServicesAdministration.

Tenesha Littleton.ProtectingchildreninAlabama'sBlackBelt:Theroleofsocialsupportnetworks.FundedbyThe UniversityofAlabama’sOfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopment.

Hyunjin Noh & Lewis Lee.UnderstandingtheAttitudestowardDeprescribingandKnowledgeandViewsofNonPharmacologicalPainManagementamongCommunity-DwellingOlderAdultswithMultipleChronicHealth Conditions.FundedbytheNorthernCaliforniaInstituteforResearchandEducation.

Nicole Ruggiano &JasonParton(CulverhouseCollegeofBusiness).IntegrationofHealthInformationTechnologyand PromotionofPersonhoodinFamily-CenteredDementiaCare.FundingbytheNationalInstituteonAgingatthe NationalInstitutesofHealth.

Amy Traylor.LeadershipEducationinAdolescentHealth.FundedbytheUniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham.

ProjectsContinuingwithSSWResearchTeamMembers

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

MarthaCrowther(CollegeofCommunityHealthSciences),CassandraFord,SharleneNewman, Hyunjin Noh,& Nicole Ruggiano.DeepSouthResourceCenterforMinorityAgingResearch(RCMAR).FundedbytheUniversityof AlabamaatBirmingham.

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

SELECT FACULTY AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS FROM 2021-2024

Presentations

Alameda-Lawson. Panelistforthesession

Advancing Online Macro Social Work Education: Teambased experiential 360 photo tour attheannualmeetingof theCouncilonSocialWorkEducation,2021.

T.,Bennett,M.D.,Murray,D.E.,&Wilkes,S.K. (2019). Elevate Social Work 2019SocialWorkMonth Symposium,Tuscaloosa,AL.

Wilkes,SK, Alameda-Lawson, T.,&Johnson,K (2020) Advancing Online Macro Social Work Education: Team-based experiential 360 photo tour Councilon SocialWorkEducation,Virtual

Green,S-R Alameda-Lawson, T.,Bennett,M D,Murray,DE,&Wilkes,SK(2019) Elevate Social Work. 2019SocialWorkMonthSymposium, Tuscaloosa,AL.

Publications:

Bride., B.E. (2025) Developmentandinitialvalidationofthe SecondaryTraumaImpactScale SocialWorkResearch,49(1), 35-43https://doiorg/101093/swr/svae027

Bride, B.E.,Sprang,G.,Hendricks,A,Walsh,C.R.,Mathieu,F., Hangartner,K.,Ross,L.A.,Fisher,P.,&Miller,B.C.(2024). Principles for STS-responsive practice: An expert consensus approach.PsychologicalTrauma:Theory,Research,Practice, andPolicy,15(8),1301-1308.https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001575

Armes,SE,Seponski,DM,Bryant,CM,& Bride, B.E., (2024)Marriageandfamilytherapists’exposuretotrauma,access tosupport,andintentiontoleave:Ittakesavillage International Journal of Systemic Therapy, 35(2), 178-197 https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2023.2223119

Presentations:

Bride, B.E. (2024).Reducingtheoccurrenceandimpactof secondary traumatic stress: Guiding principles for individual professionals.SymposiumpresentedattheNationalChildren’s AdvocacyCenter40thInternationalSymposiumonChildAbuse, Huntsville,AL

Hendricks,A,Walsh,CR,Mathieu,F,Hangartner,K, Bride, B.E., Sprang,G(2025,January)UnderstandingandAddressing SecondaryTraumaticStress-WhatHaveWeLearnedand WhereAreWeGoing?Symposiumpresentedatthe40thAnnual San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment,SanDiego,CA.

Bride, B.E. (2025) Patientviolenceinpsychosocialsettings: EthicalconsiderationsWebinarpresentedtotheCollaborativeto AdvanceMentalHealthTreatment&SubstanceUseRecovery forEveryon HealthatD

Professor Brian Brid

Associate Professor

Tania Alameda-Lawson

Amie Brunson

Publication

Ruggiano,N.,Sahoo,S.,Brashear,A.,Nwatu,U., Brunson, A., Noh,H.,Cole,H.,McKinney,R.,FramilSuarez,C.V.,Brown,E. L.,&Prevost,S.(Underreview).EvaluatingAI-Generated GeriatricCaseStudiesforInterprofessionalEducation:A ComparisonAcrossFivePlatforms.JMIRMedicalEducation.

Technical Report

Ruggiano,N.,& Brunson, A. (2024,December). Alabama BOLD Needs Assessment Report ReportsubmittedtotheAlabama DepartmentofPublicHealthBuildingOurLargestDementia (BOLD)InfrastructureInitiative.

Presentations

Brunson, A ,Ruggiano,N,Eldridge-Auffant,L,Dunklin,T (2025,April)BuildingaDementia-CapableAlabama:Key FindingsfromaStatewideAssessmentofCognitiveHealthNeeds. Presentationgivenatthe46 AnnualMeeting&Conferenceof theSouthernGerontologicalSociety,Birmingham,AL.

Brashear,A.,Ruggiano,N., Brunson, A.,Cole,H.,McKinney, R.,Noh,H.,Nwatu,U.*,Prevost,S.,&Sahoo,S.*(forthcoming, 2025,April).EvaluatingAI-GeneratedGeriatricCaseStudiesfor InterprofessionalEducation:AComparisonAcrossFivePlatforms. Posterpresentationgivenatthe46 AnnualMeeting& ConferenceoftheSouthernGerontologicalSociety,Birmingham, AL.

th Hossain,M.D.S.,Sadoo,S.,Ruggiano,N., Brunson, A. (ForthcomingNovember2025)CommunityPerceptionson Dementia-FriendlyInfrastructureNeeds:AMixed-MethodStudy Posterpresentationtobegivenattheannualscientificmeetingof theGerontologicalSocietyofAmerica,Boston,MA

Publications:

Richardson,T.T., Cain, D. S.,&Cheatham,L.(2025). Associationsbetweenmoderatelyseveretoseveredepressionand marijuanausageamongBlackmalecollegians:Resultsfromthe HealthyMindsStudySocialWorkinPublicHealth,40(5),288302

Horsley,JS& Cain, D. S (2024)IntegratingMentalHealthin DisasterCommunicationTheoryandPracticeInBFLiu&A MMehta,RoutledgeHandbookofRisk,Crisis,andDisaster Communication,(pp285–299)NY:Routledge:Taylor& FrancisGroup

Cain, D. S.(2022).DisastersinTimesofShelter-In-Place:Social WorkandtheCOVID–19Pandemic.InK.Corcoran&A.R. Roberts,SocialWorkers’DeskReference,4thed,(pp.61-68). NY:OxfordUniversityPress.

Presentation:

Richardson,T.& Cain, D. S.(January2025).Exploringthe RelationshipbetweenModeratetoSevereDepressionand MarijuanaUseamongBlackMaleCollegeStudents:Insightsfrom theHealthyMindsNetwork.PosterpresentedattheSocietyfor SocialWorkandResearch(SSWR),Seattle,WA.

Grants/Contracts:

Cain, D. S. (2024-2025)TheUniversityofAlabamaTitleIV-E Program(FY2025)andtheChildWelfareTrainingContract(2024 –2025)TheAlabamaDepartmentofHumanResources(ADHR) (https://socialworkuaedu/childwelfare/)Received(TotalProgram Costs)$7,737,958

Horsley,S.J.& Cain, D. S.(grantreceivedMarch2024).A ModelforDisasterMentalHealthCommunication:Testinga Three-ProngedApproachtoSupportCommunicatorsand AffectedPublicsPage/JohnsonLegacyScholarGrant: ExpandingTheoryforIntegrityinPublicCommunication Received$10,000

Daphne S. Cain

Professor

Publications:

herine Carlson

Presentations

ChapmanThomas,C.,PerkinsWalker,V.(2025 September)AddressingSystematicInequalitiesand TheirImpactonChildrenandFamiliesthrough Community-BasedSolutions.OralPresentation presentedatRiseandRecovery10thAnnual ConferenceSelma,AL

ChapmanThomas,C(2025July)CommunityBasedSolutionsforMentalHealth,Housing,and Education.OralpresentationpresentedattheChild HealthandWelfareSummit.Tuscaloosa,AL

CordiscoTsai,L.,Domingo,C.C.G.,Namy,S.,DeLa Fuente,A.,Bonachita,C.L.O.,& Carlson, C. (2025). Preliminaryeffectivenessofatrauma-informedmind-body interventionforsurvivorsofhumantraffickinginthe Philippines.SocialWorkinMentalHealth, 10.1080/15332985.2025.2454902.

Carlson, C.,Namakula,S.,Nabachwa,A.,Gevers,A., Gallaway,K.,Giorgio,L.,Ticozzi,M.,&Namy,S.(2024) Feministapproachestopromotingresearcherwellbeing throughcollectiveandorganizationalcare.Frontiersin Sociology.

Presentation:

Carlson, C ,CordiscoTsai,L,Baylosis,R,Fishbach,J, Wainberg, M (2023, October) Implementing the Safety PlanningforSuicidePreventionInterventionwithintheAntiTraffickingSectorinthePhilippines,NationalInstitutesof MentalHealth12thGlobalMentalHealthWithoutBoarders Conference,Bethesda,MD.

Grants/Contracts:

PrincipalInvestigator,2023-2025,“EvaluatingtheMovewith HaRTinterventiononimprovingmentalhealthofhuman trafficking survivors”. U.S. Department of State through InnovationsforPovertyActionUSDOS-20-10001-X17.

Co-Investigator,“OptimizingCBTImplementationamong CommunityProvidersThroughInternet-basedConsultation and Networking (i-CAN)”. National Institute of Mental HealthR21MH128467

Honorific Award:

2023 President’s Faculty Research Award, Recognizing exceptional faculty researchers across the University of Alabama’sCollegesandSchools

ChapmanThomas,C.(2024November).TheArtof LeadingOthers:ATrauma-InformedLensto Leadership.OralPresentationpresentedatVitAL AlabamaatTheHelp.HealandHopeTrauma SummitWebinar.

ChapmanThomas,C.,John,D.,Wilkes,S.(2024 October)TheReemergenceoftheDSW:Where HaveWeBeenandWhereDoWeGo?Oral PresentationpresentedatCouncilofSocialWork Education70thAnnualProgramMeetingKansas City,MO

Courtney Chapman Thomas

Clinical Assistant Professor Experiential Programs & Community

Publications:

Dewey,S.,Kenney,J., Cheatham, L. P.,Barti,E.*(in press).Culpabilityandfairness:Perspectivesfromadeep southwomen’sprison.Women&CriminalJustice.

Smith,N.L.*,Adams,A.*,Abshire,A.*,& Cheatham, L. P. (2025).Barriersandfacilitatorstohealthcareaccessamong youthtransitioningoutoffostercare:Ascopingreview. Childrenand YouthServicesReview.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108317

Richardson,T.T.*,Cain,D.S.,& Cheatham, L. P.(2025). Associationsbetweenmoderatelyseveretoseveredepression andmarijuanausageamongBlackmalecollegians:Results fromtheHealthyMindsStudy.SocialWorkandPublic Health,https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2025.2475035

Gimm,G., Cheatham, L. P.,Lee,J.L.,Villodas,M.(2025). Alltransition-agefosteryouth,especiallythosewith disabilities,needcontinuousMedicaidcoverage,Health AffairsForefront, DOI:10.1377/forefront.20250122.417423

Daquin,J., Cheatham, L. P.,Derzis,N.,Dolliver,M., Kenney,Reid,L.,Shippen,M.E.(2024).Alabama DepartmentofCorrectionsWomen’sRiskNeeds AssessmentValidationStudy:FinalReport.Tuscaloosa,AL: UniversityofAlabama.

Presentation:

Cheatham, L. P ,Kenney,JL,Reid,LW,Daquin,J, Derzis,N,Dolliver,MJ,Shippen,M,&(2025,January) ValidationoftheWomen’sRiskNeedsAssessmentwithin AlabamaPrisons:

FindingsandLessonsLearnedfromanAgency-Academic PartnershipPaperpresentedattheannualprogrammeeting fortheSocietyofSocialWorkandResearchinSeattle,WA

Leah Cheatham Associate Professor

Professor Ellen Csikai

Publications

Csikai,EL,&Bullock,K(2024)â€˜Thegrowthofsocial workinpalliativeandend-of-lifecareintheUnitedStates: Howdidwegethere?PalliativeCareandSocialPractice18-1, 1-10Accepted6-15-24Publishedonlinefirst7-26-24DOI: 10.117726323524241263625

Csikai,E.L.,&Maynard,Q.R.(2024).Howdoolderadults defineaâ€gooddeathâ€™:Ascopingreview,MidwestSocial SciencesJournal.

Presentations:

Csikai,E.L.,Maynard,Q.,OlmosSoria,M.,&Hossain,S. â€œCopingStrategiesamongFamilyCaregiversforOlder AdultswithSeriousMedicalIllness:AScopingReviewâ€ presentedatGerontologicalSocietyofAmericaconference; heldinSeattle,November2024.

Csikai,E.L.,OlmosSoria,M.,Maynard,Q.,&Hossain,S. â€œCÃ³moafrontanloscuidadoresfamiliaresprimariosel cuidadodepersonasmayorescercanasalfinaldesuvida?:Una revisiÃ³nexploratoriaâ€ (â€œHowdofamilyprimary caregiverscopewithcaringforolderpeopleneartheendof life:Anexploratoryreviewâ€)presentedatSECPAL conference,October,16-18,2024heldinMalaga,Spain.

Csikai,EL,&PatyÃ¡n,LInternationalPerspectiveson FamilyCaregiversofOlderAdultswithSeriousIllness: Challenges,CopingandWell-beingâ€ Oralpresentation onlineduringtheUniversityofDebrecen,FacultyofHealth, GerontologyDaysonOctober11,2024

Honorific award: 'JournalofSocialWorkinEnd-of-LifeandPalliativeCare, FoundingEditorAward.givenbytheSocialWorkHospice andPalliativeCareNetwork,March2025.

Luciana Giorgio

Assistant Professor

Publications:

Giorgio Cosenzo,LA,Littleton,TJohnson,K,Albright,DL, Lee,H.Y.(2025).Therelationshipamongtransportation-related geographicisolation,socialconnectedness,anddepressive symptomsamongadultslivinginruralAlabama.JournalofRural MentalHealth.

Alcántara,C. Giorgio Cosenzo, L.A.,Diaz,S.V.,Arias,D., Schwartz,J.E.,Kronish,I.,&Moise,N.(2025).CulturalAdaptation ofaDigitalTherapeuticforInsomniaforSpanish-Speaking HispanicAdultsintheUnitedStates.TheLancetRegionalHealthAmericas.

