Research Office News

Ahead (Issue 4) - In-depth views of social work research at the University of Michigan. This issue includes:

• New Vivian A. and James L. Curtis School of Social Work Center for Health Equity Research and Training
• Program Evaluation Group
• Remember Deborah Bybee

Where are the nation’s most disadvantaged communities? With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Professor Luke Shaefer, a team of researchers from U-M Poverty Solutions and Princeton University explored this question and developed an Index of Deep Disadvantage to identify and better understand America’s most disadvantaged communities. By identifying communities of deep disadvantage can help direct resources where they’re most needed.

Professor Brad Zerbrack’s research was cited in the New York Times, “When the Teenager or Young Adult Has Cancer.” His research reviews psychosocial challenges, support interventions and makes recommendations for young adults with cancer.

Professor Joe Ryan presented his findings on how data can drive policy changes and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families at the Wolverine Caucus.  The Wolverine Caucus is a forum held in the state capital where alumni, policymakers, and the public can hear from U-M faculty experts and engage discussions on topics that impact society.

Associate Professor Karen Staller is the author of a new book, “New York's Newsboys Charles Loring Brace and the Founding of the Children's Aid Society.” The book a lively historical account of Charles Loring Brace's founding and development of the Children's Aid Society to combat a newly emerging social problem, youth homelessness, during the nineteenth century. “Many of the issues she discusses with clarity and erudition --for example, the assimilation of immigrants, poverty and homelessness among urban youth, and the role of the juvenile justice and foster care systems -- have contemporary relevance for policymakers and practitioners." - Michael Reisch, PhD, MSW, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland.

Associate Professor David Córdova has been selected to join the editorial board for the Journal of Adolescent Health.  The journal is a multidisciplinary scientific publication and the official publication of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.  Córdova's research focuses on Latino health inequities, particularly as it relates to the prevention of substance use and HIV in adolescents.

Associate Professor 

Terri Friedline’s research on racialized costs of banking was highlighted in a recent CBS News story, “Blacks and Latinos say they pay higher bank fees — research suggests they're right.” Friedline’s research found that the average cost of maintaining a checking account was $262.09 higher for Latinos, $190.09 higher for blacks and $25.53 higher for Asian-Americans when compared to white customers.

Ruth Dunkle, Wilbur J. Cohen Collegiate Professor of Social Work is named a 2020 Society for Social Work and Research Fellow. The Society for Social Work and Research Fellows are members who have served with distinction to advance the mission of the Society — to advance, disseminate and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, equitable and just society. SSWR Fellows serve as role models and mentors for individuals pursuing careers in social work research.