M. Candace Christensen

Dr. M. Candace Christensen (they/them) is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Christensen’s research consists of a critical feminist approach to community engaged, qualitative and arts-based research methodologies that prevent and respond to gendered, racial and anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Christensen’s commitment to these approaches is grounded in their positionalities as Femme genderqueer, poly-sexual, artist-activist and survivor of sexual violence. Christensen’s career aim is to deconstruct paradigms and practices that perpetuate power-based violence and build cultures focused on self-determination, a sense of connection and mutual empowerment. Their recent work focuses on queer and trans youth development, specifically how organizations can foster joy, a sense of belonging and mutual empowerment for youth. Another key focus is using Photovoice for evaluation, as an intervention, and as a tool for educating social work students. Christensen also has experience using theatre of the oppressed to construct sexual violence prevention interventions. They are excited to continue with arts-based social justice research projects that prevent violence and build life-affirming cultures.

Christensen has experience with community-based theatre projects, activism focused on sexual violence prevention, queer liberation and racial justice, and helping students identify, implement and assess creative approaches to social work practice.

Christensen holds a BA in theatre and literature from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MSW and PhD from the University of Utah.