[{"id":5514,"date":"2026-09-23T17:52:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5514"},"modified":"2026-09-23T17:52:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:52:17","slug":"news-roundup-a-faculty-perspective-on-refugee-healthcare-a-national-scholarship-an-entrepreneurial-social-work-focus-faculty-awards-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/09\/23\/news-roundup-a-faculty-perspective-on-refugee-healthcare-a-national-scholarship-an-entrepreneurial-social-work-focus-faculty-awards-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"News roundup: A faculty perspective on refugee healthcare, a national scholarship, an entrepreneurial social work focus, faculty awards \u2013 and more"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest news roundup from the VCU School of Social Work highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#Im\">A national media placement from <strong>Hyojin Im<\/strong><\/a>, Ph.D., associate professor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Owens\">A national scholarship from an M.S.W. student, <strong>Rachel Owens<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Lund\">A virtual speaking engagement for Ph.D. candidate <strong>Marianne Lund<\/strong><\/a> through the Social Work Innovation Network<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Bogenschutz\">A national disability advocacy award for <strong>Matt Bogenschutz<\/strong><\/a>, Ph.D., associate professor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#KKim\">A national board appointment for <strong>Kyeongmo Kim<\/strong><\/a>, Ph.D., associate professor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Global\">VCU global education awards for three social work faculty<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Roundup\">And a host of additional publications, presentations and service recognition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Im\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Im\u2019s work highlights impact of discrimination on healthcare access&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Refugees resettling in the United States continue to face significant challenges accessing healthcare even after receiving initial medical screenings and temporary health coverage upon arrival, <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/hyojin-im.html\">Dr. Hyojin Im<\/a> reports in an <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/for-refugees-to-the-us-discrimination-can-make-healthcare-harder-to-get-287433\">article in <em>The Conversation<\/em><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Hyojin-Im-200px.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Hyojin Im\" class=\"wp-image-5546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Hyojin-Im-200px.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Hyojin-Im-200px-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Hyojin Im, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While language barriers, transportation issues, costs and unfamiliarity with the U.S. healthcare system remain common obstacles, Im, who was recently selected as co-chair of the Immigrant and Refugee Cluster at the Society for Social Work and Research, writes that discrimination is an often-overlooked factor affecting access to care.<a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/for-refugees-to-the-us-discrimination-can-make-healthcare-harder-to-get-287433\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Im cites a 2025 study that analyzed responses from about 4,500 refugees who participated in the Urban Institute\u2019s Annual Survey of Refugees between 2020 and 2022. Researchers found that 66% of refugees who reported experiencing discrimination also reported barriers to obtaining healthcare, compared with 39% of those who did not report discrimination. The association remained strong even after accounting for factors such as income, English proficiency, insurance coverage, education and time spent in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The research also found that healthcare access challenges were not experienced equally across refugee populations. Black women, Middle Eastern and North African women, and Asian women reported substantially greater difficulties obtaining care than white men when discrimination was present. Im concludes that insurance coverage alone does not guarantee meaningful access to healthcare and that addressing discrimination both within healthcare settings and in daily life is critical to improving health outcomes for refugees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAcross these studies,\u201d Im writes, \u201ca larger pattern emerges: Having health insurance or being eligible for care does not guarantee that it is truly within reach. The challenges people face in getting the healthcare they need reflect not only what services exist, but the unfair treatment they report when they try to use those services. They also shed light on whether people believe they can expect fair treatment when they walk through the clinic door.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The article was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/ripple\/2026\/08\/12\/for-refugees-to-the-us-discrimination-can-make-healthcare-harder-to-get\/\">republished in The Ripple<\/a>, a <em>Washington Post<\/em> digital platform that reposts opinion pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Owens\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Owens: \u2018Recognition of how far I have come\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rachel Owens<\/strong> was one of four students across the country to win an M.S.W. Phi Alpha Scholarship Award from the national organization. She is an online student on track to graduate in December 2026. She is raising two children and working in case management, while also serving as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Rachel-Owens-200px.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot of Rachel Owens\" class=\"wp-image-5547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Rachel-Owens-200px.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Rachel-Owens-200px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Rachel Owens<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy scholarship application really told the story of how my personal, professional, and educational experiences have come together to shape the social worker I hope to become,\u201d Owens says. \u201cI have spent almost seven years working with individuals affected by substance use, mental health concerns, trauma and other barriers. I am also a person in long-term recovery, so this work is personal to me. I know what it means to rebuild your life and to have people believe that you are capable of more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen I applied for the scholarship, I honestly did not fully understand the significance or prestige of the award. Knowing my story and accomplishments stood out among social work students on a national level was incredibly meaningful. Receiving this award during my final semester felt like an unexpected recognition of how far I have come, and I am extremely grateful and proud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Lund\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ph.D. candidate Lund to speak about entrepreneurial model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/marianne-lund.html\">Marianne Lund,<\/a><\/strong> who is a Ph.D. candidate, will make a virtual presentation, \u201cA Talk on the Theory of Effectuation,\u201d at <strong>5:30 p.m. ET Thursday, Oct. 8<\/strong>. The event is sponsored by the Social Work Innovation Network\u2019s speaker series; SWIN is an international social work community focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marianne-Lund-200px.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot of Marianne Lund\" class=\"wp-image-5549\" style=\"width:200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marianne-Lund-200px.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marianne-Lund-200px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Marianne Lund<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effectuation is a learnable, logic-based framework of entrepreneurship, and <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/2025\/03\/social-work-students-focus-is-entrepreneurship-for-everyone-everywhere\">Lund\u2019s work<\/a> has focused on its intersection with social work and potential benefits for ending poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lund\u2019s discussion will preview her upcoming presentation at the 11th Effectuation Conference. Nov. 15-17 in Antwerp, Belgium. The presentation, &#8220;Entrepreneuring Life,\u201d focuses on designing a life of post-traumatic growth by engaging in five logics of effectuation as a guide for economic action and emotional healing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Join the discussion:<\/strong> View Lund\u2019s presentation Oct. 8 for free on <a href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/j\/89747707853\">Zoom<\/a>; use passcode 849703.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Bogenschutz\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bogenschutz wins AAIDD milestone award<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Matt-Bogenschutz-200px.png\" alt=\"Headshot of Matt Bogenschutz\" class=\"wp-image-5550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Matt-Bogenschutz-200px.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Matt-Bogenschutz-200px-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Matt Bogenschutz, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/matthew-bogenschutz.html\">Dr. Matt Bogenschutz<\/a> <\/strong>received the Sesqui Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). The award honors leaders whose sustained and significant contributions have advanced positive change in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities; the Sesqui Award commemorates AAIDD\u2019s 150th anniversary and recognizes exceptional, lasting impact on the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bogenschutz, an associate professor, is also the director of <a href=\"https:\/\/virginialend.partnership.vcu.edu\/\">Va-LEND, Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilitie<\/a>s, a VCU program that helps prepare professionals, family members and people with disabilities who will assume leadership positions in healthcare and disability service systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"KKim\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kim elected to national gerontological organization board<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Kyeongmo-Kim-200px.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot of Kyeongmo Kim\" class=\"wp-image-5551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Kyeongmo-Kim-200px.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Kyeongmo-Kim-200px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/kyeongmo-kim.html\">Dr. Kyeongmo Kim<\/a><\/strong> has been elected to a three-year term on the board of directors for the Association for Gerontological Social Work Education (AGESW). As a key member of the leadership team, he will help drive the organization\u2019s mission to advance gerontological social work through excellence in education, innovative research and impactful policy development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gerontological Society of America named Kim a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/vcu-researcher-named-gerontological-society-of-america-fellow\">fellow<\/a> in 2025 and selected him for a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/2021\/07\/vcu-social-work-professor-receives-rising-star-award-in-field-of-gerontology-research\">rising star award<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Global\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three faculty earn VCU Global Education awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"407\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-1024x407.jpg\" alt=\"Three people stand in front of a VCU Global Education sign\" class=\"wp-image-5517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-1024x407.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-300x119.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-768x306.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-1536x611.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Gattis-pic-1-2048x815.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Maurice Gattis, center, with other VCU Global Education award recipients.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/maurice-n-gattis.html\"><strong>Maurice Gattis<\/strong>,<\/a> Ph.D., associate professor, received a $1,500 VCU Global Initiatives Leadership Award for Global Learning Champion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized for playing an important role in the education of students here at VCU,\u201d says Gattis, who has led four study abroad trips to South Africa. \u201cWitnessing the learning that happens from the moment that students land in South Africa and how they integrate it into their lives upon return home is powerful. Students from previous trips stay in touch with each other and me and it&#8217;s rewarding to hear how impactful the trip was on their personal and professional lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colleagues <strong>Hyojin Im<\/strong> and <strong>Kyeongmo Kim<\/strong> earned VCU Global Impact Awards, which provide up to $5,000 each to support innovative projects that advance global engagement at VCU. Dr. Im is establishing a collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The partnership will encompass joint curriculum development for social work and public health students at VCU and UiTM in migrant and refugee mental health practice, cross-cultural psychiatry and community-grounded, contextually relevant mental health and psychosocial support. Dr. Kim is co-leading a summer study abroad program to South Korea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Roundup\"><\/a><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Faculty and staff publications, presentations, teaching &amp; service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">News from around the school in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rong Bai, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/rong-bai.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Had two papers accepted, and a third received Editor\u2019s Choice recognition from the <em>American Journal of Orthopsychiatry<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cNavigating parenthood: Exploring parenting strategies among youth aging out of foster care in the U.S\u201d (accepted), <em>Children and Youth Services Review<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHousing Instability as a Distinct Risk Factor in Child Protective Services Investigations: Insights from a Longitudinal Study\u201d (accepted), <em>Children and Youth Services Review<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cEffectiveness of housing assistance for child welfare-involved families: A systematic review with meta-analysis,\u201d <em>American Journal of Orthopsychiatry<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/adrienne-baldwin-white.