Meet our Ph.D. Students

Selected Bios of Current Students

Lillian Alexander

Education: PhD., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2026); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (2017); Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, College of New Jersey (2013). Research Interests: Empathy and Avoidance; Serious Mental Illness and Recovery; Qualities of Mental Health Practitioners. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers University (2021-Present); Research Assistant, World Trade Center Health Program, New York University School of Medicine (2019-2020); Research Assistant, Clinical Outcomes and Processes Lab, The College of New Jersey (2010-2013). Teaching Interests: Methods of Social Work Research, Clinical Social Work, Mental Health, Social Work Practice, Psychopathology. Practice Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in NJ; Team Leader (2020-2021) and Clinical Specialist, Program for Assertive Community Treatment, Ocean County, NJ (2018-2021); Mental Health Associate, Atlantic County Short Term Care Facility, NJ (2016-2018); Social Service Case Manager, AtlantiCare Special Care Center, NJ (2015-2016); Cape May County Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Case Manager, NJ (2014-2015); Residential Counselor, Cape May County A+ Residential Treatment Facility, NJ (2013-2014).

Roxanna Ast

Education: PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2023); MSW, Rutgers University; MSc, Psychological Studies, University of Glasgow; BA, English Literature and Translation, Guilan University. Research Interests: Intimate partner violence and sexual violence in the LGBTQ community, community resiliency and response to violence, immigration policy, and evaluation research. Honors: Recipient of 2019 SGS Off Campus Dissertation Development Award. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children- Rutgers University; Research and evaluation consultant, Ryan White Grant at Fox Caring Consultants; Research Assistant, Institute For Families, Rutgers University; Research and evaluation intern, Safe Horizon. Practice experience: Ryan White planning council and committee coordinator, Fox Caring Consultants; Program Specialist, Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey; Domestic violence case worker intern, Women Aware; Mental health assistant, Carr Gomm-UK; Interpreter for Middle Eastern refugee and asylum seeker, British Red Cross; TEFL instructor for Middle Eastern refugee and immigrants- Borna Institute. E-mail address: rsa94@ssw.rutgers.edu

Email: eba35@ssw.rutgers.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enoch-boafo-amponsah-96b802189

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3329-7539

Research Fate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Enoch_Amponsah

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. New Jersey -  (expected May 2027)              
• Master of Science in Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, University of Oxford,  - (August 2022)     
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - (June 2020)

Research Interests: Child Maltreatment Prevention, Interpersonal Violence, Gender Issues, Informal Social Control, Bystander Intervention, Implementation Science

Research Experience:    

• Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers        University --- Sept. 2022                                                                                                                                           
• Research and Teaching Consultant, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, Department of Sociology and Social Work ---  Sept. 2020 - August 2021

Practice Experience: 

• School Social Worker, Community Special School, Deduako, Kumasi, Ghana --- June 2019 - Aug. 2019     
• Research Consultant, CARE International, TUC, Kumasi, Ghana ---   March 2019 - May 2019                                   
• Field Coordinator and Research Consultant Safe Child Advocacy, Roman Hill, Kumasi, Ghana  --- February 2019 – March 2019
• Intern, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit, Supreme Court Building, Greater Accra, Ghana --- June 2018 - Aug. 2018 
• School Social Worker Gateway University Basic School, Greater Accra, Ghana --- Aug. 2014 - July 2016    

Narrative:

Enoch Boafo Amponsah is a PhD student with the School of Social Work, Rutgers University. He has vast research and practice experience in issues of child welfare and family wellbeing. Majority of his research publications focuses on child maltreatment prevention, interpersonal violence and gender issues in low middle income countries.  Prior to joining Rutgers, he obtained his masters in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation at the University of Oxford, UK.  

Esther R. Bennett    

Education: PhD. School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2023); MSS, Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research (2011); Bachelor of Social Work, LaSalle University (2010). Research Interests: Her research focuses on intervention science targeting the neurobiological ramifications of PTSD among IPV survivors using fMRI to evaluate the treatment effect. She is also interested in developing diagnosis and assessment tools for differentiating PTSD and mild TBI to support policy and practice improvement in medical and DV facilities. Research experience: Research assistant at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System studying neurocognitive biomarkers for suicide prevention among Veterans with mental health disorders. Practice Experience: Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania (2011-Present); Clinical Outpatient Psychotherapist, Access Family Services, NC (2015-2016); Supervisor and Case Manager for Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Volunteers of America, NC (2013-2015); Clinical Outpatient Psychotherapist and Treatment Foster Care Case Manager, The Village, PA (2011-2012); Mental Health Technician, Comhar Inc., PA (2009-2011). Email Address: ejg151@ssw.rutgers.edu

Allison Brachmann

Education: PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2025); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2025); EdM, Rutgers University Graduate School of Education, College Student Affairs (2017); Bachelor of Arts in Germanic Studies, Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences (2014). Research Interests: Gender-based violence among college students and the LGBTQ community; bystander intervention and prevention programs, evaluation of university sexual misconduct response services; quantitative research. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers School of Social Work (2016-2017; 2020-current) with Dr. Sarah McMahon. Practice Experience: Women’s Center Coordinator, Lynn University (2017-2020); Confidential Crisis Response Advocate, Rutgers Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (2015-2017); Prevention Education Assistant, Rutgers Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (2015-2017); Title IX Co-Investigator, Rutgers Office of Student Affairs Compliance and Title IX (2016-2017). Teaching Experience: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Austrian-American Educational Commission (Imst, Austria). Email Address: ajb360@ssw.rutgers.edu.  

Catie Buttner

Education: Ph.D. (expected 2021) Rutgers University School of Social Work; MSW, University of Pennsylvania, 2011; Bachelor’s of Arts and Science (Sociology), Saint Joseph’s University, 2009. Research Interests: Post-colonial social work; reproductive justice; intersectionality and methodology; international social work; obstetric violence and violence in the reproductive health care system. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children- Rutgers University; Project Coordinator RCT, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Teaching interests: Post-Colonial Social Work; Research Methods; Global Social Work; Reproductive Justice; Sexual and Reproductive Health. Teaching experience: Social Work Policy II: Violence Against Women and Children; Post-Colonial Social Work, Study Abroad, India; Research Methods I & II; Rutgers Honors College Teaching Fellow; Violence Against Women and Children Training Program. Practice experience: Program Coordinator Philadelphia Youth Network; Program Assistant Episcopal Community Services; Special Projects Coordinator, Office of Strategic Partnerships School District of Philadelphia. Email Address: cbuttner@ssw.rutgers.edu

Charles Chear

charles.chear@rutgers.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleschear/

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Rutgers University, School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ (expected May 2025)
• Master of Social Work, Boston University, School of Social Work, Boston, MA (2011)
• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Certificate in Asian American Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA (2006)

Research Interests:

Poverty; migration; mobilities; housing; work

Research Experience:

• Research Assistant, Dr. Woojin Jung, Rutgers University, Machine Learning and Multimodal Analysis to Measure Poverty and Improve Aid Targeting
• Co-Investigator, Dr. Camille MacKenzie and Dr. Antoinette Farmer, Rutgers University, Sense of Belonging: Implications for the Mental Health Outcomes of Students from Diverse Backgrounds
• Co-Investigator, Dr. Håvard Aaslund, Oslo Metropolitan University, Protests Against Social Welfare and Public Health Regimes
• Research Assistant, Dr. Leakhena Nou, California State University-Long Beach, Psychosocial Adjustment of Cambodian Refugees in Massachusetts

Narrative:

Charles Chear is a PhD candidate studying how and why poor people move, and the relationship between moving and socioeconomic conditions such as housing and work. Populations of interest include convenience store (‘bodega’) workers and Housing Choice Voucher (‘Section 8’) recipients. Prior to research, Charles was a social worker serving diverse populations and organizations in Massachusetts, Arizona, Tohono O’odham Nation, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia.

Yafan Chen

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2023); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work, 2017; Bachelor of Art in Editing and Publishing Science, South China University of Technology, 2015. Research Interests: child maltreatment; child exposure to intimate partner violence; child mental and behavioral health; childhood trauma and resilience; developmental psychopathology; quantitative research. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant (2018-2021), Research Assistant(2015-present), Huamin Research Center, with Dr. Chien-Chung Huang. Projects: exposure to intimate partner violence and child outcomes, mindfulness-based intervention research, and adverse childhood experiences among Chinese college students. Teaching interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Services I; Social Welfare Policy and Services II: Violence against Women and Children; Methods of Social Work Research I & II; HBSE: Violence & Abuse in Childhood. Teaching experience: co-instructor of Study Abroad: Social Welfare System in China (summer 2018, 2019) and Service Learning Abroad: Social Work in China (summer 2018, 2019). Practice experience: Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey (2017-current); task supervisor for BSW students, Rutgers University (2017-2018; 2019-2020); Part-time intensive in-community therapist, Family Therapy and Consultation Services and United Family Services, NJ. Email Address: yafan.chen@rutgers.edu

Shannon Cheung

Education: PhD, Rutgers University (expected 2024); MSW w/ Addiction Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate, Rutgers University (2020); BASW w/ minor in Sociology, Rutgers University (2019). Research Interests: Critical race theory; information and communication technology (ICT)-mediated (e.g., video games) interpersonal violence (IPV) and child development; mental health in minoritized groups; family process in immigrant families. Research Experience: Research Assistant, Dr. Edward Alessi: experiences of LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees in South Africa; Research Assistant, Dr. Chien-Chung Huang: effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence; improving child development and well-being; poverty alleviation. Practice Experience: MSW Intern at SOBA New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Crisis Response Advocate at Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance, New Brunswick, NJ; Psychology Department Intern at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Toms River, NJ. Honors/Awards: International Student Training Network (ISTN), International Network for Queer Youth Resilience (INQYR), 2020; Dean’s Research Group, Rutgers SSW, 2019; Rutgers Honors College Study Abroad Endowed Fellowship, 2018; Cancer Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, 2017; Aresty Summer Science Fellowship, 2016. Teaching Interests: Diversity & Oppression; LGBTQ+ Issues. Email: scheung@ssw.rutgers.edu 

Alisha Cupid

Education: Ph.D. (expected 2023) Rutgers University School of Work; MSW and Certificate in Global Social Work, Tulane University, 2013; BSW and Minor in Psychology, New York University, 2011. Research Interests: International Social Work, global poverty, African and Caribbean women and poverty, international development, poverty reduction policy; participatory research; women’s empowerment; culturally competent social work practice. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant—Institute for Families and Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers School of Social Work. Teaching Interests: Social Work Practice; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Clinical Social Work Practice; Global Social Work and Social Development. Practice Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Louisiana), New Orleans Police Department; Mental Health Professional, Orleans Parish Prison; Assistant Director, Womanspace; Substance Abuse Counselor, Odyssey House; Reentry Social Worker, West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office; Therapist, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families (NYC); Task supervisor for MSW field placement, West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and Womanspace; Intern-Women for Women International/Tulane University Rwanda Office (Rwanda), ERACE (Louisiana), and Project SOL (NYC). Email Address: ac1765@rutgers.ssw.edu.

Michael Enich 

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2023); M.D., Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University (expected May 2024); Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Biomedical Studies Concentration with Distinction, St. Olaf College, 2014. Research Interests: Hospital based housing interventions for people experiencing homelessness; mobile medical services for rough sleepers; neighborhood social cohesion and adolescent health; substance misuse prevention and harm reduction services. Honors: Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society, August 2019; New Leaders Council Fellow, May 2018; Northfield Community Scholar, May 2010. Research experience: Graduate Assistant, Center for Prevention Science (2019-present) with Dr. Andy Peterson & Dr. Kristen Gilmore Powell: effects of a provider-based naloxone distribution program; and process evaluation of substance misuse prevention work of regional coalitions. Independent Research Consultant, Point Source Youth with Dr. Robin Petering: designed homeless youth intervention program evaluation tools including survey and qualitative interview guides.Teaching Interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis, Social Welfare Policy and Services I & II; Methods of Social Work Research I & I. Teaching Experience: Education Coordinator and GED Instructor, Covenant House New Jersey, August 2010-2011. Practice Experience:  Student Doctor, HIPHOP Promise Clinic, September 2016-Present;Clinic Associate, Stone Creek Psychiatry, August 2015-June 2016.

Kate E. Golden

Education:  Ph.D., Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2022); Joint MA, Child Study and Human Development / Social Policy, Tufts University; BA, Women’s & Gender Studies, Wellesley College. Research Interests: Issues of power and voice among service recipients in the public & private child welfare systems; federal and State child welfare policy and differential effects on marginalized communities; mixed methods research; utilization focused research and evaluation as a strategy for improving research use. Honors/Awards: University & Bevier Dissertation Completion Fellowship, 2021-2022; Rutgers Graduate School Diversity Fellowship, 2017-18 Research Experience: Graduate Assistant: Child Welfare and Well-Being Unit Collaboration with NJ Department of Children and Families and with the Institute for Families (IFF); Researcher: Mixed Methods Research Lab (MMRL) at the University of Pennsylvania; Co-PI and Assistant Director: Department of Interdisciplinary Evaluation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC); Associate: Office of Foster Care and Adoption | Evaluation and Measurement Unit at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Graduate Assistant: Tufts Adoption and Development Lab at Tufts University. Practice Experience: Manager: Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Department at Visinet Inc. human service agency, Omaha NE.; Program Administrator: Adoptive Families Together advocacy group, Boston, MA; Direct Care Worker: Rediscovery House youth group home, Watertown MA.

Jordan Goodwin

Education: Ph.D. Rutgers University, School of Social Work (expected 2023); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (2019); MDiv and Certificate in Theology, Women and Gender, Princeton Theological Seminary (2018); BS Psychology and Minors in International Studies and Leadership, University of Florida (2013). Honors and Awards: Outstanding MSW Student (2019); William Harte Felmeth Theological Scholarship (2018); Presbyterian Leadership Award (2015–2017); Margaret Moran Scholarship and Mission Fund (2017). Research Interests: Housing and homelessness, maternal substance use, mental health interventions, health disparities, trauma, and the integration of behavioral health. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Emmy Tiderington, Moving-On housing initiative, Rutgers University; Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Qiana Brown, maternal substance use, Rutgers University; Graduate Research Assistant, Dr. Thomas Espenshade, New Jersey Family Study, Princeton University; Research Program Coordinator to Dr. Allison Zippay and Dr. Emmy Tiderington, Moving On from Supportive Housing Training, Rutgers University; Clinical Research Assistant to Dr. Luana Marques, Community Psychiatry PRIDE at Massachusetts General Hospital; Research Volunteer to Dr. Belle Liang, Adolescent development of purpose, Boston College. Practice experience: Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey, Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Chaplain at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital; MSW Intern at Corner House substance abuse treatment program in Princeton, NJ; MSW Intern with Princeton Human Services at the Princeton Public Library.. Email Address: jordan.goodwin@rutgers.edu

Brett Greenfield

Education: PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (Expected: 2023); MDiv, George W. Truett Theological Seminary (2017); MSW, Baylor University (2014); BSW, Baylor University (2013)  Honors: University & Louis Bevier Dissertation Completion Fellowship, 2022-2023; CSWE/GADE/SSWR Doctoral Student Policy Forum (Summer 2021); Rutgers University School of Graduate Studies Pre-Dissertation Summer Study Award (2018)    Research Interests: Children & families impacted by child welfare services; adoption & foster care; LGBTQ+ families & youth; attachment & development  Research experience: Graduate Assistant: Rutgers University School of Social Work Child Welfare and Well-Being Research Unit (Dr. Cassandra Simmel); Research assistant for Dr. Edward Alessi; Consultant for NORC at the University of Chicago; Adult Attachment Interview Institute (Summer 2018); Working Model of the Child Interview Training (Summer 2018)   Teaching Experience: Research Methods I, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Children’s Mental Health Services (Rutgers University School of Social Work); MSW Field Instructor (Baylor University); Guest Lecturer (NYU, Baylor University)   Practice Experience:  LMSW (Texas); Advanced Practice Case Manager, Methodist Children’s Home, Waco, TX (3 years); Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Educator; Circle of Security Intervention, Registered Facilitator   E-mail: brett.greenfield@rutgers.edu 

Lorraine Y. Howard

Education: Ph.D. (expected May 2023) Rutgers University School of Social Work; MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work, 2008; Bachelor’s of Arts and Science (BSW), Rutgers University, 1996. Research Interests: Racial and community trauma; intersection of addictions and neuroscience; adolescent and young adult development; culturally competent social work practice; translational research. Research Experience:Co-investigator on Experience of Social Work Students during an Inter-Professional Education (IPE) event; Research consultant on Gene Upshaw Players’ Assistance Trust Evaluation Study; Research consultant on ALDA, Inc. After-School Program project. Teaching interests: Social Work Practice; Clinical Social Work; Diversity and Oppression, Psychopathology. Teaching experience: Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis; Clinical Social work I; Theories of Personality and Psychopathology; Evaluation of Practice: Clinical, Communication in Social Work Practice; HBSE: Understanding Addictive Behaviors; Generalist Practice I; Case Management in Addiction Practices; Biology of Addictive Behaviors; Social Work Policy & Services I & II; Clinical Social Work: Addictive Behaviors I & II; HBSE: Addictive Behaviors Across the Lifespan; Professional Development; Addiction Counselor Training Program. Practice experience: Director of Addiction Education at Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies (current position); Teaching Lecturer Rutgers School of Social Work; Faculty (Field Education Coordinator) at Rutgers School of Social Work; Administrator at various treatment programs; Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Texas; Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey; Therapist in private practice; Social Worker at various treatment programs. Email Address: lhoward@rutgers.edu

Courtney Hutchison

Education: PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2023); MSS, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research; MPH, University of California, Berkeley; BA, International Relations, Brown University. Research Interests: Clinical interventions for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders; MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD; the role of shame in psychopathology. Honors: Presidential Fellow, Rutgers University; Award for Clinical Excellence, Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work; Junior Fellow, Center for Child and Family Wellbeing; Alumni Scholar, UC Berkeley. Research Experience: Director of Research, SoundMind Center; Graduate Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers School of Social Work (2019-current); Graduate Research Assistant, Forum for Collaborative Research, 2013-2014; Research Assistant, Program for Recovery and Community Health, Yale University (2007). Teaching Interests:  Clinical Social Work Practice; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Psychopathology. Teaching Experience: Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley: Introduction to Gender & Women’s Studies, Feminist Theory; Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley: Global Health. Practice Experience: Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania (2018-current); Ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, SoundMind Center (2021-current); Psychotherapist, University of Pennsylvania Counseling and Psychological Services (2018-2020); psychotherapist, Philadelphia Consultation Center (2018-2019). E-mail Address: Courtney.Hutchison@rutgers.edu.

Christine James

Education:  Ph.D. (expected 2021) Rutgers University School of Social Work; MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (2003); BA, Psychology, Rutgers University (1997) Research Interests: Disability, Diversity, Poverty, Health Disparities; Transition-Age Youth with Disability, Transition to Adulthood Outcomes for Youth with Disability Honors: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Social Work Fellow, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) (2017-2018) Research Experience: Independent research project with Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy: Intellectual Disability & Transition Preparation to Adult Healthcare among Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (2018); Independent research project with Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, Dr. Manuel Jimenez, & Dr. Roy Wade: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Teen Behavior Outcomes: The Role of Disability (2019); Research Assistant, Rutgers Psychology Department (undergraduate) Teaching Interests: Disability & Healthcare, Program Evaluation, Diversity & Oppression, Social Justice, Macro practice Teaching Experience: Part-time Lecturer, Rutgers University School of Social Work (in-class and online; graduate and undergraduate), Diversity & Oppression, Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II, Introduction to Social Work; professional Trainer in non-profit providers, including NASW-NJ Leadership Certificate Program; national and international conference presentations Practice Experience: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in NJ & PA; Director, Systems & Evaluation & Chief Compliance Officer, PATH, Inc., Philadelphia (current); Assistant Division Director, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities; Director, Employee Development & Communications, PATH, Inc., Philadelphia; Director, Quality Improvement & Training, PATH, Inc., Philadelphia; Volunteer positions: President, Southwestern Social Work Association; President, National Association of Social Workers – NJ Chapter (NASW-NJ) Email Address: cmjames@rutgers.edu  

Huiying Jin

Education: Ph.D. (expected 2023) Rutgers University School of Social Work; A.M. (MSW), University of Chicago, 2016; Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Fudan University, 2013. Research Interests: Her research focuses broadly on the well-being of children living in poverty, with a particular interest in studying employment and work-life policies and programs. She is currently working on dissertation that examines the effects of mothers’ nonstandard work schedules and longitudinal child well-being among low-income families. Honors: 2011 Cum Laude Fudan University. Research Experience: Research Assistant, with Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, investigating the relationship between nonresident fathers’ involvement with children and mothers’ well-being. Research Assistant, with Dr. Jeoung-hee Kim, investigating the New Jersey child care market price study. Research Assistant, with Dr. Chien-Chung Huang, studying Chinese social policy and adolescent well-being, and social innovation and poverty alleviation. Research Assistant at Institute for Families and Center for Prevention Science. Research Assistant, with Dr. Shi-zheng Feng, exploring the integration of Public Service in Wenquan Town under "Changing Village to Residential Community" Process. Research Assistant, with Dr. Stephen Baker, studying the effects of social and emotional learning to support academic achievement, and the evaluation of the Elev8 Chicago program. Teaching interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Services; Methods of Social Work Research; and HBSE: Developmental Perspectives on Child Well-Being. Teaching experience: Co-Instructor of Study Abroad: Social Welfare System in China (summer 2019) and Service Learning Abroad: Social Work in China (summer 2019). Practice experience: Trainer at Leadership Enhancement Program at Erikson Institute, Chicago. Program Assistant at Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Chicago. Team Leader at the Department of Aging at the Chinese American Service League, Chicago. Career Specialist at the Employment Department at Chicago House, Chicago. Email Address: hy.jin@rutgers.edu

Hasan Johnson

Education:  MSW, Rutgers University; BA, Psychology, Rutgers College; Research Interests:  computer based cognitive behavioral interventions to promote grit, motivational achievement and social problem solving skills among adolescent students;  culturally appropriate, evidenced based clinical intervention with marginalized and oppressed populations that address mental health needs; Research Experience:  Graduate Assistant, Rutgers University Institute for Families; Practice Experience: MSW Field Instructor, Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, NJ; Mental Health Clinician, UMDNJ and Private Practice; School of Social Worker/Guidance Counselor—Plainfield, New Brunswick and Piscataway Schools, NJ; Honors/Awards:  Recipient of Outstanding Doctoral Student Instructor Award. Email Address:  hasjohnson@gmail.com.

Andrew Kim

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSW (2021) w/ Addiction Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate (expected May 2022), Rutgers University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Rutgers University (2015). Research Interests: Substance use disorder intervention; Cross section between substance and behavioral additions; Harm reduction policy and implementation; Impact of the criminal justice approach on addiction; Reentry after criminal justice involvement; Policy analysis related to addiction and treatment; Recovery in substance use and related disorders; Micro and macro factors related to relapse; Social use after active addiction. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant w/ Dr. Lia Nower, Center for Gambling Studies (2021-Present; Research Assistant, 2019-2021); Research Assistant w/ Dr. Pamela Valera, Cancer Health Justice Lab (July 2019-Sept. 2019); Research Assistant w/ Dr. Michael Eversman (2018-2019); Research Assistant w/ Dr. Miriam Rosenberg-Lee, MRLab (Aug. 2018-Sept. 2018); Research Assistant w/ Dr. David Wilder, Social Psych Lab (2012-2015). Teaching Interests: Clinical Social Work: Addictive Behaviors; Understanding Addictive Behaviors; Research Methods; Social Welfare Policy. Practice Experience: Licensed Social Worker in NJ (expected 2021); Clinician at Center for Network Therapy (2021-present; Student Intern, 2020-2021). Invited Speaker on incarceration and reentry (Center for Great Expectations, March 24, 2021), on conditions within NJ prisons (Rutgers Univ., July 17, 2019), and on the stigma of addiction (Raritan High School, 2017). Email Address: ahjkim92@ssw.rutgers.edu

