Research Office News

Associate Professor Daphne Watkins' research on black men is featured in U-M Record.  Watkins researches how men and boys define themselves as men and boys, and how that influences their mental health.

Associate Professors Terri Friedline and Trina Shanks identify key problems, and how to address them, in WalletHub's latest report on underprivileged children.

Assistant Professor Lisa Fedina's research on child sex trafficking in the United States was cited in the USA Today story, "Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking targets: 'The more vulnerable the better,' investigator says."

Associate Professor Shawna Lee and PhD student Joyce Lee’s research “The effect of paternal cues in prenatal care settings on men’s involvement intentions” is cited in the Huffington Post. Most photos and brochures in a typical OB-GYN waiting room focus on mothers, but adding some subtle father-friendly visual cues could be a simple way to boost a dad’s parenting confidence, according to Shawna Lee and Joyce Lee's new study.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt is cited in the New York Times, "Why There Has Been a Surge in Single Mothers Who Work".  “Even with increased wages and even with the changes that are being made around leave policy and the like, employees are still at the mercy of their employers,” said Seefeldt.

Michigan Social Work, together with Poverty Solutions, the Center on Assets, Education, and Inclusion and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, hosted academics, researchers, financial analysts, elected officials and policy experts at a conference to discuss Children’s Savings Accounts (CSA).  The conference was organized by Professor William Elliott.  Dean Lynn Videka welcomed the participants and introduced keynote speaker, SSW alumnus, Michael Sherraden.  Associate Professors Terri Friedline and Trina Shanks also spoke during the three-day event.  Conference sessions included creating policy for financial inclusion, current research initiatives to evaluate CSA outcomes, and an overview of how to start and fund a CSA.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt coauthors a new book, "Credit Where It’s Due Rethinking Financial Citizenship." The book advocates for a new understanding of financial citizenship and participation in a financial system that fosters social belonging, dignity and respect.

“A thoughtful wealth transfer equips all people with tools that can complement their own contributions; it’s as American as the plow, the automobile, and the iPhone.”  Professor William Elliott and Associate Professor Trina Shanks reframe the American wealth narrative in an essay in New America.