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Published textbook, &#8220;An Antiracist\/Anti-oppressive Framework for Social Work Research\u201d (Cognella Publishing).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Associate professor in teaching<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/qasarah-bey-spencer.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moderated <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/2026\/01\/kings-legacy-honored-at-annual-celebration\">VCU MLK Keynote Celebration<\/a>, with VCU Office of Community Engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Karen Chartier, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/karen-g-chartier.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Published three papers and made a series of national and local presentations:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ovid.com\/jnls\/jan\/fulltext\/10.1097\/jan.0000000000000640~associations-among-various-mental-health-symptoms\">\u201cAssociations among various health symptoms, trauma-related drinking, and alcohol use disorder symptoms: Unique, longitudinal effects,\u201d<\/a> <em>International Journal of Addictions Nursing<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/public-health\/articles\/10.3389\/fpubh.2026.1800468\/full\">\u201cMental health of college sex workers,\u201d<\/a> <em>Frontiers in Public Health<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/dhe0000715\">\u201cHome disruption and substance use among racial-ethnic minority college students: The moderating-mediating role of family conflict, stress, and first-generation status over time,\u201d<\/a><em> Journal of Diversity in Higher Education<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cShifts in college student substance use: Comparing cross-substance predictors of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine\u201d (poster) and \u201cAlcohol Use Hospitalizations and Suicide Risk in Brazil\u201d (poster), annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPremenstrual symptoms and their association with mood and substance use in young adult women,\u201d VCU Annual Women&#8217;s Health Research Day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cSupporting families affected by substance use in the child welfare system: Supervision, consultation, and practice change,\u201d VCU Research to Recovery Conference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., &amp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/cassie-desena-jacobs.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stephanie Odera, Ed.D., &amp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Professor in teaching<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/stephanie-g-odera.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> Zay Diamond-Tapper, B.A.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em> B.S.W. Program academic coordinator<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/zay-diamond-tapper.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presented at the Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD) conference:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DeSena-Jacobs &amp; Odera: \u201cEnhancing Social Work Curricula: A Case for a Mental health Minor Degree Program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odera: \u201cHey ChatGPT! Create a Social Work Course -Ethical Use of AI in Social Work Course Creation\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odera: \u201cThe Virginia Social Work Education Consortium: Promoting Collaboration and Professional Community Building Despite the Volatile Higher Education Landscape\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DeSena-Jacobs &amp; Diamond-Tapper: \u201cIntroducing Clinical Labs to BSW Students\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cassie DeSena Jacobs, D.S.W., &amp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/cassie-desena-jacobs.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Klara Prachar, M.S.W.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor in teaching<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/klara-prachar.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facilitated three Clinical Supervision Training sessions in the spring and fall of 2026, plus Clinical Supervision Refresher, Mental Health First Aid and the Chat n&#8217; Chew event for clinicians and clinical supervisors to build community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Associate professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/humberto-e-fabelo.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Published a paper and made two presentations:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10461-025-04947-w\">\u201cPet ownership is associated with durable viral suppression but presents healthcare access challenges for people with HIV,\u201d<\/a> <em>AIDS and Behavior<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cUnmet pet caregiving needs and mental health symptoms in people with HIV,\u201d University of Florida PHHP Days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cUnmet pet caregiving needs are associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among people with HIV,\u201d International Society for Anthrozoology Conference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maurice Gattis, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Associate professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/maurice-n-gattis.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Published a paper, <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.childyouth.2026.109236\">\u201cApplying the ADAPT-ITT framework to develop a team-based mental health support model for young adults transitioning from homelessness to housing,\u201d<\/a> <em>Children and Youth Services Review<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Led process to reach a memorandum of understanding between University of Western Cape Department of Sociology and Virginia Commonwealth University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hyojin Im, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Associate professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/hyojin-im.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Published six papers; made five conference or invited presentations; is serving on a journal editorial board and international conference committee; contributed an article to the London School of Economics and Political Science; was interviewed by Social Work Today magazine; and designed and launched a new undergraduate elective course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42485181\/\">\u201cMeaning of healthy living among Bhutanese refugees resettled in the U.S.: A photovoice study embedded in community-based participatory research,\u201d<\/a> <em>Family &amp; Community Health<\/em>, with Ph.D. alumni <strong>Nicole Campbell<\/strong> and <strong>Reem Shawkat<\/strong> and M.S.W. alum <strong>Ann Malluwa Wadu<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/health-services\/articles\/10.3389\/frhs.2026.1882791\/full\">\u201cReframing trauma-informed care for refugee and (im)migrant health systems: From interpersonal practice to structurally embedded care,\u201d<\/a> <em>Frontiers in Health Services<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40605652\/\">\u201cUnderstanding the impacts of immigration status on access to primary healthcare services: Evidence from the lived experiences of Ethiopian immigrant women in the United States,\u201d<\/a> <em>Community Health Equity Research &amp; Policy<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42172782\/\">\u201c \u2018Care is nowhere but everywhere\u2019: Improvising care in medical precarity in an urban Somali refugee community in Kenya,\u201d<\/a> <em>Social Science &amp; Medicine<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/gerontologist\/article\/66\/6\/gnag088\/8671595\">\u201cHealthcare access barriers among older refugee newcomers in the United States,\u201d<\/a> <em>The Gerontologist<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42058092\/\">\u201cStructural determinants of depressive symptoms among refugees and host communities in South Sudan: Evidence from explainable machine learning,\u201d<\/a> <em>Frontiers in Public Health<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cDisplacement and maternal health access: Comparing refugee and host women in South Sudan\u201d; and \u201cStructural drivers of depressive symptoms in displacement-affected communities in South Sudan,\u201d AcademyHealth 2026 Annual Research Meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cStructural barriers and healthcare delays among refugee newcomers in the United States,\u201d International Refugee and Migration Health Conference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invited speaker: Third annual Forensic Interdisciplinary Conference on Female Genital Cutting, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, presenting a social work perspective on supporting survivors of female genital mutilation\/cutting (FGM\/C).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invited speaker: 2026 Lunch and Learn Series, Webster Institute for Clinical Scholarship (WICS), a national HRSA-funded training program within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that provides training to mental health professionals. The session focused on refugee and immigrant youth mental health and suicide prevention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mentored undergraduate researchers: \u201cBeyond Coursework: A Qualitative Study on the Unseen Burdens of First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee College Students,\u201d National Conference on Undergraduate Research, with Ph.D. alum <strong>Reem Shawkat<\/strong><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invited to serve on the inaugural Editorial Board of Mental Health Open, an open-access global mental health journal advancing open peer review, open data, and open science practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appointed to the Research, Evaluation, and Ethics Committee of the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contributed article, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.lse.ac.uk\/africaatlse\/2026\/06\/30\/for-somali-refugees-in-nairobi-access-to-care-is-not-the-same-as-accessible-care\/\">\u201cFor Somali Refugees in Nairobi, Access to Care Is Not the Same as Accessible Care,\u201d<\/a> to London School of Economics and Political Science\u2019s research blog.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cInterviewed for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialworktoday.com\/archive\/Winter26p16.shtml\">\u201cIn Case of Detention,\u201d<\/a> Social Work Today magazine<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Teaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designed and launched SLWK 391 Global Social Justice, a new undergraduate elective offered in Fall 2026, with a focus on migration, displacement and structural inequities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amanda Long, M.S.W.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Child Welfare Initiatives coordinator<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/amanda-long.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Served as advocacy ambassador with CWSP students for Second Annual Intergenerational Advocacy Day with Voices for Virginia&#8217;s Children at the Capitol; and group leader for students for Foster Care Advocacy Day with Children&#8217;s Home Society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participated, along with <strong>Daniela Sanzetenea<\/strong>, M.S.W., Child Welfare Stipend coordinator, at Voices for Virginia\u2019s Children\u2019s Summer Policy Incubator for Virginia\u2019s Youth in Action, facilitating discussions about how their work connects with Voice\u2019s policy priorities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yifan Lou, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/yifan-lou.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>Featured in VCU News story: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/how-to-plan-for-a-good-death\">How to plan for a \u2018good death,\u2019 according to a VCU researcher<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ananda Newmark, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Professor in teaching<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/ananda-newmark.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presented \u201cHow Can a Small Data Set Make a Big Impact,\u201d Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities (UERU), 2026 annual conference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Naomi Reddish, M.S.W., &amp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Director of Child Welfare Initiatives<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/naomi-sutton-reddish.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Karen Chartier, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/karen-g-chartier.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Led the Child Welfare and Addiction Fellowship team\u2019s presentation, <a href=\"https:\/\/r2r2026.sched.com\/event\/2I13I\/supporting-families-affected-by-substance-use-in-the-child-welfare-system-supervision-consultation-and-practice-change\">\u201cSupporting Families Affected by Substance Use in the Child Welfare System: Supervision, Consultation and Practice Change,\u201d<\/a> at VCU\u2019s Research to Recovery Conference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reddish, along with M.S.W. alum <strong>Cait Parker<\/strong> and Ph.D. alum <strong>Camie Tomlinson,<\/strong> presented at the National Title IV-E Roundtable:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cFactors influencing child welfare stipend program alumni decisions to leave public child welfare,\u201d Title IV-E conference (poster)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/2026titleiveroundtable.sched.com\/event\/2IT6z\">\u201cWhere are Alumni now? Findings from a Longitudinal Evaluation of Virginia\u2019s Title IV-E Stipend Program,\u201d<\/a> Title IV-E conference (workshop)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LaShawnda Singleton, M.P.A.