Feng-Yi Liu

Education: PhD Candidate, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2021); Master in Social Welfare, National Chung Cheng University (NCCU) Chiayi, Taiwan; Master in Mathmatical Statistics, Columbia University in New York City. New York, NY; BA in Social Welfare , National Chung Cheng University (NCCU) Chiayi, Taiwan. Research Interests: Early childhood education and care policy, Immigration policy, Immigrant child well-being, Child poverty, Comparative analysis of social welfare policies, Computational social science. Honors: Rutgers Research Traveling Awards, support for academic conference presentation at Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) in 2019; Rutgers GA Professional Development Awards, support Project “Double Left Behind Children in NYC: The childcare arrangement among disadvantaged Chinese immigrant families”; Rutgers Special Study Award. For Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Summer Program University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant: Rutgers University School of Social Work Child Welfare and Well-Being Research Unit; Independent research in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University, New Jersey. Topic: Effects of Mothers’ Nonstandard Work Schedules on the Use of Multiple Child Caregivers and Center Care.; Research internship in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University, New Jersey. Topic: Double Left behind Children: Immigrant, Poverty, and Child Care Arrangements in Low Income Chinese American Community in New York City. Teaching Interests: Social Welfare Policies, Research Methods, Statistics. Teaching experience: Part-Time Lecturer, Graduated Course RESEARCH METHOD II  in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. 

Amal Killawi

Education: PhD (expected 2023), Rutgers University School of Social Work, Certificate in Sexual Health (2012), MSW (2009), BA in Psychology (2006), University of Michigan. Research Interests: health disparities and marginalized communities, help-seeking, culture/religion and health, culturally-sensitive health services, community-based research, qualitative research. Honors/Awards: Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Scholar Award 2021, El-Hibri Foundation Advancing Inclusion Scholarship Award 2018; Rutgers Professional Development Fund Award 2017; Fellow of the Engaging Muslim Activists for Research on Community Health Program 2018-2020, Fellow of the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute 2010. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant-Rutgers Center for Prevention Science-Dr. N. Andrew Peterson: Evaluation of State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Initiatives; Dr. Beth Angell: Evaluation of a State Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Program; Research Fellow-The Family & Youth Institute; Principal Investigator on Marriage and Divorce Study-Institute for Social Policy & Understanding; Qualitative Data Analyst on project to improve healthcare services in Qatar-University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine; Research Assistant for CBPR study on healthcare challenges of American Muslims-University of Michigan Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, Research Coordinator for domestic violence risk assessment project-Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services. Teaching experience: Community Educator at The Family & Youth Institute. Practice Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Michigan; Therapist at Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services; Counselor at University of Michigan Counseling and Psychological Services. E-mail Address: ak1394@ssw.rutgers.edu

Rebecca Logue-Conroy

Education: PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2021); MSW, Smith College School for Social Work; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and American Studies, Williams College, 1999. Honors: Pass with Honors in Qualifying Exams, Policy and Theory section Research Interests: Family Leave, Social Welfare Policy, Impact of Policy on Families, Poverty, Inequality. Research experience: Research Assistant, Child Welfare and Well-Being Unit, Rutgers University School of Social Work: qualitative evaluation of Kinship Navigator Programs in NJ; Research Assistant with Dr. Anna Haley: analyzing working conditions of members of the American Postal Workers Union; Research Assistant with Dr. Anna Haley: qualitative analysis of parental choice of Pre-K programs; Research Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children: creating reports for Violence Against Women Grant; Graduate Assistant, Institute for Families: analysis of the NJ Child Support Institute; Research Assistant with Dr. Andrew Peterson, Center for Prevention Science: converted survey to Qualtrics online format; Graduate Assistant with Dr. Beth Angell, Involuntary Outpatient Unit project: qualitative analysis of Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Program. Teaching Interests: Social Welfare Policy and Services, Research.  Email: rebecca.logueconroy@rutgers.edu

Anais Mahone

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2024); MSW, Temple University School of Social Work (2013); Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Pittsburgh (2007). Honors: 2020-2021 Dean’s Fellowship, Rutgers University, School of Graduate Studies Research Interests: Healthcare access, public insurance options, racial disparities in health, social determinants of health, impact of poverty on health Research Experience: Research Assistant, Dr. Patricia Findley: Special Care Dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic; studying the experiences of persons needing dental care and dentists in New Jersey, quantitive and qualitative research methods. Teaching experience: West Chester University Graduate Department of Social Work (2019-2020): Methods of Social Work Research, Social Welfare Policies and Services, Specialized Social Work Practice with Communities Teaching interests: Diversity & Oppression; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Services I & II; Methods of Social Work Research I & II, Clinical Social Work: Health. Practice experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, New Jersey (2020-current); Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Pennsylvania (2017-current); Medical Social Worker, University of Pennsylvania Health System (2013-2020); Psychotherapist, private practice (2014-2016). Service: SSWR Doctoral Student Committee; Interprofessional Education Student Advisory Council (2020 -2021).  amahone@ssw.rutgers.edu

Lauren Manley 

Education:  PhD, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2025); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2023); M.S., Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, (2020); B.S., Genetics, Texas A&M University (2017); Research Interests: Impacts of trauma and stress on health and wellbeing; adverse childhood experiences; traumatic stress; Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, New Jersey Integrated Care for Kids, Hackensack Meridian Health (2021-current); Part-time Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence, Rutgers School of Social Work (2021-current); Oncology Medical Internship; Research Assistant, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University; Research Assistant, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University; Teaching Interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Methods of Social Work Research I & II; Practice Experience: Victim Advocate, U.S. Army; Texas Army National Guard; Email: lnm79@ssw.rutgers.edu