Giorgio Cosenzo,L.A.&AlcántaraC.(2024).Examiningalcohol useandruminationasmediatorsintheassociationbetween acculturationstressandinsomniasymptomsamongLatinx womenandmen.CulturalDiversityandEthnicMinority Psychologyhttps://doiorg/101037/cdp0000723

Presentations:

Giorgio Cosenzo,LA,Littleton,T(2025,January)Thelasting effectsofadversechildhoodexperiencesonsleephealthamongUSbasedLatinxadultsPosterpresentationpresentedat 29thAnnualConference“StrengtheningSocialImpactthrough CollaborativeResearch”oftheSocietyforSocialWorkResearch, Seattle,WA.

Giorgio Cosenzo,L.A.,daLuzScherf,E.*,Ruggiano,N.(2024, November).Unveilingtheassociationbetweensocialisolationand sleepdisturbancesamongLatinxolderwomenandmen.Poster presentationpresentedatGerontologicalAssociationofAmerica AnnualScientificMeeting2024,Seattle,WA

Grant/Contract:

LatinaWomen’sMentalHealthPhotovoiceProject.Councilon Community-BasedPartnershipsSeedFundAward(Giorgio Cosenzo,PI)$5,000

Publications:

Guz, S &Maschke,A(accepted)“Innovationforthegood”: Anhistoricalanalysisofhowprivateorganizationsbrokered racializedevidenceJournalfortheSocietyforSocialWorkand Research

Suslovic,B,Epperson,M,Cinque,A& Guz, S. (accepted) Mixedmethodsfindingsonimplementationofanovelpretrial diversionprogramforpeoplewithseriousmentalillness AmericanJournalofCriminalJustice

Washington,DM,Toraif,N& Guz, S (accepted) Beyondreforminyouthjustice:Conceptualizingcarceral seepageacrossyouth-servingsystemsFamiliesInSociety SpecialIssue:ShapingtheFutureoftheChildWelfareSystem: ReformorAbolish?

Presentations:

Guz, S. (2025)Organizationalprocessesofinterest convergence:Socialwork’sresponsetoBrownvBoardof EducationPaperpresentedatSocietyforSocialWorkand ResearchAnnualConferenceinSeattle,WA

Guz, S (2025)“TalkingoutofBothSides:”Ananalysisof howstreet-Leveldiscretionreshapedracially-consciouspolicy PaperpresentedatSocietyforSocialWorkandResearch AnnualConferenceinSeattle,WA.

Guz, S.&Hinze-Pifer,R.(2024).“TalkingoutofBothSides:” AnAnalysisofHowStreet-LevelDiscretionReshaped Racially-ConsciousPolicy.PaperpresentedatAssociationfor PublicPolicyAnalysis&ManagementinNationalHarbor, Maryland

Assistant Professor

Samantha Guz

Publications

FLee,L.H.,Jones,S., Hatcher, S.,&Lee,H.Y.(InPress). Investigatingthesocialdeterminantsofonlinetechnologyuse forseekinghealthinformationamongBlackBeltresidentsin Alabama.JournalofHealthCareforthePoorandUnderserved.

Fitzgerald,T.,Teasley,M.,Keyes,T.,& Hatcher, S. (2023). Reducingracializedbarrierstoschoolsuccessforallchildrenand youthInM.Teasley,M.Spencer,&M.Bartholomew(Eds.), SocialWorkandtheGrandChallengetoEliminateRacism,(pp. 459-475).OxfordUniversityPress. DOI:10.1093/oso/9780197674949.003.0018

Presentations:

Hatcher, S.,Spencer,M.,Guterman,N.,Pettus,C.,&Silk,K. (January,2024).Recenteringandgeneratingequityin knowledge:HowwilltheGrandChallengesforSocialWorkGo Grander?RoundtablepresentedatAnnualConference,Society forSocialWorkandResearch,Washington,DC.

Voisin,D.,Hatcher, S.,&Bryant,B.(January,2023).Steps TowardsDecolonizingSocialWorkEducationandResearch, SymposiumpresentedatAnnualConference,SocietyforSocial WorkandResearch,Phoenix,AZ.

Honors and Awards

2024-PhenomenalWomaninAdvocacyandPublicPolicy, NationalCoalitionof100BlackWomenCentralAlabama

2023-PaulHarrisFellow,TheRotaryFoundationofRotary International

Schnavia Hatcher

Professor and Dean

Laura Hopson Associate Professor

Publications:

Hopson, L. M.,McGraw,K.,Traylor,A.,Bailey,R.,MacNeil, T.,Hanenberg,C.Dugard,J.,&Braswell,A.(inpress).Equineassistedlearningforchildrenwithtraumaandtheircaregivers. JournalofChildandAdolescentTrauma.

Abura-Meerdink,G., Hopson, L. M., Cariaga-Lo,L.,Quick, R.,Hill,C.,Perdomo,S.,Carlson,C.,Karina(inpress).Review andRecommendationsforEffectivePractices:Developingand ImplementingofaCulturallyCompetentHealthandBehavioral HealthRiskAssessmentToolforAdolescentsinRuralAlabama Schools.ChildrenandSchools.

Hopson, L. M.,McGraw,K.,Hanenburg,C.,Bailey,R.,& Braswell,A.(2024).Pilotevaluationofequine-assistedlearning forchildrenaffectedbytraumawithconcurrentparentsupport. HETIJournal:InternationalResearchandPractice. 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).FeasibilityStudyofan Equine-

AssistedLearningInterventionforChildrenwithDisabilities. PeopleandAnimals:TheInternationalJournalofResearchand Practice,6(1).https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol6/iss1/12 Grants/Contracts:

Co-PrincipalInvestigator“HealthOpportunityPassion Equity(HOPE)ChildandAdolescentBehavioralHealth InitiativeinRuralAlabama”fundedbyHRSA(2023-2027) Co-PrincipalInvestigator“PromotingMentalhealthServices andEquity(PROMISE)”fundedbytheUSDepartmentof Education(2023-2025)

M. Sebrena Jackson

Associate Professor and f rams vices

Publications

Colvin,A.D., Jackson, M.S.,Bullock,A.N.(2024). Beyondlimits:Exploringthepossibilitiesforusingthe metaversetoteachsocialworkpracticeskills. 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).Exploringyouthvoicesinapre-college program:Implicationsforpolicy,practice,&research. Child Abuse & Neglect, 130(3),1-10. https://doiorg/101016/jchiabu2021105126

Jackson, M.S.,Day,A.,Ford,L.,Salizan,A.,&Lester, C(2022)CollegePromiseforYouthInorAgedOutof FosterCareInCMMillett(Ed), Depicting the ecosystems of support and financial sustainability for five college promise populations EducationalTestingService(Research Report)https://doiorg/101002/ets212350

Presentation

Lewis,C.E., Jackson, M.S.,Torres,K.,Glynn,G. (2023).FosterYouthandDrivingAct.Congressional BriefingPanel.Washington,D.C.

Honors and Awards

2024:SelectedtoreceivetheCSWEDistinguishedRecent ContributionstoSocialWorkEducationAward

2023:SelectedasCo-LeadforGrandChallengesforSocial Work:HarnessTechnologyforSocialGood

Presentations:

John, D.&Lynch,B.(May2025).Stillwerise:Blackfaculty resilienceinthefaceofacademicadversity.Workshopat NationalConferenceonRaceandEthnicityinEducation,New York,NY.