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Adjunct faculty and research associate<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/adjunct-faculty\/#d.en.619242\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Featured in VCU News story: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/social-work-course-mixes-classroom-with-community\">Social work course mixes classroom with community<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rebecca Smith, Ph.D., &amp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Research instructor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/rebecca-smith.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Larkin Francis, Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Assistant professor<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/larkin-francis.html\">bio<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Had a manuscript accepted that includes co-authors and doctoral candidates Rose Miola and Ya-Li Yang:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cComparing Recovery-Related Outcomes as a Function of Harm Reduction Pathways to Recovery in Collegiate Recovery Participants,\u201d <em>Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The latest news roundup from the VCU School of Social Work highlights: Im\u2019s work highlights impact of discrimination on healthcare access&nbsp; Refugees resettling in the United States continue to face significant challenges accessing healthcare even after receiving initial medical screenings and temporary health coverage upon arrival, Dr. Hyojin Im reports in an article in The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,5,8],"tags":[536,741,120,533,178,56,50,795,47,535,645,696,62,134,64,532,891,739,892,237,819,893],"class_list":["post-5514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community","category-education","category-facstaff","category-research","tag-adrienne-baldwin-white","tag-amanda-long","tag-ananda-newmark","tag-cassie-desena-jacobs","tag-humberto-fabelo","tag-hyojin-im","tag-karen-chartier","tag-klara-prachar","tag-kyeongmo-kim","tag-larkin-francis","tag-lashawnda-singleton","tag-marianne-lund","tag-matthew-bogenschutz","tag-maurice-gattis","tag-naomi-sutton-reddish","tag-qasarah-bey-spencer","tag-rachel-owens","tag-rebecca-smith","tag-rong-bai","tag-stephanie-odera","tag-yifan-lou","tag-zay-diamond-tapper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5514"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5560,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5514\/revisions\/5560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5529,"date":"2026-09-23T17:11:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5529"},"modified":"2026-09-23T17:11:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:11:30","slug":"overwhelming-gratitude-vcu-honors-marc-cheatham-as-one-of-15-alumni-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/09\/23\/overwhelming-gratitude-vcu-honors-marc-cheatham-as-one-of-15-alumni-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Overwhelming gratitude\u2019: VCU honors Marc Cheatham as one of 15 Alumni Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Marc Cheatham <\/strong>(B.S.W.\u201905) puts his social work background to use every day as director of\u00a0 constituent services and casework for Virginia Sen. <strong>Tim Kaine<\/strong>. It\u2019s service in the background, working with \u201cpeople facing the most critical and challenging problems. Their level of frustration has long surpassed normal capacity,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So it is no wonder that he was surprised when he learned that VCU Development and Alumni Relations was honoring his behind-the-scenes work by naming him one of 15 <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/vcu-to-celebrate-15-notable-alums-at-biennial-alumni-stars-event\">Alumni Stars<\/a> this fall. The awards program highlights outstanding graduates every two years; VCU will celebrate honorees at a private ceremony Oct. 9.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Marc-Cheatham.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Marc Cheatham (B.S.W.&#8217;05)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy initial reaction was surprise \u2013 even shock,\u201d Cheatham says. \u201cSoon after, my emotions shifted to overwhelming gratitude. I genuinely thank the VCU School of Social Work for nominating me. I assume most people who have built their professional careers in public service feel some level of discomfort with awards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can think of many others who have graduated from VCU SSW and are equally, if not more, deserving of recognition for their professional and community accomplishments. I feel it\u2019s important to acknowledge how many amazing professionals have graduated from the school and are graduating, and the fantastic work they are doing. I feel very honored.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheatham\u2019s career in public service began in 2004 as an intern for Kaine when he was Virginia\u2019s lieutenant governor. Today, Cheatham leads constituent services on issues including veterans affairs, immigration and affordable housing, to help connect Virginians with the resources and support they need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is no better place to put my social work education to use than government,\u201d Cheatham says. \u201cI have had the opportunity to work in government at the state and federal levels, and if one thing is clear, we need more social workers. I take great pride in trying to help constituents with their issues. Whether the outcome is successful or not, I am reminded daily why I pursued this professional career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He credits the School of Social Work with \u201chelping me become the person I am today.\u201d He remembers his \u201cwonderful professors\u201d: <strong>Sandy Schwartz<\/strong>, Ph.D.; <strong>Joe Walsh<\/strong>, Ph.D.; <strong>Timothy Davey<\/strong>, Ph.D.; <strong>Randi Buerlein<\/strong>, M.S.W.; and the late <strong>Bob Peay<\/strong>, M.S.W.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI met genuine friends like <strong>Madeline Roberts<\/strong>, whom I met in Dr. <strong>Judi Thomas<\/strong>\u2019 class. VCU was the perfect educational setting for me,\u201d Cheatham says. \u201cI value the diversity in demographics and in thought. I also grew in my spiritual faith at VCU through my participation in the Baptist Student Union. While at VCU, I participated in a summer program working with people living with HIV\/AIDS that truly changed my life. I have carried the education I received from the School of Social Work with me throughout my professional career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Politics only scratches the surface of Cheatham\u2019s commitment to his community. In 2011, the prolific writer, photographer and social media personality founded a blog, <a href=\"https:\/\/linktr.ee\/CheatsMovement\">The Cheats Movement<\/a>, which spotlights Richmond\u2019s hip-hop musicians, street artists and community cultural groups. The blog spawned a popular podcast and a radio show of the same name. Cheatham got into these ventures by talking about arts and culture but has moved on to weightier topics such as education, housing and child poverty. His latest project, Black Baseball Mixtape, focuses on elevating Black baseball growth and participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheatham has long been active in Richmond\u2019s nonprofit and arts communities. He currently serves on the board of the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and has contributed his leadership to the boards of the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Coalition Theater, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Gallery5.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThrough my education, I understand the importance of advocating for the individual while also recognizing that each individual falls within a larger ecosystem that may need to be challenged for the sake of a better society,\u201d he says. \u201cIn addition to how the VCU SSW helped me prepare for my professional career, VCU SSW also shaped my approach to people in general. This has served me well as a husband, parent, journalist and active member of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAgain, I want to thank the School of Social Work for the award. If I know one thing for certain, it\u2019s that students don\u2019t pursue social work degrees for awards \u2013 or financial stability \u2013 but both are nice to achieve. I hope my recognition can be a very small acknowledgment to those who spend countless hours and restless nights doing the work of helping others and advocating for a more just system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous School of Social Work recipients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2024: <strong>Viola Vaughan-Eden<\/strong> (Ph.D.\u201903). <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2024\/10\/10\/katelynn-jarrells-viola-vaughan-eden-win-prestigious-alumni-honors\/\">Details<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2022: <strong>Karen Elizabeth Kimsey<\/strong>\u00a0(M.S.W.\u201996; Cert.\u201996) and <strong>Emily Yeatts\u00a0<\/strong>(B.A.\u201909; Cert.\u201909; M.S.W.\u201912; M.P.H.\u201912; Cert.\u201912). <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2022\/10\/05\/congratulations-to-2022-vcu-alumni-stars-kimsey-yeatts\/\">Details<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2019: <strong>Jeanine Harper Maruca\u00a0<\/strong>(B.S.W.\u201986; M.S.W.\u201993). <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2019\/11\/11\/jeanine-harper-maruca-shines-brightly-as-2019-alumni-star\/\">Details<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2017: <strong>Robert W. \u201cBob\u201d Peay\u00a0<\/strong>(M.S.W.\u201974). <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2017\/10\/12\/bob-peay-selected-to-be-the-2017-vcu-school-of-social-work-alumni-star\/\">Details<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/gfE0Ilvf6Fw\">video<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2015: <strong>Grace E. Harris, Ph.D.<\/strong>\u00a0(M.S.W.\u201960)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2013: <strong>Stephen W. Harms<\/strong>\u00a0(M.S.W.\u201982). <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2013\/10\/30\/school-of-social-work-alumni-star-nomination\/\">Details<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2011: <strong>Paul D. McWhinney<\/strong> (B.S.W.\u201974; M.S.W.\u201979)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2008: <strong>John Cragin<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;79)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2005: <strong>Ira C. Colby<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;75)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2003: <strong>Ray C. Goodwin<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;64)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2001: <strong>Katharine Webb<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;73)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2000: <strong>Carmen Nazario <\/strong>(M.S.W.&#8217;73)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1999: <strong>Cathy N. Pond<\/strong> (B.S.W.&#8217;76; M.S.W.&#8217;80)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1998: <strong>Shelia Crowley<\/strong> (B.S.W.&#8217;76; M.S.W.&#8217;78; Ph.D.&#8217;98)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1997: <strong>R. Reese Harris<\/strong> (B.S.&#8217;66; M.S.W.&#8217;68)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1995:<strong> Catherine E. Nash<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;85)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1994: <strong>Michael A. Evans<\/strong> (B.S.W.&#8217;77; M.S.W.&#8217;81)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1993: <strong>Virginia Anderson<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;84)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1992: <strong>J.C. McWilliams Jr.<\/strong> (Cert.&#8217;67; M.S.W.&#8217;71)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1991: <strong>Fred Karnas<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;76; Cert.&#8217;79)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1990: <strong>Kathy Snowden<\/strong> (B.S.&#8217;73; M.S.W.&#8217;80)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1989: <strong>Mattie S. Jones<\/strong> (M.S.W.&#8217;59)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marc Cheatham (B.S.W.\u201905) puts his social work background to use every day as director of\u00a0 constituent services and casework for Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. It\u2019s service in the background, working with \u201cpeople facing the most critical and challenging problems. Their level of frustration has long surpassed normal capacity,\u201d he says. So it is no wonder [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":852,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[884,91,723,889,890,307,886,888,887,885],"class_list":["post-5529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alumni","category-community","tag-alumni-stars","tag-bob-peay","tag-joe-walsh","tag-judi-thomas","tag-madeline-roberts","tag-marc-cheatham","tag-randi-buerlein","tag-sandy-schwartz","tag-tim-davey","tag-tim-kaine"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/852"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5529"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5541,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5529\/revisions\/5541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5507,"date":"2026-09-22T12:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5507"},"modified":"2026-09-22T12:46:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:46:20","slug":"globetrotting-with-the-school-of-social-work-south-africa-to-spain-ghana-to-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/09\/22\/globetrotting-with-the-school-of-social-work-south-africa-to-spain-ghana-to-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Globetrotting with the School of Social Work: South Africa to Spain, Ghana to South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 50 VCU students participated in four School of Social Work-led spring break and summer study abroad trips in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/academics\/study-abroad\/\">study abroad programs<\/a> are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>South Africa: <\/strong>Camp Qmunity Cape Town &amp; Johannesburg: LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Experiences of Post Colonial South Africa (spring)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spain:<\/strong> Promoting the Welfare of Older Adults in the Context of Population Aging (spring)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>South Korea:<\/strong> Korea in Transition: Society, Culture, and Emerging Challenges&nbsp; (summer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ghana:<\/strong> Exploring Ghana Through the Lens of Art, Identity, and Social Justice (summer)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience is transformational for students, including one who participated in the spring break program in Spain: \u201cOverall, the study abroad experience totally reshaped my perspective on aging. I was so struck by how Spain prioritizes dignity, engagement and community for older adults, rather than just medical needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The School of Social Work provides a $2,000 stipend for each participating student, including those from non-social work majors. Applications are already underway for the next round of trips in 2027. Here are highlights from each of this year\u2019s trips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthAfricaRobbenIsland-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A group standing in front of a sign reading Robben Island Museum - World Heritage Site, with the ocean and mountains in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-5511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthAfricaRobbenIsland-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthAfricaRobbenIsland-800px-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthAfricaRobbenIsland-800px-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>At the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town, South Africa.