Research
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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PhD Candidate Kenyette Garrett Receives Yates Dissertation Fellowship
UTCSW PhD Candidate Kenyette Garrett was recently selected as a recipient of the 2025-2026 Yates Dissertation Fellowship. The Yates Graduate Fellowship Endowment is a legacy of the generosity of the estate of Arthur E. Yates (1915–1977), former president of Yates Bleachery Company and a dedicated friend of the University of Tennessee. Established in June 2000,…
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International Social Work Class Built to Enhance Student Experience
A new course was implemented this spring which allowed students an opportunity for real-world experience in the international realm. The course “International Social Work: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities through a UN Sustainable Development Goal Lens” highlights the global role of social workers, emphasizing how international social issues influence their work. Dr. Mary Gitau, UT College…
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UTCSW Faculty Participate in Third Annual Writing Summit
For the third year in a row, UT College of Social Work professors came together to focus on their research goals for the semester and to build an intellectual community that fosters a sense of belonging at the college. Through dedicated writing time, goal setting, and peer support, important progress was made on manuscripts, grants,…
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How to Prepare Social Workers to Serve Families and Communities in Times of Need
In light of the many recent policy changes regarding immigration at the national, state, and local levels, University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW) Associate Professor Mary Held and PhD student Eliza Galvez published an analysis on the critical role of social workers in responding to these new immigration policies and programs. An expert…