School of Social Work

Lexx Brown-James, director of the School’s Sexual Health Certificate Program, shared with SELF magazine her best practices and tips for sexting with confidence. This article also appeared in VOGUE India.

Clinical Assistant Professor Ayesha Ghazi Edwin recently spoke with WXYZ about a new website the city of Ann Arbor is launching that will help renters find housing options. Ghazi Edwin, who represents Ward 3 on Ann Arbor City Council, helped create the initiative, which she said is designed to empower renters and transform how they find housing. The article also appeared in MLive.

Professor Katie Edwards spoke with CNN about the announcement of funding caps from the National Institute of Health and how that affects research at institutions and universities across the country.  “These are funds that are used to keep, I mean literally, to help keep the lights on at the university,” said Edwards. “Without having sufficient funding, I don’t know how many universities are going to be able to continue to be leading research institutions in the world, quite frankly.”

MSW Student Career Services Director Michelle Woods is a coauthor of “The Social Work Career Guidebook: How to Land Your Ideal Job and Build a Legacy.” The book encourages readers to take a long view of their career and provides tools and inspiration for every stage of their social work career journey.

Lecturer Jewel Woods wrote about the connection between Black History Month and Black men's health in Psychology Today. “Strength isn’t about suppressing pain; it’s about having the courage to face it. To be the best version of ourselves—for ourselves, the people we love, and those who rely on us—we must develop the insight and skills to navigate life’s challenges.”

Assistant Professor Ashley Cureton’s academic journey and her work with refugee communities were featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education. She shared this advice: ”Remember, it’s progress, not perfection. You win some and you lose some. No matter what happens, keep pushing towards greatness.” The article also gave a shout-out to Cureton’s career mentors including Professors Rogério Pinto and Trina Shanks.

MSW students Jacob Inosencio and Sabrina Lanker have been named 2025 Dow Sustainability Program Fellows by U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute. Fellows are chosen through a competitive nomination and application process designed to attract and recognize top talent from across U-M’s academic disciplines. Each fellow will receive a $25,000 stipend along with supplementary project funding, professional development opportunities, and hands-on experience collaborating with external organizational partners.

"I am honored to represent the School of Social Work in the Dow Sustainability Program. By

Associate Professor Kathryn Maguire-Jack and Assistant Professor Sunggeun (Ethan) Park have been named Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 2025 Fellows. SSWR 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.

Professor Shawna Lee has received a Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Excellence in Research Award as a co-author on the paper, "Family stress processes underlying material hardship and parental detachment and warmth amongst racially diverse fathers and mothers with low income" in the Journal of Family Violence.

Professor Linda Chatters received the Distinguished Career Award from the Society for Social Work and Research at the SSWR Annual Conference in Seattle last week.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award and thankful for this recognition,” said Chatters. “I am especially indebted to my colleagues within the School of Social Work who have supported and encouraged me over the years. Together they comprise a community of thoughtful educators, researchers, and practitioners who are dedicated to ongoing critical inquiry and the pursuit of social justice.”