John, D.,Fedewa,M.,&Robinson,R.(April2025). Understandingautism:Perspectivesandpracticesinsocialwork. PanelistforNoontimeKnowledgevirtualwebinaratThe UniversityofAlabama.

Huff,A, John, D ,&Pate,M(April2025)Fromclickto campus:TransformingMSWstudentorientationwithblended learningVirtualpresentationatSocialWorkDistanceEducation Conference

John, D.,Lynch,B,Turner,L&Wilkes,S(November2024) Overlookedandundervalued:Strategiesforcultivatingsuccess andretainingBlackfacultyRoundtablepresentationatthe5th BiennialInternationalConferenceonUrbanEducation,Cancun, Mexico

John, D.,Wilkes,S,&Chapman-Thomas,C(October2024) TheReemergenceoftheDSW:WhereHaveWeBeenand WhereDoWeGo?Panelpresentationatthe70thCouncilon SocialWorkEducationAnnualProgramMeeting,KansasCity, KS

Honorific Award: RecipientofTheUniversityofAlabamaSchoolofSocialWork 2025FacultyAwardforService

MSW Program Director Clinical Assistant Professor

Dalila John

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/HCVRisk ClustersandHierarchiesExperiencedbyWomen RecentlyReleasedfromIncarceration. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland),11(8),1066. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081066.

Presentations

Keynotespeakeratthe2024EastKentuckyUniversity's19th AnnualHERstoryConferenceheldonApril2,2024.

Dione King

Associate Professor

Associate Dean for Professional Advancement and Assessment

Johnson, K. A.,Hunt,T.,Walsh,P.,Braick,P.,Go,A., Schlusselberg,A,Price,C,Gilbert,L,El-Bassel,N,&Morse, D(2024)WORTHTransitions:Racialandethnicdifferences amongwomenrecentlyreleasedfromincarcerationwhouse substancesimpactingeffortstopreventHIV/STI/HCVAbstract submittedforpresentationatthe2024InWomenGroup ConferenceVirtual

Johnson, K. A.,Shah,Z.,Hunt,T.,Walsh,P.,Braick,P., Gilbert,L.,El-Bassel,N.,&Morse,D.(2024,June15-19). DepressionOutcomesamongWomenParticipatingin WORTHTransitions.PaperpresentedattheCollegeon ProblemsofDrugDependence86thAnnualScientific Meeting,TheFairmontQueenElizabeth,Montreal,Quebec, Canada.

Honorific Awards

2024UniversityofAlabamaSchoolofSocialWorkFaculty AwardforResearch,Teaching,orService,recognizing achievementsinresearch.

2024EarlyCareerFacultyServiceandLeadershipinSocial WorkEducationAwardfromtheCouncilonSocialWork Education(CSWE)(tobepresentedatCSWE’s70thAnnual ProgramMeeting(APM),heldonOctober24-27,2024,in KansasCity,MO.)-shouldthisbeincludedinthenextone?

Karen Johnson Associate Profesor

Publications

Keane,K,Evans,RR,Wilkinson,L, King, D. M ,Leban,L,& Macrina,D(2025)Comparingtherelationshipbetweenthree resilienceframeworksandmentalhealthoutcomesamongchildren whoexperiencedmultipleadversechildhoodexperiencesChildren andYouthServicesReview,172(1),108237

King, D. M.,Rouland,R.S.,Howell,T.H.,Dyson,Y.D., Simmons,L.D.,Bencomo,B.&Becker,B.(2025). Microaggressions,studentsofcolor,andsocialworkeducation:A systematicreviewofliterature.JournalofSocialWorkEducation, 61(1),132-144.Https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2024.2886300

Dorsey,M.,Freeman,J.,Priede,A., King, D. M.,Howard,T.,& Jaffrey,A.(2025)Providertreatmentandsexualhealthoutcomesfor Blackwomen:Historicalcontextandpost-pandemicaccessto reproductiveresources.JournalofRacialandEthnicHealth Disparities

Dorsey,M,Freeman,J,Priede,A,Malcome,M,Howell,TH, King, D. M ,&Jaffrey,A(2025)Compoundedcorrelations betweenanxietyanddepressionsymptomologiesandsexualhealth disparitiesamongBlackyoungadultfemalesintheUnitedStates duringtheCovid-19pandemicRaceandSocialProblems,17,264278Https://doiorg/101007/s12552-025-09435-3

Presentation:

King,D.M.,&Watkins,T.(2024).CenteringADEIinthe classroom:Teachingstrategiesandhistorically-basedexperiential learningassignments.CouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE) AnnualConference[InteractiveWorkshop],KansasCity,MO

Grants/Contracts: 2023-2028NationalInstitutesofHealth(NIH-R24),Projecttitle: SociostructuralImplementationScienceCoordinationInitiative (Co-PITinaKempinReuter)Role:Co-PrincipalInvestigator Amount:$502,497876(Fundingperiod:9/2023-6/2028)

Hee Yun Lee

Professor

Endowed Academic Chair

S i l W rk and Health

Publications

Lee, H.Y.,Song,J,&Choi,EYD(2023)Childhoodabuseand opioidprescriptionuseinadulthood:DifferencesbetweennonHispanicWhitesandnon-HispanicBlacksintheUnitedStates PLoS ONE 18(9):e0291752https://doi org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291752.

Lee, H. Y.,Yoon,Y.J.,FChoi,Y.J.,&Ham,Y-H.(2024). FactorsAssociatedwithKoreanAmericanWomen’sHealthRelatedInternetUse:FindingsfromAndersen’sBehavioral Model. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 26,124–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-023-01540-y

Presentations

Lee. H. Y. (May2024).KeynoteSpeaker,TheDigital RevolutioninMentalHealthTreatment:ArtificialIntelligence andVirtualRealityPavingtheWayforInterventionDirections. KoreaAcademyofMentalHealthSocialWork.Seoul,Korea.

Lee. H. Y. (May2024)KeynoteSpeaker,AugmentingHealth LiteracyamongAt-RiskGroups:Harnessingthepowerof ArtificialIntelligenceAsianHealthLiteracyConference,Pham NgocThachUniversityofMedicineandPharmacyHoChiMin City,Vietnam

Honors and Awards

Blackmon-MoodyOutstandingProfessorAward,Oneofthe highesthonorsattheUniversityofAlabama,recognizing unparalleledexcellenceandimpact.UniversityofAlabama, Tuscaloosa,November2022.

President’sFacultyResearchAward,Recognizingexceptional facultyresearchersacrosstheUniversityofAlabama'sColleges andSchools.

Publications

Lee, H.,Gillani,B.,&Voith.L.A.(2025).Navigating MasculinitiesandBullying:PerspectivesofViolence-exposed AdolescentBoysChildren&Society

Withrow,A,Voith,LA,Russell,KN,Burkhart,K,KorschWilliams,A.E.,& Lee, H.(2025).ExploringApproachesto MentalHealthTreatmentandtheCriticalRoleofPartnerships Among

Hospital-BasedViolenceInterventionPrograms.SocialWorkin PublicHealth,1–14.

Presentation:

Withrow,A,Voith,LA,Montoya,C,Xia,T,Russell,K, Berg,K,& Lee, H. (2025,January)ExaminingRiskand ProtectiveFactorsofFather-ChildRelationshipQualityAmong Low-IncomeDads.AbstractpresentedattheSocietyforSocial WorkandResearch29thAnnualConference:Strengthening SocialImpactThroughCollaborativeResearch,January15-19, 2025.Seattle,WA.

