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Miya Matusek
Miya Matusek earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in May 2024. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, based in Nashville. Upon graduation in May 2026, Miya will be certified in school social work and certified in…
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Meet Nicole Choppin: Coverdell Fellow and MSSW Student
Nicole Choppin joined the Peace Corps with a clear goal: to fully immerse herself in a culture completely unlike her own. Drawn to the program’s emphasis on language training, long-term service, and community integration, she found herself in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia, ready to learn, live, and grow alongside the people there. Now back in…
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Azalea Guzman
Azalea is a senior online BSSW student from Nashville. She speaks English and Spanish and has a strong connection to her Mexican roots. Azalea is a first-generation college student and understands the struggle of transitioning though the educational system. She hopes to be of support to any first-generation student. Azalea has an interest working with…
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Two Nashville Faculty Members To Retire in Fall 2025
Dr. Thereasa (Teri) Abrams Dr. Thereasa (Teri) Abrams has been with the UT College of Social Work for eight years. As an assistant professor, Abrams taught in both the DSW and MSSW programs. Outside of the UTCSW, she was a six-year member of the quality committee of the American Burn Association, served two years as…
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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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Sara Ketchens
Sara is from East Tennessee and is a MSSW student at the University of Tennessee in the Advanced Standing program. She graduated with her BSSW from UTK in May of 2025. Sara’s main interest is in School Social Work with elementary school clients. She has completed her School Social Work License and is acquiring her Trauma Certification. Sara’s…
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Mackenzie Wright
Kenzie Wright is a passionate and dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University, where she developed a strong interest in the intersections of trauma, systemic inequality, and the criminal justice…
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Jax Russom
Jax is a senior in the online BSSW program. He is originally from Paragould, Arkansas, and now lives in Washington, DC. Jax is passionate about mental health and advocacy and plans to pursue a career in clinical social work, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Outside of school, Jax loves going to concerts (currently has been to over 30!), going to…
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Harper Kline
Harper Kline is a senior BSSW student from Nashville, TN, with a strong passion for child welfare, disability rights, and all aspects of equity and justice. She is a proud member of the Bachelor’s Social Work Organization (BSWO) and is deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities she has gained through both the College of…