<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social work faculty lead:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/maurice-n-gattis.html\">Maurice Gattis<\/a>, Ph.D., associate professor<br><strong>History:<\/strong> Dr. Gattis has led four trips to South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does this trip impact students?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gattis:<\/strong> Spending time in another country is a learning experience from the moment you land until the moment you leave, and those experiences move with you throughout your life. From hearing one of the 11 official languages of South Africa spoken for the first time to engaging in conversation with residents at Pride Shelter Trust, students return more culturally aware and having had social work learning experiences in a different context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a social work lens inform this experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gattis:<\/strong> Being able to examine LGBTQIA+ issues in the first country in the world to have protections for the population allows for macro and micro analysis of pertinent issues. We are able to examine policies, engage with practices and engage with people about their lived experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What elements of this trip do you integrate into your teaching?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gattis:<\/strong> I incorporate elements of the content in the course that I currently teach, LGBTQIA+ Issues and Social Welfare. It adds international context to the course material. I have also conducted research with Pride Shelter Trust that resulted in several peer-reviewed articles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Spain-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A group of students and faculty stand outside the Bridge Gate in Co\u0301rdoba, Spain.\" class=\"wp-image-5510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Spain-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Spain-800px-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Spain-800px-768x601.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>At the Bridge Gate in Co\u0301rdoba, Spain.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social work faculty leads:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/denise-burnette.html\">Denise Burnette<\/a>, Ph.D., professor; and <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/humberto-e-fabelo.html\">Humberto Fabelo<\/a>, associate professor. (VCU faculty <a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/Ut4JYLGEMu0?e=f91455b501&amp;c2id=7e16d470c6a9a6e6c4fb83e3bf3de461\">Sarah Marrs<\/a>, Ph.D., gerontology associate professor, and <a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/Etz9576KpdS?e=f91455b501&amp;c2id=7e16d470c6a9a6e6c4fb83e3bf3de461\">Tammy Williams<\/a>, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in nursing, are also co-leading.)<br><strong>History:<\/strong> This was the first trip to Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a cross-discipline lens inform this experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Burnette:<\/strong> Because it focuses on aging, we explicitly developed the Spain study abroad program to be interdisciplinary. The investment and participation of students and faculty from other disciplines fundamentally shaped our experience \u2013 other disciplines learned about the core knowledge, skills and values of social work in this context, and vice versa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What was notable about this trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Burnette:<\/strong> It was incredibly rewarding to participate in the development of an intense community of students and faculty around a topic that each participant, regardless of background or future plans, cared so deeply about.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How safe are study abroad trips?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Burnette:<\/strong> The VCU Global Education Office does a phenomenal job of ensuring safety and security, as do our host institutions. How better to prepare for the world in which one will live and practice than to experience such global precarities in the shared, protective environment of a university course? <em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ghana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Ghana-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A group of study abroad students stand in front of Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana.\" class=\"wp-image-5508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Ghana-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Ghana-800px-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Ghana-800px-768x543.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>At the Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social work faculty leads:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/nicole-corley.html\">Nicole Corley<\/a>, Ph.D., and <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/jamie-l-cage.html\">Jamie Cage<\/a>, Ph.D., associate professors<br><strong>History:<\/strong> This was the third trip to Ghana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes do you anticipate for the program?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Corley:<\/strong> The program intends to expand in 2027 by incorporating another West African country, Benin. The evolution of the trip, though the sites have remained the same, is really evidenced through the experiences of each student, every year. While we do anticipate changing things in the future, what we&#8217;ve noticed most acutely is how each student responds to the experience: what resonates, what inspires, what challenges them and what they learn about themselves along the way and even after.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the trip impact students?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Corley:<\/strong> As soon as students sign up and commit to the program, the experience and the transformation begin. I&#8217;ve had students who have never flown before, who have never left the States, never applied for a passport or been to a predominantly Black country. They are learning to navigate systems and processes that are new. This is where the global experience and perspective begins to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a social work lens inform this experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Corley:<\/strong> The focus of my program is for students to understand social work in context. It encourages them to consider the profession from a cross-cultural, cross-borders perspective, posing questions like: What is the history of social work in Ghana, and within particular communities in Ghana? What are the contours and scope of the work in Ghana? How does the \u201cprofession\u201d of social work intersect with the traditional practice of social welfare and community care? The goal is to create a space where students think globally and expansively about their future career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthKorea-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A group of faculty and students in South Korea.\" class=\"wp-image-5509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthKorea-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthKorea-800px-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/SouthKorea-800px-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>In South Korea.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social work faculty leads:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/youngmi-kim.html\">Youngmi Kim<\/a>, Ph.D., professor; and <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/kyeongmo-kim.html\">Kyeongmo Kim<\/a>, Ph.D., associate professor<br><strong>History:<\/strong> This was the first trip to South Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the trip impact students?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Youngmi Kim:<\/strong> You\u2019ll go beyond the classroom to explore social welfare in action. You\u2019ll meet local practitioners, visit community organizations, connect with local students and engage directly with issues such as aging, demographic change, youth mental health and social inequality. And you\u2019ll experience Korea beyond academics, too \u2013 with hands-on activities such as learning K-pop dance, taking a Korean culinary class and visiting a local temple. Stepping into a new country and culture can push you outside your comfort zone \u2013 and that\u2019s where meaningful growth can happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a social work lens inform this experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Youngmi Kim:<\/strong> Our social work lens encourages you to look beyond what you see on the surface and ask: How do history, culture, policies and social conditions shape people\u2019s everyday lives and well-being? Rather than simply visiting Korea, you\u2019ll explore its people, communities and social systems and consider what Korea\u2019s experiences can teach us about complex social challenges in the U.S. and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>More than 50 VCU students participated in four School of Social Work-led spring break and summer study abroad trips in 2026. The study abroad programs are: The experience is transformational for students, including one who participated in the spring break program in Spain: \u201cOverall, the study abroad experience totally reshaped my perspective on aging. I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,5,9],"tags":[55,178,883,45,47,134,61,882,51],"class_list":["post-5507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-education","category-facstaff","category-students","tag-denise-burnette","tag-humberto-fabelo","tag-international-social-work","tag-jamie-cage","tag-kyeongmo-kim","tag-maurice-gattis","tag-nicole-corley","tag-study-abroad","tag-youngmi-kim"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5507"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5507\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5520,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5507\/revisions\/5520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5502,"date":"2026-09-21T11:40:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T15:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5502"},"modified":"2026-09-21T11:40:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T15:40:20","slug":"fulbright-ph-d-student-aya-caballeros-research-journey-mixes-jamaican-roots-instagram-influence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/09\/21\/fulbright-ph-d-student-aya-caballeros-research-journey-mixes-jamaican-roots-instagram-influence\/","title":{"rendered":"#Fulbright: Ph.D. student Aya Caballero\u2019s research journey mixes Jamaican roots, Instagram influence\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-Caballero-UWI-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A person stands next to a sign reading: The University of West Indies. Open campus. Consortium for Social development and Research. Social Work Training and Research Centre. \" class=\"wp-image-5503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-Caballero-UWI-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-Caballero-UWI-800px-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-Caballero-UWI-800px-768x573.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Aya Caballero at the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aya Caballero<\/strong>\u2019s path to a Fulbright award looked more like an intersection \u2013 of her Jamaican roots, her researcher\u2019s eye for recognizing gaps in data and the most 21st century of interactions: an Instagram-driven connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/aya-caballero.html\">Caballero, a third-year Ph.D. student<\/a> at the <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\">VCU School of Social Work<\/a>, will collaborate with researchers at the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, from March 2027-January 2028. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program award, <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/two-current-vcu-students-two-recent-alums-receive-prestigious-fulbright-awards\">announced in June<\/a>, will fund her project, &#8220;Unlocking Potential: The Role of Education in Shaping Analytical Minds in the Caribbean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cReceiving a Fulbright is incredibly exciting,\u201d she says. \u201cThe financial support is substantial enough to allow me to step away from my graduate research assistantship and devote 100 percent of my time and attention to my Fulbright research while in Jamaica.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caballero made a key connection via Instagram, following accounts from scholars from the University of West Indies and eventually messaging and making direct connections to introduce herself and share her research interests. Those interactions led to an independent summer study in Jamaica in 2025 and ultimately laid the groundwork for her Fulbright.