Rebecca Martin                             

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected 2025); MSW and Certificate in Aging and Health, Rutgers University; MDes in Design Practices, with honors, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; B.A., School of Media Arts and Design, Corporate Media Mass Communications, minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, James Madison University. Research Interests: othering, belonging, and bridging, particularly when centering disability as an intersectional identity; cross-discipline problem solving; the evolution of research methodologies to reflect changing identities; and coalition-building between underrepresented groups. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant (GA) Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy (Rutgers University), Inclusive Healthy Grant program, under supervision of Dr. Patricia Findley (2022-2023). GA, Inclusive Healthy Communities program evaluation, under supervision of Drs. Emily Greenfield and Patricia Findley (2021-2022). GA, Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers University (2020 – 2021). Research Assistant for Age-Friendly Initiatives in Northern New Jersey, Rutgers University (2017-2018). Teaching Interests: Social Work with Loss Across the Lifespan and Chronic Illness and Disability. Practice Experience:  Social Work: Licensed Social Worker in NJ (2018 – present); College and Career Advisor, EDGE 2.0, The Family Resource Network (2018 – 2020); Social Services Intern, Daughters of Miriam Center (2017 – 2018); Accommodations Assistant, Rutgers-Newark Office of Disability Services (Summer 2017); Social Work Intern, Public Defender’s Office of Essex Vicinage (2016 – 2017). Design: Curriculum Designer and Educator, World Family English (2013 – 2015); Lead Retail Designer, Global Digital Mojo (2013-2014); Visual Merchandising Manager for New and Remodel Stores, Toys‘R’Us/Babies‘R’Us (2008 – 2012).

Camille McKenzie

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2023); MSW, New York University Silver School of Social Work (2013); Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Psychology, and Gender Women Studies, University of Delaware (2010). Honors: Member Alpha Kappa Delta National Honors Society; Member Psi Chi National Honors Society; BA Honors Degree of Distinction (2010). Research Interests: Health equity; healthcare access & utilization; help-seeking behaviors; health insurance literacy; insurance-based discrimination; managed care. Research Experience:  Graduate Assistant, Dr. Patricia Findley, Special Populations Interprofessional Care Experiences (SPICE) COVID-19 healthcare study; Collaboration with Dr. Ayse Akincigil, Identifying Population Living with Alzheimer’s: Concordance between Medicare Claims & Survey Reports. Teaching interests: Social Work Practice; Diversity & Oppression; Social Welfare Policy and Services. Practice Experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey; Healthcare Social Worker, RWJBH Monmouth Medical Center, RWJBH Clara Maass Medical Center, University Hospital-Newark, JFK-Hartwyck Edison Estates; Case Manager, Partnership for Children of Essex; Advocate Supervisor & Hotline Crisis Counselor, YWCA’s Healing Space (Bergen County Rape Crisis Center). E-mail Address: camille.mckenzie@rutgers.edu

Alicia Mendez 

Education: MSW, Rutgers University; BA, Psychology & English, University of Washington. Research interests:childhood sexual abuse, intergenerational trauma, child welfare, trauma, and first-generation college students. Research Experience: Project Director, Emily Bosk & Emily Bosk, Evaluation of the Keeping Families Together Program. Graduate Assistant, Emily Bosk Integrating Substance Abuse Treatment with Trauma Informed Practice Evaluation of the ARC Model; & In-Home Recovery Evaluation. Graduate Assistant, Cassandra Simmel & Steve Crystal, PCORI Comparative Effectiveness of State Psychotropic Oversight Systems. Teaching Experience: Graduate Education Preparation I & II; Basics of Research. Practice Experience: Clinical Administrative Assistant for the Center for Great Expectations, Somerset, NJ; Crisis line advocate and shelter advocate at the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network, Seattle. Service: Student Director at Large for the Society for Social Work Research (SSWR) & Chair of the SSWR Doctoral Student Committee; Graduate Student Mentor for the Ronald E. McNair Program. Email Address: alicia.mendez@rutgers.edu

Nicole Milano

Education:  Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected 2023); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work, 2019; Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 2012  Research interests: Health equity, Behavioral health parity, Integration of behavioral health and physical health Research experience: Graduate Assistant with Dr. Patricia Findley (2019-present), Health disparities research Teaching Interests:  Research Methods,   Chronic Illness and Disability     Practice Experience:  Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey (2019-present); Community Advocate, Mental Health Association in NJ (2019-present) Email Address: nmilano@ssw.rutgers.edu

Lucy Nonas-Barnes  

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSW, Columbia University, School of Social Work, 2017; Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology, University of Michigan, 2011. Research Interests: Implementation science, school-to-prison pipeline, social-emotional learning, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mass incarceration,  juvenile justice, child welfare. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant, Means Safety Project (2021-present), with Dr. Hannah Szlyk. Teaching Interests: Social Work Practice I with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Social Work Practice II; Diversity and Oppression; Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis; Methods of Social Work Research; Clinical Social Work. Practice Experience: Licensed Masters in Social Work in New York (2017-present); Outpatient therapist, The Counseling Center Group, NY (2022-present); Assistant Clinical Director, STEP Aftercare, The Children’s Village, NY (2017-2021).

Lena Moraa Obara

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected 2025); MA in Sociology, University of Nairobi, Kenya (2015); Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Makerere University, Uganda (2010). Research Interests: Sexual violence prevention and response; gender-based violence (GBV), and unaccompanied minors; evaluation research; GBV and trauma; International social welfare, access to and distribution of health services for women and girls who have experienced abuse in informal settings such as internally displaced persons (IDP) and refugee camps in East Africa. Teaching Interests: Diversity & Oppression; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; violence against women and children; Research Methods. Research Experience:  Graduate Research Assistant, Center on Violence Against Women and Children - Rutgers University under Dr. Victoria Banyard and Dr. Sarah McMahon (2021 – ongoing); Research Manager (Independent Contractor), Columbia School of Social Work on projects being run in Kenyan informal settlements on women’s health and the lived environment; Research Assistant, University of Nairobi, Kenya: Research Assistant, Heshima Kenya. Email Address: lo184@ssw.rutgers.edu

