By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
At the Society for Social Work and Research 2025 Annual Conference in Seattle Jan. 15-19 the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work made its mark, with over 20 faculty members, doctoral students, and post-doctoral fellows showcasing their innovative research.
From tackling critical social issues to proposing solutions that impact communities worldwide, the school’s presence at the annual conference shows its commitment in advancing the field of social work.
Dr. Kirk Foster, dean of the School of Social Work, underscored the importance of these contributions.
“Our faculty, PhD students, and post-doctoral fellows do amazing work. Their contributions to the field of social work science and practice are significant. The UTA School of Social Work is moving the needle on important issues that impact society across communities and the lifespan.” Dr. Foster said.
Presenters from UTA covered a wide range of topics, including mental health, child welfare, racial disparities in justice systems, community interventions, and the social determinants of health.
Research presented explored issues such as foster care and mental health needs, food insecurity among college students, intimate partner violence, military spouse stress, and service models for domestic violence transitional housing programs.
UTA faculty and students also examined emerging challenges such as vaccine hesitancy among LGBTQ+ individuals, climate change and food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, and AI’s role in social work education.
The SSWR conference, one of the most prestigious gatherings for social work researchers, provided an opportunity for UTA scholars to engage with national and international experts, share their findings, and collaborate on solutions to pressing social issues.
Dr. Tonya Hansel, associate dean for research, in the School of Social Work reflected on the value of the conference in shaping careers and fostering mentorship.
“As a student, I was able to meet others going through the dissertation process, link with those with similar interests, and learn about post-grad life and goals. As faculty, it has been a place for me to connect with colleagues, broaden my research, mentor students, and re-energize,” Dr. Hansel said.
UTA’s strong presence at SSWR 2025 highlighted the university’s commitment to research that drives meaningful change. Through their presentations, faculty and students reinforced the role of social work in addressing societal challenges and advancing evidence-based solutions.
To view presenters and their research, you can go to: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/office-of-research/research-conferences-and-presentations