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think it speaks to the importance of being willing to \u2018shoot your shot,\u2019\u201d she says of taking the initiative to connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building on Caballero\u2019s broader research focus on multiracial identity, racialization, colorism and psychological well-being, the Fulbright project will specifically focus on how Mixed-race Jamaicans conceptualize and negotiate their racial identities and how broader systems of race, color, class and phenotype (observable traits) shape those experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUltimately, I hope the project contributes to a more globally inclusive understanding of Multiraciality, one that does not assume that U.S. racial frameworks can simply be applied elsewhere,\u201d Caballero says. \u201c As someone of Syrian-Jamaican heritage myself, I am particularly interested in what this research may uncover about the experiences of individuals who share similar racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including how they understand and negotiate identities that exist at the intersection of these histories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeyond the prestige of the award, I see it as an affirmation that this work and the questions I am asking about education, inequality, identity and the enduring influence of historical systems are important and worthy of investment. Research of this scope requires more than intellectual investment, it requires the time and financial stability to be fully immersed in the work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caballero says there is a consequential absence of race-based data in Jamaica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is a significant gap in our understanding of how race may intersect with other established systems of inequality, particularly class and educational opportunity, which impact upward social mobility. The school an individual attends can influence not only the quality of educational resources available to them, but also their access to social networks, internships, scholarships and overall opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe can observe disparities in educational access and recognize broader mental health challenges among young people, but without examining race alongside class, education and other demographic factors, we cannot fully determine whether certain racialized populations are experiencing these challenges differently or disproportionately. In other words, there may be important inequities occurring beneath the aggregate statistics that our current data simply do not allow us to see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caballero says it\u2019s important to address these gaps by centering Jamaican histories, knowledge and lived experiences rather than imposing non-native frameworks. As a Jamaican citizen, she spent time in-country before beginning her Ph.D. studies at VCU, serving as a volunteer at a local school, managing a team supporting community needs, and organizing multiple book and fundraising drives for underserved communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause I already had those community ties and familiarity with Jamaica, developing the Fulbright project felt less like entering a new community and more like expanding a longstanding commitment through my scholarship,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caballero credits a number of faculty mentors, including <strong>McKenzie Green<\/strong>, Ph.D., formerly of the School of Social Work and now in the Department of Psychology; social work associate professors <strong>Nicole Corley<\/strong>, Ph.D., and <strong>Maurice Gattis<\/strong>, Ph.D.; <strong>Jeff Wing<\/strong>, J.D., director of VCU National Scholarship Office; and <strong>George Castle<\/strong>, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor at New York University Steinhardt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caballero continues to utilize her social media platforms on <a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/becomingdrcaballero\">Instagram<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aya-caballero-ma-b66283189\/\">LinkedIn<\/a> to document her journey as a doctoral researcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou never know what can grow from simply introducing yourself and expressing genuine interest in someone&#8217;s work,\u201d she says. \u201cIn my case, an Instagram message eventually contributed to an independent study, an expanding international professional network and now a Fulbright collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A RISING SCHOLAR AT WORK<\/strong><br>Caballero and a colleague recently published an editorial, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caribbeanjournalofsocialwork.org\/article\/171151-whose-knowledge-whose-future-reimagining-caribbean-social-work-through-emerging-voices\">\u201cWhose Knowledge, Whose Future? Reimagining Caribbean Social Work Through Emerging Voices,\u201d<\/a> in the <em>Caribbean Journal of Social Work<\/em>. She also served as lead editor of the student section of the September 2026 edition.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"777\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-presentation-800px.jpg\" alt=\"A person stands next to a large screen with a presentation slide titled: Checked One Box Too Few: The Cost of Ignoring Multiraciality in Psychological Research and Practice. By Aya Caballero, M.A.\" class=\"wp-image-5504\" style=\"width:800px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-presentation-800px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-presentation-800px-300x291.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/09\/Aya-presentation-800px-768x746.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Aya Caballero after a conference presentation. <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aya Caballero\u2019s path to a Fulbright award looked more like an intersection \u2013 of her Jamaican roots, her researcher\u2019s eye for recognizing gaps in data and the most 21st century of interactions: an Instagram-driven connection. Caballero, a third-year Ph.D. student at the VCU School of Social Work, will collaborate with researchers at the University of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":852,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,3,4,8,9],"tags":[814,633,881,880,134,537,61,351],"class_list":["post-5502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-awards","category-community","category-education","category-research","category-students","tag-aya-caballero","tag-fulbright-scholars","tag-george-castle","tag-jeff-wing","tag-maurice-gattis","tag-mckenzie-green","tag-nicole-corley","tag-ph-d-program"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/852"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5502"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5506,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5502\/revisions\/5506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5488,"date":"2026-09-15T13:32:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T17:32:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5488"},"modified":"2026-09-15T13:50:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T17:50:44","slug":"social-work-faculty-lead-interdisciplinary-research-advancing-inclusive-health-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/09\/15\/social-work-faculty-lead-interdisciplinary-research-advancing-inclusive-health-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Social work faculty lead interdisciplinary research advancing inclusive health science"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Virginia Commonwealth University, two interdisciplinary research grants co-led by School of Social Work faculty members are addressing complex health challenges while underscoring a commitment to inclusivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/karen-g-chartier.html\">Karen Chartier<\/a>, Ph.D., professor, and <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.vcu.edu\/directory\/people\/jacob-goffnett.html\">Jacob Goffnett<\/a>, Ph.D., assistant professor, are each leading projects that bridge social work with fields ranging from medicine to the arts. Their work across disciplines reflect a VCU value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat I really like about VCU is there&#8217;s a real emphasis on these interdepartmental, inter-unit collaborations,\u201d said Chartier, who also directs VCU\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/irbeh.vcu.edu\/\">Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health<\/a> and its <a href=\"https:\/\/spit4science.vcu.edu\/\">\u201cSpit for Science\u201d<\/a> registry of student survey and genetic data. \u201cThat is the purpose of these initiatives: how do we bring together people from different departments and units to focus on problems that we all think are important? And then how interesting it is when we work together and come up with ideas that might not have happened if we were just working by ourselves.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Redefining \u2018community\u2019 in cardiovascular health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goffnett\u2019s project, \u201cSeeing Heart Health in Urban and Rural Communities,\u201d focuses on how people experience and interact with their environments. It is funded by a $66,776 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health<a href=\"#note\">*<\/a>. His co-investigator is <a href=\"https:\/\/policy.uark.edu\/about\/faculty-list\/uid\/lnfields\/name\/Lashawnda+Fields\/\">LaShawnda Fields<\/a>, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Arkansas; and he is also collaborating with <a href=\"https:\/\/familymedicine.vcu.edu\/about\/directories\/rebecca-s-etz-phd-.html\">Rebecca Etz<\/a>, Ph.D., professor with VCU School of Medicine\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/familymedicine.vcu.edu\/\">Department of Family Medicine and Population Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study examines cardiovascular disease risk among low-resourced populations by challenging traditional ways of defining \u201ccommunity.\u201d Rather than relying on administrative boundaries such as ZIP codes or census tracts, Goffnett and his collaborators are working directly with participants to understand the places and resources that shape their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe want to understand the places and spaces they actually access and how those influence their health,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a research method called photovoice, participants take photographs of their surroundings \u2013 such as where they obtain food or seek care \u2013 and discuss those images in focus groups. The approach not only captures lived experience but also invites participants to propose solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s really directed at creating change,\u201d Goffnett said. \u201cWe\u2019re asking, \u2018What do you see, why does it exist and what can we do about it?\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project spans both urban Richmond and rural northwest Arkansas, incorporating perspectives across geographic contexts. Collaborators include experts in family medicine, social work and community health, as well as partners in the arts who help translate findings into public-facing exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is both a research model and a platform for engagement, with plans for community exhibitions and digital storytelling to share participants\u2019 insights more widely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJacob\u2019s project is forward thinking \u2013 he realizes not just the critical role of community in how health is won and lost, but also the fact that community is about belonging and that is not a geographic boundary, it is a socially constructed one,\u201d Etz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Expanding equity in genetic research<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chartier\u2019s project, \u201cAdvancing Translational Science through Genome-Exome Data Integration across Ancestral Populations,\u201d takes a similarly inclusive approach. It seeks to address a longstanding gap in genetic research: the underrepresentation of individuals from non-European ancestry groups. Funding is through a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.vcu.edu\/article\/from-ai-to-wearables-vcus-wright-center-awards-four-nih-funded-grants-to-accelerate-medical-research\">$25,000 pilot award<\/a> from VCU\u2019s C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study builds on VCU\u2019s Spit for Science initiative. <a href=\"https:\/\/medschool.vcu.edu\/about\/portfolio\/details\/abamstadter\/\">Ananda Amstadter<\/a>, Ph.D, professor in the VCU School of Medicine\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/psych.vcu.edu\/\">Department of Psychiatry<\/a>, is the co-principal investigator.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spit for Science since 2011 has enrolled more than 15,000 students who contribute survey data and DNA samples. Notably, more than half of participants come from non-European ancestry backgrounds, a level of diversity that is uncommon in genetic datasets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGenetics research to date has mostly been conducted on people of European ancestry,\u201d Chartier said. \u201cWhile we share nearly all the same DNA, there are subtle differences shaped by geographic history around the world. This means some genetic variants become more common in certain ancestry groups than others that might influence mental health or might influence substance use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Working with Amstadter and other VCU collaborators, Chartier\u2019s team will update the project\u2019s genetic infrastructure using an advanced blended genome-exome array capable of identifying both common and rare genetic variants. The effort also includes developing analytical tools that allow researchers to responsibly study variation across diverse populations and share data with broader scientific collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe are thrilled to have the support of this translational science award, which enables us to bring together investigators from across the VCU campuses to work collaboratively on a project that is important for advancing psychiatric genetics,\u201d Amstadter said. \u201cThis work keeps S4S on the forefront of advances in genomic technologies and it will yield a representative dataset that will be useful for so many projects around the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interdisciplinary nature of the work is essential, Chartier said. Geneticists bring deep expertise in data analysis and methodology, while social workers contribute a focus on equity, application and underrepresented populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re blending really sharp research expertise with our values and who we think may be getting overlooked in a study,\u201d she said, adding that social workers are skilled at translating findings in a practical, easily understood manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Collaboration as a shared value<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For both projects, interdisciplinary collaboration is not simply logistical, it is foundational. Social work\u2019s broad scope and applied focus make it a natural \u201cconnector\u201d across fields, Goffnett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re used to being a nexus point,\u201d he said. \u201cWe bring together a lot of different services and people we work with, so it feels very natural.