Natalie Elaine Pope

Education: PhD, School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSSW, University of Louisville, 2017; MBA, University of Louisville, 2015; Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies and Religion, Centre College, 2013. Research Interests: Age-friendly communities and social policy; organizations and social impact; community-based practice; longitudinal data analysis; mixed-methods policy analysis. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant, Dr. Emily A. Greenfield (2020 – present): developmental evaluation of age-friendly initiatives in northern New Jersey. Teaching interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy courses; Social Work Practice II; Research Methods; Aging policy courses; Organizational management courses. Practice experience: Certified Social Worker in KY (CSW, 2017-present); Marketing & Business Specialist, University of Louisville Trager Institute, KY (2015-2020); Age-Friendly Louisville Chair, KY (2017-2019). Email: natalie.pope@rutgers.edu  

Mariam Rashid

Education: Ph.D. (expected May 2021) Rutgers University, School of Social Work; MPH, Health Policy, Rutgers University, Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Public Health; BA, Biology, Rutgers University- Newark. Honors and Awards: USAID Fellow (2015); Governors Executive Award (2016), Eagleton Institute of Politics; 2016 Student Community Service Award, Rutgers, School of Public Health; Dr. Ronald Altman Award (2017) for outstanding work in public health from the New Jersey Public Health Association; APPAM Equity and Inclusion 2019 Fellow; President and member of Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society; the Rutgers Inter-professional Honor Society 2016-2018 Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers School of Social Work, under Dr. Andrew Peterson and Dr. Kristen Gilmore Powell 2016-2019 ; Research Assistant to Dr. Emmy Tiderington, Moving-On housing initiative 2016-2018; Research Assistant to Dean Kyle Farmbry, Graduate School, Rutgers- Newark 2013-2016. Teaching Interests: Social Policy, Welfare and Health Policy; Health Disparities Teaching Experience: Women Gender and Public Health; Women Gender and Medicine; Gender, Race, and Sexuality. Practice Experience: USAID Fellow 2015, Cape Town, South Africa, post-Apartheid access to sanitation in townships across Cape Town; Eagleton Institute of Politics Graduate Fellow 2016, interning for Director of New Jersey’s Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS); Research Associate at the Center for Tobacco Studies (2019) Email Address: mariam.rashid@rutgers.edu

Addam Reynolds

Education: PhD (expected graduation May 2023); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work, 2017; Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Science, Rutgers University, 2007  Honors: Recipient of the MSW Fellowship in Aging; recipient of the AGESW Pre-dissertation Fellowship  Research Interests:  Aging, health, health disparities, gene-environment interactions, cognitive aging, quantitative research, longitudinal data analysis Research experience: Graduate Assistant, Dr. Emily Greenfield, project; how childhood adversity effects late life cognition in older African Americans.  Graduate Assistant, Dr. Lia Nower, project: the predictors of older adult gamblers.  Research specialist at Princeton University, Dr. Margot Putukian, project: the natural history of concussion in college athletes.  Graduate assistant at the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Dr. Mark Gluck, project: how exercise affects learning and memory in older African American adults.  Teaching experience: Advanced Statistics I – PhD Level (Lab Instructor), Advanced Statistics II – PhD Level (Lab Instructor).  Teaching Interests: Research Methods; Chronic Illness and Disability; Social Welfare Policy II: Aging.  Email: addam.reynolds@rutgers.edu.

Clara Scher

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work (expected May 2025); MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences, University College London, 2020; BA, Psychology, Lehigh University, 2017. Honors: UCL Division of Psychiatry Scholarship, University College London, 2019; Dale S. Strohl Thesis Grant, Lehigh University, 2016. Research Interests: Mental health and well-being of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant, Age-Friendly Research Group at Rutgers (2020-current), with Dr. Emily Greenfield studying the development and implementation of age- and dementia-friendly community initiatives. Teaching Interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Services I & II; Methods of Social Work Research I & II.           

Jenny Schrum

Education: Ph.D. Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected 2023); MSW (expected May 2020) Rutgers University School of Social Work; MPH, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 2015; Bachelors of Science in Community Nutrition, Rutgers University, 2012. Research Interests: Nutrition and food systems; climate change and sustainability; health disparities; program design and evaluation; non-profit management; and the intersection of social work and public health. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant, Center for Prevention Science: Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), State-level logic model development. Teaching Interests: Social Work Practice II, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Program & Strategic Planning. Teaching Experience: Field instructor providing supervision to MPH practicum students. Practice Experience: Director of Youth Programming, City Green Inc., NJ; Health & Wellness Manager, Horton’s Kids, D.C.; Advisory Board, Capital Area Food Bank, D.C.; Evaluation Consultant, Greater DC Diaper Bank, D.C.

Jackie Stanmyre

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (2014); Addiction Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate (2014); Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism, Syracuse University (2008); Bachelor of Science in Sport Management (2008). Research Interests: Risk factors for problem gambling; screening, assessment, and intervention for problem gambling and gambling disorder; sports wagering; sports wagering among athletes and former athletes; behavioral and substance addiction. Research Experience: Assistant Director, Center for Gambling Studies (2019-current); Research Assistant with Dr. Lia Nower (Sept. 2012-May 2014): studying the mental health implications of internet gambling, prevalence of addiction content in social work literature, resilience in recovery from addiction, remote counseling and treatment needs of Alaska Natives. Teaching Experience: Clinical Social Work: Addictive Behaviors I; Professional Development and Responsibility in Addictions Practice; Understanding Addictive Behaviors. Practice experience: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey (2017-current); Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (2015-current). Clinical supervisor, The Kintock Group, NJ; Clinician, Community Psychiatric Institute; Counselor intern, Turning Point, NJ; Counselor intern, The Kintock Group, NJ. Email Address: jstanmyre@ssw.rutgers.edu

Amanda Stroiman

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSW, Rutgers University School of Social Work (expected May 2022); MA, Mental Health Counseling, Boston College, 2020; BA, Psychology, Indiana University, 2018. Research Interests: child and family mental health, community based participatory research, cultural adaptation of evidence-based practices. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Parenting Trauma Substance Abuse and Resilience Lab at Rutgers with Dr. Emily Bosk; Early Child Development Research Consultant, Research Program for Children and Adversity at Boston College with Dr. Theresa Betancourt; Graduate Research Assistant at Boston College with Dr. Eric Dearing, Research Assistant at Early Learning and Cognition Lab at UC San Diego with Dr. Beth Casey. Practice Experience: Elementary School Counselor, Match Charter Elementary School; Clinical Counseling Intern, The Jaffa Institute, Crisis Intervention Worker, Indiana University. Teaching Interests: Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis, Clinical Social Work: Children, Advanced Contemporary Policy: Mental Health

