School of Social Work News

Professor Trina Shanks discusses how public engagement connects U-M, Detroit and local communities. Shanks research focuses on creating solutions, including childhood saving accounts and neighborhood investment programs.  After initially researching the “why” in racial income disparity, Shanks learned “I’d really prefer to be part of the conversation about concrete changes that can make a difference in helping people to thrive and improve life chances for all people, particularly those facing economic hardship.”

Professor Trina Shanks was interviewed by West Michigan Fox Channel 17 about vaccine hesitant groups she has been researching. Shanks survey shows that over 50 percent of Detroiters intend to get the vaccine. “There’s people who literally said, 'I don’t want to take it' in December, but when the opportunity came, they did get the vaccine,” Shanks said.

Trina Shanks, Harold R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work is named a 2021 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.

Congratulations to Trina Shanks who was named the Harold R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work. Shanks is the director of the School of Social Work Community Engage Program as well as the newly launched Center for Equitable Family & Community Well-Being, which connects the university with community leaders in Detroit and in Washtenaw County. This is the second endowed professorship honoring the School’s former dean and supports a scholar whose teaching and research address the advancement of race relations, diversity and inclusion." Trina Shanks has made significant and influential contributions as a researcher and leader. She is a valued colleague, teacher and mentor," said Dean Lynn Videka.

Trina Shanks, professor and director of the Michigan Social Work Community Engagement, is a panelist at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2020 Detroit Policy Conference. Local and national leaders will highlight the work underway, new ideas, opportunities and challenges that will define the next 10 years for the Detroit region. Her panel will discuss corporate support for a reliable regional transit system.

Associate Professor Trina Shanks has been named a fellow at the Urban Institute, where she will contribute her expertise on poverty, wealth inequality and child development to the institute’s research projects. The institute is known for its robust microsimulation models, which use historical census and tax data to forecast the effects of specific policies on communities and families. As a fellow, Shanks will be able to run simulations specifically focused on Michigan and Detroit.

Associate Professor Trina Shanks has been elected to serve as a member of the Grand Challenges for Social Work Executive Committee. Shanks will contribute perspectives and energy to one of the most important social agendas in the history of the social work profession.  She will be joining a group of highly respected and influential colleagues who are committed to achieving social change around some of the deepest and most persistent problems of our age.

Associate Professor Trina Shanks, through the Technical Assistance Center, was awarded a Poverty Solutions grant to support Detroit-based Alternatives for Girls as they strengthen and evaluate their child savings account program. The program is designed to promote post-secondary education and degree attainment for girls of color and increased financial capability for families.