Research

  • Faculty News

    The UTCSW Faculty have been busy during the spring semester. Through publishing important research, expanding research overseas, serving in fellowship programs, and even winning awards, these scholars are making the world a better place every day and in every way. Fiona Doherty Dr. Fiona Doherty has been selected as a Fellow for the National Science…

  • Dr. Fiona Doherty Publishes Two Research Articles Discussing Climate Change

    Dr. Fiona Doherty recently published two research articles that discuss climate change in various aspects and the challenges that accompany it. An article titled “Age-Friendly Strategies for a Warming World” published in the latest issue of Generations Today, examines how climate change uniquely affects older adults and highlights age-friendly strategies communities can use to reduce…

  • Spring 2026 Research Seminar Series

    This spring, the UT College of Social Work will host a research seminar series featuring our visiting Fulbright Scholar from Australia, Dr. Dimi Lattas, along with three senior faculty members: Drs. Michael Mason, Ruben Parra-Cardona, and Bridget Freisthler.  Dr. Dimi LattasWhen: March 6, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. ETWhere: In person (SMC 701) and ZoomZoom: https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/85900291372 Forensic Social…

  • SSWR Presentations 2026

    The UT College of Social Work faculty and PhD students are presenting their latest research and projects at the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference, Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice. Our presenters will share important insights and advance the field of social work on the national stage. Check the schedule…

  • Leading the Way: UTCSW’s Outstanding Faculty Drive Social Work Innovation

    University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW) faculty members are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation that shape the future of social work education, practice, and policy. Their dedication to advancing knowledge is evident in innovative studies, influential publications, and collaborative projects that address pressing social challenges. By combining expertise with passion,…

  • UTK and Knoxville Family Justice Center’s Partnership Focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness  

    UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), and the Knoxville Family Justice Center (KFJC) partnered to lead the community in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2025 through a powerful lineup of events, outreach initiatives, and a renewed focus on survivor-centered care. Although emphasized in…

  • PhD Student Ilana Shtivelman Brings Valuable Insights Back from the ISGAP Oxford Summer Institute

    UTCSW PhD student Ilana Shtivelman attended the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) in the United Kingdom over the past summer. The institute is committed to fighting antisemitism and is dedicated to scholarly research into the origins, processes, and manifestations of global antisemitism and of other forms of prejudice, including various…

  • A Mission to Enhance Dementia Awareness in Ghana

    A Mission to Enhance Dementia Awareness in Ghana Through Faith Leadership June is globally recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The following story highlights the high-impact research of a UT scholar and her global efforts to educate communities and reduce stigma…

  • Examining the Indirect Effect of Dementia Caregiving Status on Mental Health Through Coping Resources

    Dr. Fei Wang’s latest research, published in Research on Aging, uncovers how resilience plays a key role in shaping mental health outcomes among U.S. caregivers—especially distinguishing between those caring for individuals with dementia vs. non-dementia. The study also highlights how perceived gains from caregiving can enhance caregiver well-being. Caregivers of older adults with dementia generally…

  • Pilot Study to Assess Drinking at Bars or Events Located within Grocery Stores

    A newly accepted manuscript by UTCSW Cooper-Herron Endowed Professor in Mental Health Dr. Bridget Freisthler, was completed with Honors Undergraduate students as part of a research class when Freisthler worked at Ohio State University. The novel piece is that grocery stores have been increasingly serving alcohol at bars located within the stores and creating events…