Wayne State’s Center for Social Work Research honors excellence and innovation at 8th Annual Symposium
The Wayne State University School of Social Work’s Center for Social Work Research brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni for its 8th Annual Research Symposium in March to showcase research aimed at addressing critical social issues. From empowering digital wellness for youth to mental health screenings in jails, the event highlighted the diverse, impactful work being done across the field of social work.
Reflecting the school’s commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting social justice, the symposium provided a valuable platform for students and faculty to present a wide range of research topics. It fostered an environment where participants could engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and refine their presentation skills. This collaboration embodies the School of Social Work’s commitment to preparing practitioners who advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice, ensuring that research not only advances knowledge but also drives real-world change in urban communities.
Outstanding contributions to social work research were celebrated during the symposium with the announcement of the recipients of the inaugural Social Work Research Awards. Associate Dean for Research and Professor Richard Smith presented co-recipients Nanci Hambrick, manager of the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ)’s Wayne County initiative and Shantalea Johns, assistant professor and director of continuing education for the School of Social Work, with the Community Engaged Researcher of the Year award. Scott Lantz, a grant/contract administrator for the Center for Social Work Research, received the Research Staff of the Year award.
I love bringing our School together to learn about the research we do with the community to address emerging challenges like fentanyl or basement flooding. I was thrilled to launch our new award series. - Richard Smith, WSU Social Work Associate Dean for Research
“It was awesome to see all of the work being done across the School of Social Work and it was validating for me as a student to be able to contribute my own research,” said student Tyrell E. Nelson-Woodard. “I received valuable feedback and gained perspective from the discussions I had with attendees that I think will enhance my project moving forward.”
Nelson-Woodard is a CBHJ intern working as a Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention (PDO) research assistant with the data team, working under the direction of Manager Edita Milanovic. His poster, “Serious mental illness and reentry: What factors impact post-jail success,” examined how different screening methods for serious mental illness in jails impact post-release success. Using data from the Kessler-6 screening tool and jail-based identification, the study compared outcomes such as recidivism and service engagement.
The Social Work Research Symposium reflects the goals of the university’s Prosperity Agenda and College to Career initiative by providing students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge academic research with professional development. Through presenting their work, students like Nelson-Woodard gain valuable skills in research dissemination, public speaking, and critical analysis—essential skills for their future careers. By fostering opportunities for experiential learning and mentorship, the symposium supports Wayne State’s commitment to preparing students for impactful roles in social work and behavioral health fields.
The School of Social Work is a powerhouse in community-engaged research! Our faculty and research staff are actively working in communities across the state, and we are very proud of the work they do training a new generation of students! – Sheryl Kubiak, WSU Social Work Dean
Posters presented at the 8th Annual Research Symposium:
- Diversity, classroom representation, and bullying among gender diverse students: A proposed study Authors: Haley Hicks, Amber Williams, Joanne Smith-Darden, and Poco Kernsmith
- Recovering from expected flooding under residential buildings (REFURB) results from a participatory action case study Authors: Richard Smith, Erin Stanley, Najma Akhther, Joy Ernst, Matthew Seeger, Lutalo Sanifu, Shayla Zimmerman, and William Shuster
- Serious mental illness and reentry: What factors impact post-jail success? Authors: Tyrell E. Nelson-Woodward and Edita Milanovic
- Substance misuse prevention workforce development survey 2024: Assessing workplace belongingness and burnout perceptions Authors: Madison Magness, Meghan Peake, and Danielle Hicks
- Non-medical and natural treatment for Bipolar II Author: Donna Poydras
- Black Family Development, Inc.: Detroit’s integrated hope and healing certified community behavioral health clinic Authors: Shantalea Johns, Jess Goletz, Julia Bevak, and Neva Nahan
- Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Michigan: A landscape evaluation Authors: Julie Stewart, Sophie Hanna, and Kali Rickertsen
- Crayons relieve women’s stress: ArtsHUB as a third space for self-care in an urban community Authors: Richard Smith, AeYanna Yett, and Holly Feen-Calligan
- An implementation science evaluation of a county-wide public health intervention to increase community-based naloxone saturation Authors: Jenai Gonzalez, Alexandria Hughes, and Haley Hicks
- Enhancing student self-efficacy through healthcare workforce development training: A mixed-methods study Authors: Carly Steele, A.J. Greco, AeYanna Yett, and Bridget Weller
- Interconnection among school protective factors against bullying and harmful peer behavior Authors: Amber Williams, Poco Kernsmith, and Joanne Smith-Darden
- Empowering digital wellness: Understanding and supporting students in the digital era Author: Christina Sirhan
- Implementation of peer recovery coach services in Michigan Authors: Nick Burson, Danielle Hicks, Thor Person, Christina Chereches, Savanah Rayyan, Emily Pasman, and Stella Resko
View photos from the event on the WSU School of Social Work’s Flickr page.
About the Center for Social Work Research
The Center for Social Work Research connects faculty, students, and community organizations to advance research that strengthens urban communities. The Center provides resources to support learning and faculty scholarship while offering planning, evaluation, and research services through a fee-for-service model. Committed to fostering meaningful partnerships, it collaborates with organizations to enhance their capacity for future research. The Center’s work highlights faculty and student research, as well as community engagement initiatives that bridge social work practice and research.
Writer: Sarah Freeman and Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt