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 Lattas
When: March 6, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. ET
Where: In person (SMC 701) and Zoom
Zoom: https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/85900291372
Forensic Social Work Education: Insights Cross-Nationally
This presentation builds on a 2023 comparative study of forensic social work education to examine emerging global trends in education, credentialing, and professionalization. It will highlight newly established competency frameworks in Australia and Taiwan and explore the evolving education standards and credentialing processes in the United States.
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Dr. Michael Mason
When: April 10, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. ET
Where: Dr. Mason will present via Zoom. Those who wish may gather in SMC 703 or join individually via Zoom.
Zoom: https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/84104109998
Testing Theories of Change with Clinical Mechanisms within Randomized Clinical Trials
Theoretical and scientific justification for testing clinical mechanisms within randomized clinical trials will be presented. Study design, measurement, and analytic issues related to testing mechanisms will be reviewed.
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Dr. Bridget Freisthler
When: April 24, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. ET
Where: In person (SMC 703) and Zoom
Zoom: https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/83365682611
Randomizing ‘Communities’: What I Learned from the HEALing Communities Study
The HEALing Communities Study was designed with an ambitious goal of reducing overdose deaths by 40% in three years in highly affected communities. Additional requirements included at least 15 communities per research site, specific rural representation thresholds, partnerships with healthcare and criminal justice organizations, and engagement with state-level officials. Conducting a randomized controlled trial under these conditions presents unique challenges that can affect the viability and success of large-scale community interventions.
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