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chartier noted that collaboration enhances both the rigor and relevance of research. At VCU, she said, an emphasis on cross-unit partnerships creates opportunities to tackle complex issues from multiple angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite differences in topic \u2013 from genetic data to community environments \u2013&nbsp;the two projects align around the broader mission of social work and a shared goal: ensuring that research is inclusive, actionable and grounded in real-world impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inclusivity is a \u201ccore part of social work,\u201d Chartier said. \u201cScientists may be thinking more about the science part of it, and social workers are thinking of the end product, and how we want to improve people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a name=\"note\"><\/a>*Note: The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At Virginia Commonwealth University, two interdisciplinary research grants co-led by School of Social Work faculty members are addressing complex health challenges while underscoring a commitment to inclusivity. Karen Chartier, Ph.D., professor, and Jacob Goffnett, Ph.D., assistant professor, are each leading projects that bridge social work with fields ranging from medicine to the arts. Their work [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":852,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5,8],"tags":[780,534,50,469,683],"class_list":["post-5488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community","category-facstaff","category-research","tag-institute-for-research-on-behavioral-and-emotional-health","tag-jacob-goffnett","tag-karen-chartier","tag-spit-for-science","tag-vcu-school-of-medicine"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/852"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5488"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5497,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5488\/revisions\/5497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5479,"date":"2026-05-15T15:09:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5479"},"modified":"2026-05-15T15:09:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:09:38","slug":"honoring-student-excellence-for-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/05\/15\/honoring-student-excellence-for-2025-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring student excellence for 2025-26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Sixteen people pose stand in a group, some holding award certificates.\" class=\"wp-image-5480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_196-2048x1357.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Phi Alpha Honor Society inductees and scholarship and award recipients for 2025-2026.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to recognize the academic and service excellence of 51 students and one faculty member for the 2025-2026 academic year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honors include VCU and School of Social Work annual awards, SSW scholarships and Phi Alpha Honor Society inductees; seven students received multiple honors or recognition. Following the ceremony, students, faculty and staff enjoyed the Student Year End Celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VCU awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carter G. Woodson Awards for Academic Excellence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Faculty<\/strong><br>McKenzie Green Ph.D., Dr. Daryl Dance Distinguished Alumni Award<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Aya Caballero<br>Rayelle Ross<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Lydia Kahn<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Terreal Brown<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>School of Social Work Awards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Kiersten Szymecki<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elaine Z. Rothenberg&nbsp; Memorial Scholarship Fund&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Kade Goldin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jasmine Hudson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Selena Davila<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phi Kappa Phi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Eve Gilles<br>Sarai Goodwin<br>Mariajose Oceguera-Andrade<br>Rachel Owens<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Khaoula Fourkani<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">School of Social Work Social Justice Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Aya Caballero<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Julissa Zavala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><em><br><\/em>Elena Diaz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">School of Social Work Service and Leadership Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Lisa Borntrager<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jennifer Ezeh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Laila McGlone<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Field Impact Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Julissa Zavala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Scholarships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Taylor Medley<br>Katee Myer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jasmine Hudson<br>Dakota Robinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bob Green Research Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Zoljargalan Gantumur<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Campbell Merit Scholarship in Social Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Hannah Butcher<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Ji Yeon Kim<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Samantha Leaupepe<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sara Messervey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. Marilyn A. Biggerstaff Fund for Doctoral Student Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Aya Caballero<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. Marjorie A. Stuckle Endowed Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Alleena McMillan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drs. Rosemary L. &amp; David J. Farmer Public Mental Health Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Taylor Medley<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Economic Justice Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sara Messervey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Alleena McMillan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Aya Caballero<br>Kade Goldin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sara Messervey<br>Parker Speaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fostering Success Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Georgia Lanier<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hans S. Falck Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Rose Miola<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hurtado Family Endowed Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Kim Koger<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joanne Kerbs Caramanica Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sara Messervey<br>Isobel O\u2019Hare<br>Lucille Shafer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judy M. Thomas \u201cDr. T.\u201d B.S.W. Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Geovan Jackson-Knorr<br>Tamara Thacker<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kimberly K. Giancaspro Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Mary Breen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Martin S. Schwartz Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Becca Dedert<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mary Hugh Dotson and Charles Lane Cartledge IV Endowed Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Rocio Escobedo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mel C. Whipple Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Steffan Stroud<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental Health Initiative Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sarai Goodwin<br>Kim Koger&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pamela B. Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Nathan Drewes<br>Aquoyah Robinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Peace and Justice Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jasmine Hudson<br>Taylor Medley<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Victoria Franklin<br>Mallory Maycock<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Kim Koger<br>Georgia Lanier<br>Ji Yeon Kim<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robin M. McKinney Dissertation Honor Fund Endowment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ph.D.<\/strong><br>Marianne Lund<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante Scholarship: Sirviendo la Comunidad Hispana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Sochitl Rodriguez Kaufmann<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Work Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Teyla-Mahree Hayes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thomas Carlton Memorial Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Dakota Robinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virginia Community Healthcare Foundation Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Eve Gilles<br>Nadji Oueid<br>Dasia Robertson<br>Tasnia Zakir<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Ari Cheeks<br>Jae Lange<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Social Workers in Aging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jillian Johnson<br>Megan Mann<br>Mallory Maycock<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Social Work Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&nbsp;Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M.S.W.<\/strong><br>CJ Bowers<br>Kendra Bush<br>Kate Cauvel<br>Sydney Guzman<br>Elias Hollen<br>Joseph Mboya<br>Brittany Montgomery<br>Rachel Owens<br>Heather Schildge<br>Jazmine Stallings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.S.W.<\/strong><br>Jailyn Clarke<br>Matthew Fuller<br>TyKasia Gaskins<br>Alaysia Judkins<br>Holly Reeves<br>Arionna Shaw<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-id=\"5481\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"A staff and faculty member gesture and smile as they support students performing karaoke.\" class=\"wp-image-5481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_366-2048x1357.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yakaira Alexander-Ramos, left from the Office of Field Education, and Madison Woodroof of the Office of Student Success.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-id=\"5482\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Two students smile, one holding a microphone, during karaoke. \" class=\"wp-image-5482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/05\/C01056_R02_394-2048x1357.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students, faculty and staff enjoyed karaoke and put on some dance moves at the Student Year End Celebration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The VCU School of Social Work is pleased to recognize the academic and service excellence of 51 students and one faculty member for the 2025-2026 academic year. Honors include VCU and School of Social Work annual awards, SSW scholarships and Phi Alpha Honor Society inductees; seven students received multiple honors or recognition. Following the ceremony, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,4,9],"tags":[878],"class_list":["post-5479","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-awards","category-education","category-students","tag-student-year-end-celebration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5479"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5479\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5462,"date":"2026-04-21T15:13:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T19:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5462"},"modified":"2026-04-21T18:17:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T22:17:51","slug":"7-social-work-students-presenting-at-graduate-research-symposium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/04\/21\/7-social-work-students-presenting-at-graduate-research-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"7 social work students&#8217; research accepted for VCU&#8217;s Graduate Research Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seven graduate students from the VCU School of Social Work had their work accepted for the university&#8217;s 29th annual <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.vcu.edu\/current-students\/professional-development\/graduate-research-symposium\/\">Graduate Research Symposium<\/a> on April 22. Six of them \u2013 two Ph.D. students and four master&#8217;s students \u2013 are scheduled to present throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Emma-Adcock-350px.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Emma-Adcock-350px.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Emma-Adcock-350px-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Emma-Adcock-350px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emma Adcook, M.S.W. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation: <\/strong><em>Adapting Acuity Scales for Community Partners: The Importance of Community-Engaged Research<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given my lived experience with a physical disability, I strive to highlight a person\u2019s strengths whenever possible. I was able to do that by including a wider response scale for the Katz Activities of Daily Living instrument. Additionally, I am passionate about community-engaged research; I love the premise of empowering community partners to enact change.