Grants/Contracts: CenterforSubstanceUseResearchandRelatedConditionsPilot FundingAward,2024-2025UniversityofAlabama, Tuscaloosa(ProjectTitle:InvestigatingtheLinkbetween ExpandedChildhoodAdversitiesandSubstanceUseinYoung Adulthood:UncoveringResiliencePathways)

OfficeforResearchandEconomicDevelopmentSmallGrants Award,2024-2026.UniversityofAlabama,Tuscaloosa.(Project Title:UnderstandingtheConstructionofFemininityandIts LinkWithBullyingAmongAdolescentGirlsUsingaTraumaInformed,IntersectionalLens)

Honorific Award: JeanBRayfieldAwardforOutstandingContributionstothe Students.UniversityofAlabama,Tuscaloosa.April2025.

Hyunjune Lee

Assistant Professor

Publications:

Lee, L. H ,Mancus,G,Haque,A,&Yuen,HK(2024) Exploringtheassociationbetweenparksizeandcrime InternationalJournalofEnvironmentalHealthResearch,35(1), 129–139https://doiorg/101080/0960312320242346562

Lee, L. H.,Fowler,M.,Beck,J.,Allen,A.,Hall,M.E.,Kim, M.,&Ticozzi,M.(2025).Exploringfactorsassociatedwith girls’recidivisminAlabama:Adiscrete-timesurvivalanalysis. Crime&Delinquency.Advanceonlinepublication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287251339649

Presentations:

Lee, L. H.,Kim,D.,Yoon,J.,&Lee,H.(2024,January). Factorsassociatedwithperceivedtransportationbarriersfor accesstoopioidprevention,treatment,andrecoveryservices. SocietyforSocialWorkResearch(SSWR),Washington,DC.

Fowler,M., Lee, L. H.,&Bolton,K.(2024,January). EvaluatingthepreliminaryeffectivenessofContinuumofCare Programinyouthwithproblematicsexualbehaviors:Onegrouppre-posttestdesignSocietyforSocialWorkResearch (SSWR),Washington,DC

Grant/Contract:

AdvanceCarePlanningEducationalInterventionforKorean AmericanImmigrants,CambiaHealthFoundation(12/2023); Role:StatisticalConsultant(LeadPI:Dr.HyunjinNoh)

Honorific Award:

TheDean’sFacultyAwardforResearch,TeachingorService, UniversityofAlabamaSchoolofSocialWork(5/2023)

Assistant Professor

Publications

Smith,BD,Wang,K, Littleton, T.,&Dinata,E(2025) Arecounty-levelchildwelfarevulnerabilityandprotective factorsassociatedwithchildwelfareinvolvement?:An investigationof geospatialchildwelfareequityJournalofPublicChild Welfare,1-26.

Littleton, T.,Luo,Y.,Abura-Meerdink,G.,&Lee,H.Y. (2025).Associationsbetweenthesocialdeterminantsof healthandriskofinterpersonalviolenceamongBlack AmericansinruralAlabama.JournalofInterpersonal Violence.https://doi.org/10.1177/088626052413116

Palmer,L., Littleton, T.,Font,S.A.,&Ahn,E.(2024). Beyondchildabuse:Thearrayoffamilyproblemsbrought tothechildwelfaresystem.JournalofPublicChildWelfare, 1-18.https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2024.2421272

Littleton, T.,Freisthler,B.,Boyd,R.,Smith,A.M.,& Barboza-Salerno,G.(2024).Historicalredlining, neighborhooddisadvantage,andreportsofchild maltreatmentinalargeurbancountyChildAbuse& Neglect,156,107011

Grant/Contract: 2024NIHNIA-UniversityofAlabamaatBirmingham DeepSouthResourceCenterforMinorityAgingResearch (RCMAR)PilotGrantAward

Honorific Award: ·2025FacultyAwardforResearch,UniversityofAlabama SchoolofSocialWork

Lindamarie Olson

Associate Professor

Publications:

Savani,S, Olson, L ,Brewer,KB,&Gearing,RE(inpress) AttitudestowardssuicidetreatabilityinTajikistanInternational JournalofMentalHealth

https://doiorg/101080/0020741120252529594

Olson, L ,Raines,C&Manners,K(inpress)Effectivenessof neurofeedbackintreatingtraumasymptomatologyamong justice-involvedadolescentsinresidentialtreatment NeuroRegulation

Olson, L.,DesVignes,D.,McLean,A.,Wester,B.&Nwatu, U.(2025).IndianaPrisonWritersWorkshop:ThePowerof GroupCohesionandCreativeExpressionamongIncarcerated Individuals.JournalofPrisonEducationResearch.

Leung,P.,& Olson, L. (2025).ImpactofCOVID-19on afterschoolprogrammingoutcomes:Lastingimplicationsfor underservedearlyadolescents.Adolescents,5(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents5010007

Presentation:

Olson, L.,Bowman,M.,&Fowler,M.(June2025).Youth withSexualBehaviorProblems:Howdowebesttreatand intervene?TheAmericanProfessionalSocietyontheAbuseof Children,32ndAnnualColloquium.

Grant/Contract: AlabamaLifeResearchInstituteInauguralFacultyFellowship, $10,000.

Publications:

Noh, H ,Suntai,Z,Won,C,Jeong,H,&Lee,LH(2024) Aqualitativeexplorationofruralolderadults’experienceswith painfromchronicillnessesanditstreatmentResearchon Aging,46(9-10),468-479 https://doiorg/101177/01640275241246279

Zhang,P.,Nketsiah,E.,& Noh, H.(2024).Serviceproviders’ perspectivesonbarrierstoend-of-lifecareplanningamong ruralfamilycaregiversofolderadultswithcognitive impairment.JournalofGerontologicalSocialWork,67(6),825840.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01634372.2024.2 351071

Presentations:

Noh, H ,Jeong,H,Kan,D,&Lee,LH(2024,November 12–16)Reducingorstoppingmedicationsforchronicpain: Viewsamongcommunity-dwellingolderadults.[Poster presentation].TheGerontologicalSocietyofAmerica’s76th AnnualScientificMeeting,Seattle,WA.

Noh, H.,Lee,L.H.,Jeong,H.,Emrick,L.,Hasnani,M.,& Wadell,W.(2024,November13–16).Factorsassociated withcommunity-dwellingolderadults’viewsof deprescribing:Apilotstudy[Posterpresentation]The GerontologicalSocietyofAmerica’s76thAnnualScientific Meeting,Seattle,WA

Honorific Awards:

DistinguishedFellowoftheSocialWorkAcademy,The NationalAcademiesofPractice(NAP)

AdvisoryBoardMember,AlabamaOfficeofMinorityAffairs

Hyunjin Noh Associate Professor

Director

Publications

Ruggiano, N.,Brown,E.L.,Clarke,P.J.,Hristidis,V., Roberts,L,FramilSuarez,CV, &Geldmacher,DS (2024)Anevidence-basedITprogramwithchatbottosupport caregivingandclinicalcareforpeoplewithdementia:The CareHeroesdevelopmentandusabilitypilotJMIRAging,7, e57308

Warr,R, Ruggiano, N ,Daquin,J,AndersonHerzog,M, Jiang,Z,&Gray,J(2024)Healthinformationseekingusing techandnon-techsourcesamongadiversesampleofcaregivers intheDeepSouth.JournalofGerontologicalSocialWork, 67(5),605-620.