Nora Sullivan

Education: MSW/Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (Expected May 2025); Master of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School, 2020; Bachelor of Religion and International Relations, Drake University, 2014. Research Interests: Understanding and improving services provided to people experiencing homelessness through religious institutions; improving end of life care options for people experiencing homelessness; harm reduction; community organizing; critical research; grief & loss; mixed methods research. Research Experience: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers University (2021-present). Practice Experience: Hospital Chaplain Extern, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center; Volunteer Coordinator, Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry; Program & Outreach Coordinator, Material Aid and Advocacy Program; Co-President, Harvard Divinity School Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Students. Teaching Experience: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Bulgaria; ELL Paraprofessional, Hopkins North Junior High, Minnetonka, MN. Email Address: nora.sullivan@rutgers.edu

Nivedhitha Thiruvenkadam

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); MSW, School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2023); M.Ed. in Community Development and Action, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 2020; M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India, 2015; Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bharathiyar University, India, 2016. Research Interests: Global Child Welfare; Child wellbeing and development; Child maltreatment; Diversity and Inclusion in the Academy; Prevention and implementation research; Mixed methods research; Decolonizing methodology; Community based action research. Research Experience: Graduate Assistant, Center for Prevention Science (2021- current), with Dr. Kristen Gilmore Powell: Evaluating the outcomes from the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care grant in New Jersey (Evaluation research); Masters’ thesis with Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt (2020): Exploratory study examining the ecological factors affecting family preservation in a refugee community in India (Mixed Methods study); Masters’ thesis with Dr.Premanand (2015): Need analysis for a personal safety and sexuality education program in schools in India (Mixed methods research).Teaching Interests: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Diversity & Oppression; Methods of Social Work Research I & II. Teaching Experience: Teaching Assistant, Dept. Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University (2018- 2020): Applied human Development course and Systematic Inquiry course. Practice Experience: Guardians of Dreams Foundation, India (2015- 2016): Project coordinator; Hudson County CASA (2020): Volunteer.

Peter Treitler

Education: MSW, Rutgers University; BS, Biology, The College of New Jersey; Research Interests: Substance use disorder treatment; Medications for opioid use disorder; Integrating addiction treatment in general health care and criminal justice settings; Prisoner re-entry; Peer support interventions; Health and criminal justice policy; Research Experience: Research Specialist, Rutgers Institute for Health, Center for Health Services Research; Former Project Coordinator, Center for Prevention Science, Rutgers School of Social Work; Practice Experience: Prior experience as a substance abuse and mental health counselor in residential and outpatient levels of care; Honors/Awards: Rutgers Graduate School Pre-Dissertation Award recipient; Selected for Justice Community Opioid Investigator Network (JCOIN) Capacity Building Research Education Core Investigator Program; Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society; Email Address: peter.treitler@rutgers.edu.

Jose Ricardo Vargas Garcia

Education: Ph.D., Rutgers University School of Social Work (Expected 2021);  Masters of Arts in Addiction Studies, Lewis and Clark College; Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Portland State University. Honors/Awards:  Graduate Assistant Professional Development Award. Research experience: Research assistant at the Center for Violence Against Women and Children under Dr. Sarah McMahon (2018-2019); Research Assistant at the Center for Gambling Studies under Dr. Lia Nower (2015-2018).Teaching Interests:  Conceptual Foundations, Research Methods I and II, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Practice Experience:  Therapist in community mental health and addiction centers focusing on co-morbid disorders and gambling disorder. Email Address: jose.vargasgarcia@rutgers.edu.

Yuhan Wei

Education: Ph.D. candidate, Rutgers University School of Social Work; MSW, Peking University, 2017; Bachelor of Social Work, Jilin University, 2015; Research Interests: acculturation process    of immigrant children especially, Chinese immigrant children; acculturation process of international students; adolescent and young adult development; the impact of different acculturation levels      among immigrant children and their parents on family relationship and children’s development; Research Experience:  Graduate Assistant, Huamin Research Center, Rutgers SSW,  Dr.Chien        Huang, studying the influence of mindfulness on Hispanic Children’s mental health; Graduate Assistant, Institute for Families, data analyst; Teaching interests: Statistics; Human Behavior in the    Social Environment; Practice experience:  Community social worker, Pengxing NGO, Shenzhen, China; social worker, Xingongmin NGO for migrant children, Beijing, China. Email Address: yw623@rutgers.edu    

Melanie Yu

Education:  Ph.D. (expected May 2023), Rutgers University School of Social Work; MSW (Expected May 2020), Rutgers University School of Social Work; MA, Columbia University, Teachers College;  Research Interests:  Participatory action research, refugee youth and families, ethnic enclaves and mental health, diasporic communities and identity formation, refugee resettlement and immigration policies;  Research experience:  Graduate Research Assistant, Dr. Cassandra Simmel, Child Welfare and Well-Being Research Unit; Teaching Interests:  Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees, Diversity and Oppression, Management Practice and Theory;  Teaching Experience:  Introduction to Mentoring, Rutgers University;  Practice Experience:  Refugee resettlement casework, refugee youth programming, NAMI-Hunterdon Board of Directors, NAMI Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program, AmeriCorps Alum; Email Address:  melanie.yu@rutgers.edu

Devon Ziminski

Education: Ph.D., School of Social Work, Rutgers University (expected May 2025); Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Harvard University Extension School; MS, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania; BS, Marketing, and Minor in Professional Writing, The College of New Jersey. Research Interests: poverty narratives, mobility from poverty; economic inequities; gun violence prevention; social policy. Research Experience: Senior Research Coordinator, The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University – Camden; Research Project Coordinator, The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University – Camden; Research/Staff Assistant, Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, Harvard Kennedy School; Research Assistant, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School. Teaching interests: Social Welfare Policy and Services I; Poverty, Inequality, Discrimination and Public Policy; Methods of Social Work Research. Email: devon.ziminski@rutgers.edu