School of Social Work News

Professor Katie Edwards wrote a heartfelt op-ed for HuffPost on the effects of the Trump Administration's cuts to NIH funding. Edward’s research lab has lost six such grants in the last several weeks. “There is so much goodness, love and care that goes into our work — work that is making homes, schools and communities safe for people across the U.S., perhaps even for you and/or someone you care about — and if it is ended, the effects will be calamitous.”

Lecturer Susan Radzilowski spoke with WDET’s The Metro about the challenges as well as the services and supports available for transgender youth in Metro Detroit.

“The availability of school support is extremely important in my opinion. The most important supports here for young people are family, which of course is your home, and school and community,” Radzilowski said. “Oftentimes working with and identifying just one teacher or counselor or adult ally at school can go a really long way to making a transgender child feel safe at school. And so education, training — these are really important ways to impact and improve those environments for transgender students.”

MSW student Josh Campbell has received the 2025 Furstenberg Award for Excellence in Pre-graduate Education from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Campbell was selected from over 1,600 health profession trainees and recognizes his excellence in clinical and educational pursuits. The award is named in honor of Albert Furstenberg, who served as dean of the U-M Medical School for 25 years and championed medical education.

MSW student Jordyn Coury has been selected as U-M’s 2025 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Student of the Year. Coury was nominated for this award based on her exceptional leadership, passion for community engagement, and commitment to academic and ethical excellence. “I’m truly honored and grateful to have been selected,” said Coury, “especially considering the incredible contributions my peers are making to the community!”

Research Area Specialist Intermediate Meghan Harrington has received a 2025 Research Study Coordinator Award from U-M’s Office of the Vice President for Research. This award honors staff members for important contributions to the university’s research mission through exceptional performance, and by going beyond the ordinary fulfillment of position duties.  Harrington will receive the award at a reception in May.

Professor Katie Edwards spoke with The Atlantic about the termination of hundreds of research awards made by the NIH. She said that grinding these trials to a screeching halt is “completely reckless.”

Assistant Professor Ashley Cureton has received the Elizabeth Butler Award from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. This award honors those who have demonstrated extraordinary career success, advocacy for social welfare and exemplary leadership within ten years of graduating from the Crown Family School.

Professor Rogério Pinto spoke with Concentrate about his exhibition “Colorism,” currently on view at the Duderstadt Center Gallery on North Campus. The exhibition explores skin color and beauty ideals through imagination, humor and audience interaction. At the beginning of each new project, Pinto asks himself: “What am I seeing in my environment that is oppressive to me, and to people around me, and beyond?”