Presentations:

GuestSpeakeratthe2025TechandDementiaPre-Conference fortheAlzheimer'sAssociationInternationalConference, Toronto,Canada.

Brunson,A., Ruggiano, N.,Eldridge-Auffant,L.,Dunklin,T. (forthcoming,2025,April).BuildingaDementia-Capable Alabama:KeyFindingsfromaStatewideAssessmentof CognitiveHealthNeeds.Presentationgivenatthe46thAnnual Meeting&ConferenceoftheSouthernGerontologicalSociety, Birmingham,AL

Honorific Awards: AssociationofPublicandLandgrantUniversitiesCouncilon ResearchLeadershipFellow

LeadershipAwardbytheAssociationofGerontologyEducation inSocialWork(AGESW)

Nicole Ruggiano

Professor

Associate Dean

Avani Shah

Associate Professor

Presentations

Shah, A.,Swain,J,&Lewy,H(November,2023) HospitalclosuresinAlabama:NationalPolicy ConsiderationsPosterpresentedattheGerontological SocietyofAmericaConferenceTampa,FL

of Research Interim DSW Program Director

CostlowHill,K,Xiaa,M,Cundiff,JM,Parker,J G, Shah, A.,andParmelee,P(November,2023) TheImpactofPerceivedControlonStressor ReactivityAcrossAdulthoodandLateLifePoster presentedattheGerontologicalSocietyofAmerica ConferenceTampa,FL

Honors and Awards

OutstandingUndergraduateResearchMentor(2024)

FacultyMentorfor2Award WinningUndergraduateResearchandCreative ActivityPresentationPosters(2024)

1stplacePosterAwardwinnerforthe2024UAB HealthEquityResearchSymposium

FacultyAdvisorfortheUAOutstandingCultural andIdentityBasedOrganizationAward–South AsianCultureClub(2024)

Publications

Simon, C.,&Constance-Higgins,M.(2023).Oppressionan diversity:Raceandsocial justice(47-64).InCaroleCoxandTinaMaschi(Eds.). IntegratingHumanRightsandSocialJusticeintoSocial WorkPractice.Routledge,Taylor&FrancisGroup:New York.

Presentations:

Simon, C. (2024).DefiningYourOwnSuccessinthe Academy:UnboughtandUnbossed.FacultyWomenof ColorintheAcademyNationalConference.Arlington,VA.

Simon, C. (Guest)(2025,April03])Theballot&thebook: AccesstovotingandeducationuponSelma’s60th(Season8, Episode2) InKenyaBennett,PodfortheCauseThe LeadershipConferenceonCivilandHumanRights https://civilrights.org/podcast/s08e02/

Simon, C., Amy D. Benton, Nason, E. (2023). Factors That Influence the inclusion of social Justice in social work mission statements. Society for Social Work Research.

Simon, C.,&Pryce,J.(2023).InteractiveWorkshop: Implementationandevaluationofasocialjusticeeducation frameworkinsocialworkeducation.SocietyforSocialWork Research.

Honorific Award:

Simon, C. (2025,October).SelectedrecipientoftheCarl ScottMemorialLecture.TobepresentedattheCouncilon SocialWorkEducationAnnualProgramMeeting,Denver, CO,UnitedStates."Lecturersfortheseriesarechosenbased ontheircommitmenttoinclusiveexcellenceandtheir innovativecontributionstodiversity,equity,andinclusionin socialworkeducation"

Cassand

Associate P

Brenda Smith Professor

Publications:

Smith, B.D.,Wang,K.,Littleton,T.,&Dinata,E. (2025).Arecounty-levelchildwelfarevulnerabilityand protectivefactorsassociatedwithchildwelfare involvement?:Aninvestigationofgeospatialchildwelfare equity.JournalofPublicChildWelfare. https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2025.2462654

Dozier,K.,Curington,A.M.,Bell,A.,& Smith, B.D. (2025).â€œIsshescaredofme?Exploringtheexperiences ofstudentsofcolorinsocialworkpracticum.Applied LearninginSocialWorkEducation,15(1).

Smith, B.D ,&Resendez,H(2024)Practicingup: Teachingsocialworkstudentshowtochallengeauthority figuresSocialWorkEducation,55(3),553-566

Presentations

Smith, B.D., Littleton,T.,&Bell,A.(2025).Counties withfewerthan1,000childmaltreatmentreports: EnigmasandopportunitiesSocietyforSocialWorkand ResearchannualconferenceSeattle,Washington, January19,2025

Smith,AM,& Smith, B.D. (2025)Sad,angryand numb:Blackcollegestudentsexperiencesfollowing incidentsofpoliceviolenceSocietyforSocialWorkand Researchannualconference,Seattle,Washington, January19,2025

Bell,A.,Abshire,A.,& Smith, B.D. (2024).Freeto makemistakes:Facultymemberuseofasimulationlab forsocialworkeducation.CouncilonSocialWork EducationAnnualProgramMeeting,KansasCity, Missouri,October27,2024.

Publication

Hopson,L.M.,McGraw,K., Traylor, A.C., B T.,Hannenberg,C.,Dugard,J.,&Braswell,A Equine-assistedlearningforchildrenwithtrau caregivers JournalofChild&AdolescentTra

Sieving,R,Ford,CA,English,A,Brett,L, Beasley,T,Davies,SH,Deal,E,Hensel,D Koyama,AM,Knopf,A,Mihaly,L,Pitts,S Sherer,S,& Traylor, A. (2025)Educationas improveadolescentandyoungadulthealthJo Health,77(1),7-12

Presentations:

Bailey,R,Hopson,LM, Traylor, A.C., &M March)Equine-assistedservicestoaddresschi enhancefamilywell-beingPresentationmade NationalConferenceonJuvenileJustice,Bost

Hopson,LM, Traylor, A.C (2024,January)Equine-assisted learningforchildrenwithdisabilitiesPresentationmadeatthe 28thAnnualConferenceoftheSocietyforSocialWorkand Research,Washington,DC Grants/Contracts:

NationalInstitutesofHealth,NationalInstituteonDrugAbuse, (1R01AA031282-01A1).“UsingVirtualRealitytohelpdevelop discrepancyandelicitchangetalkinbriefmotivational interventionsforheavydrinkingyoungadults”.

U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,Health Resources&ServicesAdministration.“LeadershipEducationin AdolescentHealth.”

EducationConference,Waikiki,Hawaii

Amy Traylor Associate Professor

Publications

Johnson,KA,Perkins,AJ,Obuya,C,& Wilkes, S. (2025) EnhancingHIVPreventionEffortsintheCriminalLegal System:AComprehensiveReviewandRecommendations CurrentHIV/AIDSReports,22(1),33.

Wilkes, S., Davis,C.,Cheatham,L.P.,&Trosper,P.(2024). OneClickAway:EstablishingaVirtualPlatformtoAmplifyand LearnfromMarginalizedVoicesduringCrises.Professional Development:TheInternationalJournalofContinuing Education,27(1),03.

Johnson,K.A.,Binion,S.,Waller,B.,Sutton,A., Wilkes, S., Payne-Foster,P.,&Carlson,C.(2022).LeftbehindintheUS DeepSouth:AddressingcriticalgapsinHIVandintimate partnerviolencepreventioneffortstargetingBlackwomen. Frontiersinreproductivehealth,4.

Johnson,KA,Boukaabar,M,Binion,S,Wright,A,Obanga, K,Cody,SL,Mugoya,G,Wilkes,S,Shields,L,Foster,PP, GoddardEckrich,D,Hunt,T,Gilbert,L,ElBassel,N,& Albright,DL(inpress)'Oh,theycanpreventit?':Astructural agencyframeworkforunderstandingHIVpreventionamong BlackwomenincommunitysupervisionprogramsHealth& Justice

Presentations:

Scales,J.& Wilkes, S.(2025).DevelopingAI-ReadySocial Workers:Policies,Education,andEthicalConsiderations. SelectedtopresentatCSWE's71stAnnualConference.

Honorific Award:

Selectedtoreceivethe2025CouncilonSocialWorkEducation (CSWE)recipientoftheprestigiousEarlyCareerFacultyService andLeadershipinSocialWorkEducationAward

Keisha Pickens

Publication

Presentations:

“YouareNotTrash:HelpingChildrenFindtheirWorthintheMidstoftheirTrauma”NASWAL@BryantConferenceCenter4/23/24Thistrainingwasdevelopedtocomplementmy publishedchildren'sbook,*Trash:AFosterCareJourney*(2022).

“TimetoTalkAboutTrauma:BreakingthePatternofSufferinginSilence"NASW-AL@ SheratonHotel,Birmingham,Alabama4/3/25

ItTakesaVillage:FosteringaCommunitytoFosterHope”KeynoteSpeaker:AFAPA ConferenceMay20245/10/24

"IgnitingtheLight:EducatingtheNextGeneration"OnlineLearningInnovationSummit (OLIS)2024Conference

“ItTakesaVillage:FosteringaCommunitytoFosterHope”AAMUChildWelfareSummit 20256/6/25

"InvisibleBaggage:Trauma,Grief,andthePowerofPurposefulPracticeinChildWelfare" AAMUChildWelfareSummit2025:Pre-ConferenceCaseManagementCertification/Training InPerson/VirtualDate:6/5/25

Dozier,K.,Curington,A.M.,Bell,A.,&Smith,B.D.(2025)."IsShe ScaredofMe?':ExploringtheExperiencesofStudentsofColorin SocialWorkPracticum"AppliedLearninginSocialWorkEducation

Presentations:

DoctoralStudents

Bell,A.Cain,D.,&Nwatu,U.(May,2025).ProfessionalCoaching asaRetentionStrategytoStrengthentheFrontlineChildWelfare

Smith,BD,Littleton,T,&Bell,A.(January,2025)Countieswith fewerthan1,000childmaltreatmentreports:Enigmasand opportunities.SocietyforSocialWorkandResearchAnnual Conference.Seattle,Washington,2025.

Bell,A.,Abshire,A.,&Smith,B.D.(2024,October).“Freetomake mistakes”:Whichsocialworkcompetenciesdofacultyprioritizein simulationlabs?CouncilonSocialWorkEducationAnnualProgram Meeting,KansasCity,Missouri,October25,2024

ResearchReport:

Smith,B.D.,Bell,A.,&Abshire,A.(2024).FacultyandStudent ExperienceswiththeUniversityofAlabamaSimulationLab:Final Report.Tuscaloosa,AL:UniversityofAlabamaSchoolofSocial Work.

HonorificAwards: 2025AthenaYoungProfessionalLeadershipAwardNominee (RutherfordCounty,TN)

Nwatu,U,Hossain,MS,&Obinna,O(2025)Exploringthe ChallengesofProvidingandUtilizingPalliativeCareforOlder AdultswithCancerinSouthEastNigeria:InsightsfromHealthcare ProfessionalsSocietyforSocialWorkandResearch(SSWR)29th AnnualConference

Csikai,E.L.,Maynard,Q.R.,Soria,M.O.& Hossain, M. S. (2024). CopingStrategiesamongFamilyCaregiversforOlderAdultswith SeriousIllness:AScopingReview.TheGerontologicalSocietyof America(GSA)AnnualScientificMeeting,Seattle,Washington.

Erick da Luz Scherf (PhD)

Publications:

da Luz Scherf, E ,&Badiezadeh,S(2025)ImmigrationPolicyasa SocialDeterminantofHealthamongBrazilianImmigrantsinthe UnitedStates:ANarrativeReviewHealthCareAnalysis,33(1),76–96https://doiorg/101007/s10728-024-00499-7

da Luz Scherf, E (2024)AddressingDiscriminationand HealthcareDisparitiesforSexualandGenderMinoritiesinSouth Africa:AHumanRights-BasedPerspectiveJournalofHealth Management,Ahead-of-Print. https://doi.org/10.1177/09720634231216025

Presentations:

MD Sarafat Hossain (PhD)

Presentations:

Obinna,O,Nwatu,U.,& Hossain, M. S. (2025).Perspectivesof Rural-DwellingOlderAdultsontheExperienceswithInformal CareinSoutheastNigeria.Submittedforposterpresentation. SocietyforSocialWorkandResearch(SSWR)29thAnnual Conference

daLuzScherf,E.,Naseh,M.,Okine,J.,Prodhan,M.,andLee,S. (2025,October).GlobalScholars,LocalStruggles:Navigatingthe SocialWorkDoctoralJourneyasInternationalStudents[Panel discussion].CouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE)'s71st AnnualProgramMeeting.Denver,CO,USA.

daLuzScherf,E.,andMehrara,L.(Forthcoming2025,October). MappingtheHealthProfileofBrazilianImmigrantsintheUnited States:AScopingReview[Postersession].CouncilonSocialWork Education(CSWE)'s71stAnnualProgramMeetingDenver,CO, USA

Andrea G. Bell (PhD)

(Continued)

da Luz Scherf, E., Lee,J.,andNaseh,M.(2025,January). MigrationPoliciesasSocialDeterminantsofHealthamong InternationalGraduateStudentsintheUnitedStates[Poster session].SSWR29thAnnualConference:StrengtheningSocial ImpactthroughCollaborativeResearch.Seattle,WA,USA.

Honorific Award:

CouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE)DoctoralStudent PolicyFellowship(2025/2026)(Amount:$4000)

Holly DeVivo (DSW)

Presentations:

DeVivo, H., &Bishop,J(2025,April3)Supporting individualsgoingthroughimmigration[Invitedtalk]2025 NASWMichiganConference,Novi,MI,UnitedStates

DeVivo, H., &Bishop,J.(2025,October10).U.S. immigrationandtheroleofthesocialworker[Keynote address].NASWMichiganUPBehavioralSummit, Marquette,MI,UnitedStates.

DeVivo, H. (2025,May29).Immigration101forsocial workers[Invitedtalk].NASWMichiganLunchandLearn Series,Online.

Camilleri,S.,DeVivo,H.,&Bishop,J.(2025,June26). ImmigrationinSWseries:Theintersectionofimmigration status,humanrights,advocacy&SWethics.NASW-MI News.https://www.naswmichiganorg/news/704583/Immigration-in-SW-SeriesThe-Intersection-of-Immigration-Status-Human-RightsAdvocacy--SW-Ethicshtm

DeVivo, H., Bishop,J.,&Camilleri,S.(2025,August27). ImmigrationinSWseries:Arewetrulyproviding culturallycompetentcare?.NASW-MINews. https://www.naswmichigan.org/news/708846/Immigration-in-SW-SeriesAre-we-truly-providing-culturally-competent-care.htm

Uche L. Nwatu (PhD)

Publications

Olson,L.,DesVignes,D.,McLean,A.,Wester,B.,& Nwatu,U.L.(2025).IndianaPrisonWriters Workshop:Thepowerofgroupcohesionandcreative expressionamongincarceratedindividualsJournalof PrisonEducationResearch,9(1) https://doiorg/1025771/y2d4-vx42

Odo,OC,Ekoh,PC,Nwatu,ULetal(2025) PerspectivesofRural-DwellingOlderAdultsonthe ExperienceswithInformalCareinSoutheastNigeriaJ CrossCultGerontolhttps://doiorg/101007/s10823-02509525-0

Presentations:

Nwatu, U. L., Hossain,MS,&Odo,O(January2025)Exploring thechallengesofprovidingandutilizingpalliativecareforolderadults withcancerinSoutheastNigeria:Insightsfromhealthcare professionals.PresentedattheSocietyforSocialWorkandResearch (SSWR)2025AnnualConference,Seattle,WA.

Grant/Contract:

StudentRepresentative,BoardofDirectors,Associationfor GerontologyEducationinSocialWork(AGESW)

Honorific Awards:

Fellow:AGESWPre-DissertationFellowsProgram,Associationfor GerontologyEducationinSocialWork(AGESW)

StudentRepresentative,BoardofDirectors,Associationfor GerontologyEducationinSocialWork(AGESW)

Joana Okine (PhD)

Presentations: Okine, J.,Muñoz,M.T.H.,Brown,L.E.&Ruggiano,N(2025, April).Navigatingsilence:EvaluatingMobileAppsforpeoplewith dementia.Aposterpresentedatthe46thAnnualMeetingand ConferenceoftheSouthernGerontologicalSociety(SGS), Birmingham,Alabama.

Okine, J. &Ruggiano,N.(2024,November).Burdenamong informalcaregiversofolderadults:Ascopingreview.Aposter presentedattheGerontologicalSocietyofAmerica(GSA)Annual ScientificMeeting,Seattle,Washington.

Okine, J.,Cheatham,L.&Ruggiano,N.(2025,January). Exploringtherelationshipbetweencaregiver'sperceptionofstress, livingarrangement,andrespitecareutilization:Insightsfromthe 2017NationalPollonHealthyAging(NPHA).Apaperpresented attheSocietyforSocialWorkResearch(SSWR)annual conference,Seattle,Washington.

Wang,F.,Mukherjee,N.& Okine, J. (2025,January).Dementia CaregivingStatusandPsychologicalHealth:TheMediatingRole ofCopingResources.AposterpresentedattheSocietyforSocial WorkResearch(SSWR)annualconference,Seattle,Washington

Publications: Littleton,T.,Cosenzo,L,G., Okine, J., &Newman,S.D. (2025).Perceivedracialdiscrimination,childhoodadversityand self-reportedhighbloodpressureamongadultsinruralAlabama. FrontiersinPublicHealth,13,1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1575793

Wang,F.,Meyer,K.,Irani,E., Okine, J., Mukherjee,N.& Marsack-Topolewski,C.(2025).Examiningtheindirecteffect ofdementiacaregivingstatusonmentalhealththroughcoping resources.ResearchonAging,1-13. Https://doiorg/101177/01640275251340031

Terrell T. Richardson (PhD)

Publications

Richardson, T.T. (2025).Depressionandhelp-seekingamong college-enrolledBlackmen:ResultsfromtheHealthyMinds Study.JournalofCollegeStudentMentalHealth,1-29.

https://doi.org/10.1080/28367138.2025.2492330

Elijah,OA,Mudathir,D, Richardson, T. T ,Mugoya,GC, &Mumba,M(2025)Substanceuseandmentalhealthof collegestudents:Amulti-substanceanalysisJournalofCollege StudentMentalHealth,1-20

https://doiorg/101080/2836713820252538874

Richardson, T.T ,Mudathir,D,Hossain,S,Cheatham,L (2025)Intersectionalpredictorsofmentalhealthproblems amongBlackcollegestudents:Amulti-levelanalysisexamining individual,institutional,andsocietallevelfactors.Journalof Evidence-BasedSocialWork1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2543920

Grants/Contracts:

CouncilonSocialWorkEducationMinorityFellowship Program–Doctoral,ResearchTrainee,NIDA-FundedScientific TraininginAddictionResearchTechniques(START), AdolescentBrainCognitiveDevelopmentStudy(ABCD)

Honorific Award: OutstandingContributiontoScholarship,TheUniversityof Alabama

TheUniversityofAlabamaSchoolofSocialWorkPhDStudent SupportFundScholarship,$1,000, 2025AthenaYoungProfessionalLeadershipAwardNominee (RutherfordCounty,TN)

Leila Salimova (PhD)

Publications:

Salimova, L.&Rusnáková,M.(2024).Collaborative strategiesforadolescentsuicideprevention:insightsfrom SlovakiaandKyrgyzstan.DiscoverMentHealth4,45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-024-00102-4

Salimova, L. (2024).NavigatingSuicidalCrisisin Kyrgyzstan:ACaseStudy.ASEANSocialWorkJournal, 12(2).https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v12i2.6

Salimova, L.,&Egemberdieva,B.(2025).Bridginggapsin socialwork:Enhancingculturalcompetenciesand understandingforsuicidepreventioninKyrgyzstan.In Globalperspectivesonsocialworkintransition:Navigating technological,cultural,andacademicchallenges.Verlag BarbaraBudrich.https://doi.org/10.3224/84743109.09

Salimova,LandDzhunushalieva,G(2025)ABibliometric ReviewofResearchonChildrenandAdolescentsâ€™Mental HealthFollowingParentalMigrationJournalofImmigrant MinorityHealthhttps://doi-orglibdatalibuaedu/101007/s10903025-01774-y

Max Sleep-Frankel (DSW)

Publication:

Yoon,Y,Ward,C, Sleep-Frankel, M., &Lee,HY(in press).Understandingtheimpactofanti-Asianhate incidentsonmentalhealthamongAsianAmericans:A comprehensivescopingreview.TheBritishJournalofSocial Work.

Presentations:

Sleep-Frankel, M., Yoon,Y.,Ward,C.,Lee,H.Y.(2024, October).Understandingtheimpactofanti-Asianhate incidentsonmentalhealthamongAsianAmericans:A comprehensivescopingreview.E-posterpresentedbyMax Sleep-FrankelattheCouncilofSocialWorkEducation AnnualProgramMeeting,KansasCity,MO.

Lister,M,Yoon,Y,Ward,C, Sleep-Frankel, M., Lee,H Y(2024,March)Understandingtheimpactofanti-Asian hateincidentsonmentalhealthamongAsianAmericans:A comprehensivescopingreviewPosterwaspresentedby MiyaListerattheUndergraduateResearchandCreative ActivityConference,Tuscaloosa,AL

Yoon,Y,Ward,C, Sleep-Frankel, M., Lister,M,Lee,H Y(2024,March)Understandingtheimpactofanti-Asian hateincidentsonmentalhealthamongAsianAmericans:A comprehensivescopingreview.PaperwaspresentedbyDr. Yoonatthe3rdannualNationalDSWConferenceon EducationandSocialWorkPractice,Tuscaloosa,AL.

Sleep-Frankel, M. TowerofBabel:LanguageBarriersin Healthcare:CollaboratedwithChicagoMindstodevelop andpresentacontinuingeducation(CE)eventtosocial workersandthegeneralpublicinSeptember2023regarding addressinglanguagebarriersinhealthcare.