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Background: <\/strong>VCU\u2019s School of Social Work Evaluation Lab collaborated with Circle Center, a community organization that provides adult day services, to review and offer recommendations on their current intake cognitive, psychiatric, and activities of daily living (ADL) acuity scales to reflect a more standardized measure. Methods: After completing a literature review of possible scales that measure psychiatric symptoms and ADLs, we created a list for the client, based on the scales that were most widely used and validated by the existing literature. The client selected the Katz Index of&nbsp; Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) to combine with their current scale to create an updated version. Results: Both scales were adapted to accommodate the items of interest. For example, the Katz ADL scale anchors were changed to a wider response scale to reflect greater independence when possible, while some NPI-Q items were removed. The final combined measure consisted of 17 items capturing constructs such as delusions, aggression, disinhibition, bathing, dressing, and transferring, that can be summed to create a total score indicating acuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong>: The updated measure reflects a combination of gold standard measures, practice-informed questions, and lived experience, that can be easily integrated into practice. Overall, this is an example of a successful community partnership, highlighting the importance of balancing rigorous research with client needs. Community engaged research is important because it ensures that the community organization feels empowered to enact change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lisa-Borntrager-350px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lisa-Borntrager-350px.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lisa-Borntrager-350px-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lisa-Borntrager-350px-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lisa Borntrager, Ph.D. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>Complex Trauma, Internalized Homophobia and Suicide in Sexual Minority Adults: Does Level of Outness and Sexual Identity Centrality Matter?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s important to ensure that we are investigating the mechanisms of what makes certain groups more at risk of suicide, while exploring ways that social workers can help intervene. For LGB adults, we must investigate how complex trauma affects their trajectory towards suicide, especially during this current period of heightened political attacks. LGB adults deal with systemic and interpersonal trauma due to their oppressed identity within American society, which often lead to internalization. This has a tremendous effect on mental health and suicidality. Uncovering the paths towards higher suicidality is key to providing adequate intervention.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Background: <\/strong>Suicide is a major cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2023), with LGB individuals at even greater risk of suicidality (Meyer, 2003; Hottes et al., 2016; Narang et al., 2018). Minority Stress Theory (MST) posits that distal and proximal stressors contribute to adverse health outcomes, including internalized homophobia (Meyer, 2003). Complex trauma has also been shown to have a strong relationship with suicidality (Herman, 1992; Charak et al., 2023; Maercker et al., 2022). This study seeks to examine if the relationship between complex trauma and suicide is mediated by internalized homophobia in sexual minority adults, and the extent to which level of outness and sexual identity centrality moderate the relationship between complex trauma and internalized homophobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Methods:<\/strong> This study utilized existing cross-sectional baseline data collected from 2016 to 2018. Data from 1,518 sexual minority adults were included in the sample. Data was analyzed with the structural equation model (SEM) approach using Mplus 8 (Muth\u00e9n &amp; Muth\u00e9n, 2017). Three SEM models using Maximum Likelihood Robust were built. Fit indexes for model one showed an over-identified adequate model (\u03c7 2=692.79, df=428, p&lt;.001, CFI=.86, TLI=.85, SRMR=.079, RMSEA=.02).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Results:<\/strong> Results indicate that higher internalized homophobia significantly predicted higher suicidality. Additionally, higher complex trauma, lower levels of outness, and lower levels of sexual identity centrality significantly predicted higher internalized homophobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> While the full mediation and moderation analyses were insignificant, this study makes a meaningful contribution to the MST literature and has implications for direct social work practice with sexual minority adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Sooyeon-Jang-350px.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Sooyeon-Jang-350px.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Sooyeon-Jang-350px-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Sooyeon-Jang-350px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sooyeon Jang, Ph.D. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation (accepted but not presenting):<\/strong> <em>Does SNAP Mitigate the Effects of Income Volatility on Food Insecurity?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drawing on both personal experiences and broader social concerns, I have developed a strong interest in poverty and in social welfare programs that help individuals escape it. While poverty is associated with numerous complex issues, I believe that economic hardship has the most far-reaching and compounding effects. For this reason, I am particularly interested in welfare programs that provide direct financial support. This study is situated within that broader interest. In particular, among low-income populations, unstable employment can lead to income volatility, which may have significant negative impacts on daily living conditions. I expected that such income instability would have especially harmful effects on participants in the&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program&nbsp;(SNAP), and this expectation motivated the analysis. Additionally, as an international student, I believe that studying and understanding social welfare systems in the United States will be highly valuable for my future academic and professional development.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rising income volatility, driven by unstable work schedules among low-wage workers, has become an important factor shaping household well-being. Because food spending is often one of the most flexible parts of a household budget, fluctuations in income may increase the risk of food insecurity. This study examines whether participation in the&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program&nbsp;(SNAP) helps buffer this effect among low-income households in Virginia using 2024 SIPP data. The findings indicate that although income instability is associated with greater food insecurity, SNAP participation does not significantly mitigate the impact of income volatility.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lilliana-Morales-350px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lilliana-Morales-350px.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lilliana-Morales-350px-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lilliana-Morales-350px-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liliana Morales, Ph.D. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>Perspectives of Cultural and Family Influences from Latino College Students on Dating Violence, Dating Norms, and Healthy Relationships<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My research has always focused on Latino communities, especially how acculturation, family, and cultural values shape people\u2019s experiences. In the past, I looked at these ideas in different areas, but it wasn\u2019t until I started working with Dr. (Adrienne) Baldwin White and her data that I became more interested in dating violence and gender-based violence. This shift still feels connected to what I\u2019ve always cared about, I\u2019m just now looking at how family and culture influence how people understand relationships, safety, and harm. Working with a Latino college student sample has been really eye-opening because it includes such rich perspectives on healthy relationships, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. This project has been a really meaningful learning experience for me, and I\u2019m excited to keep building on it, write more papers, and continue highlighting the experiences of Latino students in my future work.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Background<\/strong>: Latino college students face elevated risk for dating and sexual violence, yet their perspectives on dating violence, healthy relationships, and cultural influences remain understudied. Research shows cultural values (familismo, machismo, marianismo) and acculturation processes may shape relationship communication, help-seeking, and perceptions of harm. This study examines how Latino college students define dating violence and healthy relationships within college contexts where social and cultural norms intersect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Methods<\/strong>: Qualitative data were drawn from a larger mixed-methods study on cultural norms and relationships among students. Participants (N = 445) completed an online survey and optional virtual interview. This analysis focused on Latino college students (n = 16), ages 18\u201325. Interviews were coded using inductive thematic analysis in Dedoose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Results<\/strong>: Participants defined dating violence in multiple types of abuse including physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual abuse.They primarily conceptualized dating violence within committed or ongoing partnerships rather than casual or early-stage interactions. Cultural influences shaped these definitions through traditional gender roles, silence around violence, and the normalization of abuse, while some participants highlighted individual experiences, such as lived abuse or empowerment, as influential. These accounts suggest that family influence can function as both a risk and a protective factor depending on the messages communicated. Healthy relationships were described as involving mutual communication, consent, autonomy, emotional safety, emotional connection, security, and shared growth. Participants described cultural dating norms as including male-initiated pursuit, parental control around age restrictions, dating within the same culture, family involvement and marriage-oriented expectations. They also described expressing romantic interest through both direct approaches, such as openly communicating feelings, and gradual approaches, including building friendships over time. Participants\u2019 responses reflect generational and cultural shifts, as many acknowledged traditional norms but ultimately rejected them in favor of more egalitarian definitions of dating violence and conceptualizations of dating norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusions<\/strong>: These findings suggest Latino college students actively negotiate and reinterpret cultural messages through experiences, acculturation, and new environments. Prevention programs may be strengthened by creating space for students to reflect on conflicting cultural messages, discuss how family and community norms shape their views, and build skills to recognize harm across relationships. Gender-based violence prevention should acknowledge the complexity of students\u2019 cultural worlds. Future research should examine how this meaning-making process operates across forms of gender-based violence and relates to help-seeking, violence outcomes, and prevention effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Cait-Parker-350px.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Cait-Parker-350px.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Cait-Parker-350px-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Cait-Parker-350px-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cait Parker, M.S.W. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>Factors Influencing Child Welfare Stipend Program Alumni Decisions to Leave Public Child Welfare<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The child welfare system experiences high turnover, and I am curious about what factors influence retention. I want to contribute to understanding and sharing information that can better support child welfare workers, so in turn, they can best serve their population. Children in foster care often experience significant loss and frequent transitions, and being assigned to a new caseworker contributes to this problem. Given that children in foster care benefit from familiarity and consistent relationships, retaining caseworkers reduces additional disruptions. I am interested in how the Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP) prepares alumni for child welfare work and what factors influence their decisions to remain in or leave the child welfare workforce. I hope that my contributions can guide stakeholders in strengthening retention and improving workforce stability to better serve children involved in the child welfare system.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Background:<\/strong> Turnover among child welfare workers is an ongoing issue. The Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP) is one program that aims to improve retention by creating a pipeline of well-trained, prepared child welfare workers. The purpose of this study was to examine preparedness for practice and retention among CWSP alumni in Virginia. We used quantitative and qualitative data from two time points of a longitudinal evaluation of the Virginia CWSP that surveyed 113 alumni who graduated in 2018-2025. We found that 86.2% of alumni worked in a local DSS agency immediately after graduation. Of those, 37.6% stayed in the same job, 16.5% moved jobs but remained working in local DSS agencies, and 27.5% left child welfare practice at time 2 (0-7 years post-graduation). Overall, 63.3% of alumni who responded to the time 2 survey were still working at a local DSS agency. Examining factors associated with retention at time 2, higher levels of preparation for practice were associated with still working in child welfare. The qualitative data provided emerging themes regarding alumni motivations to leave or stay in child welfare practice, such as work-life balance, enjoyment of the work, agency environment,&nbsp; along with opportunities for licensure and career advancement. Findings suggest that the majority of VA CWSP alumni remain working in local DSS agencies and that preparedness promotes retention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Alexis-Payne-350px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Alexis-Payne-350px.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Alexis-Payne-350px-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Alexis-Payne-350px-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alexis Payne, M.S.W. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>Rage as a Methodology: Literature Review of How Black Women Scholars Conceptualize and Use Rage Transformatively<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before attending VCU, I sought a school of social work that would allow me to engage in research. My initial undergraduate research experience demonstrated its value as a tool for problem-solving and analyzing solutions. At that same time, a VCU student recommended Dr. (Nicole) Corley,&nbsp;sharing her work&#8217;s particular&nbsp;focus on Black women, which immediately drew my interest. Within my first semester, I was eager to work with her, and I have since valued all of the projects I have been involved in under her mentorship. This project on Black women\u2019s rage has been especially meaningful in ways I did not anticipate, particularly given current social and political conditions that underscore the importance of work centering emotional expression and understanding rage as a transformative force for social change. I look forward to seeing how this literature review contributes to new possibilities for minoritized communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black women\u2019s anger has long been misrepresented, despite its power as a tool for survival, healing, and liberation. Inspired by Audre Lorde (1984) and bell hooks (1996), this exploratory review centers Black women\u2019s rage as a transformative response to systemic oppression and examines how it is conceptualized within academia, particularly in social work. Drawing on literature published between 2000 and February 2026 and guided by librarian-supported searches across VCU Libraries, Google Scholar, and ChatGPT, the review synthesizes scholarship on rage using iterative keyword and citation tracking, full-text analysis, and collaborative synthesis methods. Findings show that while scholarship on rage has grown over the past 10\u201315 years, with a strong theoretical and analytical base and emerging attention to Black women\u2019s academic experiences, its practical application in social work research and practice remains limited. This work highlights the need to further develop rage as a methodological framework that centers Black women\u2019s voices and challenges dominant narratives within academia.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lauren-Slaughter-Headshot-350.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lauren-Slaughter-Headshot-350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lauren-Slaughter-Headshot-350-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Lauren-Slaughter-Headshot-350-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lauren Slaughter, M.S.W. student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>A Changing Landscape: HIV\/AIDS Training Needs for Providers Across Virginia <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My current research focuses on assessing the training needs of HIV care providers across Virginia to expand access to care and knowledge. Looking ahead, I aim to use these research skills to bridge the gap between data and people, amplifying the stories of both clients and the dedicated individuals who serve them.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Background:<\/strong> Funding cuts to the Ryan White HIV\/AIDS Program last summer sparked this research. After my field placement (VCU\u2019s HIV Education Program) and several partner agencies lost critical resources, my supervisor and program director (Rob Rodney, M.S.W.) launched a statewide needs assessment. I spearheaded the data analysis and developed programming recommendations for the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We shared these findings with other VHARCC sites to help them adapt their services to specific regional needs. With the support of our regional director (Dr. Laura Pedersen, M.D., M.P.H.), we are now preparing this research for national publication. Alongside my coursework, internship responsibilities, and the GRS, I am currently drafting the final manuscript.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Seven graduate students from the VCU School of Social Work had their work accepted for the university&#8217;s 29th annual Graduate Research Symposium on April 22. Six of them \u2013 two Ph.D. students and four master&#8217;s students \u2013 are scheduled to present throughout the day. Emma Adcook, M.S.W. student Presentation: Adapting Acuity Scales for Community Partners: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9],"tags":[875,874,877,350,876,815,813,855],"class_list":["post-5462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-research","category-students","tag-alexis-payne","tag-cait-parker","tag-emma-adcook","tag-graduate-research-symposium","tag-lauren-slaughter","tag-liliana-morales","tag-lisa-borntrager","tag-sooyeon-jang"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5462"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5462\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5449,"date":"2026-04-17T09:52:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5449"},"modified":"2026-04-17T11:53:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:53:44","slug":"award-winning-student-artwork-celebrates-radical-hope-resistance-for-social-work-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/04\/17\/award-winning-student-artwork-celebrates-radical-hope-resistance-for-social-work-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Award-winning student artwork celebrates radical hope, resistance for Social Work Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two VCU School of Social Work B.S.W. students were honored for artwork they created for a competition to celebrate Social Work Month in March with the theme of Art as Radical Hope and Resistance. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The winners, <strong>Jae Lange<\/strong> and <strong>CaL Luck<\/strong>,\u00a0received prizes in acknowledgment of their time and creative efforts for this project. The school appreciates their inspiring artistic visions in celebration of social justice and hope for Social Work Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1st Place:&nbsp;<em>Collapsing Privilege<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By Jae Lange<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/1st-plc_-Collapsing-Privilege-Jae-Lange-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Jae Lange's Collapsing Privilege, a digital illustration. With a background of a montage of Richmond photos, a raised fist sits on a large monument base, its fingers gripped and crushing the word Privilege.\" class=\"wp-image-5450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/1st-plc_-Collapsing-Privilege-Jae-Lange-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/1st-plc_-Collapsing-Privilege-Jae-Lange-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/1st-plc_-Collapsing-Privilege-Jae-Lange-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/1st-plc_-Collapsing-Privilege-Jae-Lange.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Artist&#8217;s design statement:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I created&nbsp;<em>Collapsing Privilege<\/em>&nbsp;from the tension of growing up biracial in Richmond, Virginia; a city built on monuments, mapped by redlining, and shaped by both erasure and resistance. In Richmond, power is visible. It is carved into stone. It is zoned into neighborhoods. It is defended as history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This piece challenges the idea that privilege is neutral or permanent. It isn\u2019t. It is constructed; through policy, geography, and silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fist in this work is not raised in celebration. It is squeezing. Crushing. Applying pressure to the word \u201cPrivileged.\u201d It represents disruption; the moment when systems built to elevate some at the expense of others are no longer passively accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The maps embedded within the form reference the policies that determined who had access to land, safety, wealth, and stability. The fractured pedestal and vertical split signal strain; not fragility, but force meeting structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As someone who has lived between identities and within systems that both protect and exclude, I understand that privilege does not collapse on its own. It is confronted. It is organized against. It is dismantled collectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Collapsing Privilege<\/em>&nbsp;is not about destruction for destruction\u2019s sake. It is about transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When pressure is applied, structures shift. When systems crack, communities rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This piece is rooted in that belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Medium used: digital illustration<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jae&#8217;s reflections<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"647\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-5456 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/JLange-1.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/JLange-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/JLange-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/JLange-1-768x497.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#7b817e\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>This piece is incredibly personal to me. Being born and raised in Richmond, navigating life as someone who is mixed, and experiencing the complexities of racism firsthand from family has deeply shaped my perspective.<br>&#8220;As I\u2019ve gotten older, I\u2019ve found myself reflecting more on how my own experiences connect to Richmond\u2019s history. It\u2019s actually inspired me to start writing a book exploring those intersections; no timeline on when it\u2019ll be finished, but it\u2019s something I care deeply about.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2nd Place:&nbsp;<em>Grow Anyway<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By CaL Luck<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/2nd-plc_-Grow-Anyway-CaL-Luck-768x1024.png\" alt=\"CaL Luck's Grow Anyway, a digital illustration. Person wearing a red top, ripped blue jeans and black hightop sneakers walks over the sidewalk, where a dandelion sprouts between a crack.\" class=\"wp-image-5452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/2nd-plc_-Grow-Anyway-CaL-Luck-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/2nd-plc_-Grow-Anyway-CaL-Luck-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/2nd-plc_-Grow-Anyway-CaL-Luck.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u200bArtist&#8217;s design statement:<\/strong><br>Dandelions have been classified as weeds despite having many uses and, they support wildlife, the soil, and have lots of benefits for humans as well, both functional and for fun! There are lots of people who don&#8217;t like dandelions and try to remove them and stop them from spreading. They grow anyway, what&#8217;s more radical than that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Medium used: digital illustration<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CaL&#8217;s reflections<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"824\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-5459 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/CaL-Luck.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/CaL-Luck.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/CaL-Luck-300x247.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/CaL-Luck-768x633.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#8391aa\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><br><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&nbsp;I was struggling to find a way to represent the concept without relying heavily on words, and a lot of the concepts I had were very ambitious. I thought about it for a while before thinking about the dandelion concept, and I wanted to add some other subtle forms of resistance, such as the flag and poster on the window in the background. <br>&#8220;I played around with the saturation of the entire piece after getting some tips from my friends who are art students who suggested in order to make the flower more of the main subject, it would have to be brighter than everything else. I also wanted the text to be in my own handwriting, because that&#8217;s something I am a little self-conscious about, and using it anyways fit with the theme.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Two VCU School of Social Work B.S.W. students were honored for artwork they created for a competition to celebrate Social Work Month in March with the theme of Art as Radical Hope and Resistance. \u00a0 The winners, Jae Lange and CaL Luck,\u00a0received prizes in acknowledgment of their time and creative efforts for this project. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,9],"tags":[650,490,872,753,149],"class_list":["post-5449","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community","category-students","tag-art","tag-b-s-w-program","tag-cal-luck","tag-jae-lange","tag-social-work-month"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5449"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5449\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5449"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5449"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5445,"date":"2026-04-15T13:47:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5445"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:00:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:00:15","slug":"a-shakespearean-sprite-and-a-giant-remembering-the-lives-of-jane-reeves-marilyn-biggerstaff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/04\/15\/a-shakespearean-sprite-and-a-giant-remembering-the-lives-of-jane-reeves-marilyn-biggerstaff\/","title":{"rendered":"A \u2018Shakespearean sprite\u2019 and a \u2018giant\u2019: Remembering the lives of Jane Reeves, Marilyn Biggerstaff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They both came east, to Richmond and VCU, in the 1970s. They overlapped at the School of Social Work for approximately 23 years. In their final years, they both resided at the Cedarfield Retirement Community in Richmond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when they passed away earlier this year, only 29 days separated the deaths of <strong>Jane Reeves<\/strong> and <strong>Marilyn Biggerstaff<\/strong>, whose tenures at the School of Social Work touched four different decades and represented a combined 51 years of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jane, the longtime B.S.W. Program director who worked at the school from 1978-2001, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legacy.com\/us\/obituaries\/timesdispatch\/name\/jane-reeves-obituary?id=60590495\">passed away Jan. 6<\/a>. Marilyn, who served from 1977-2005 and retired as a full professor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiacremate.com\/obituaries\/richmond-va\/marilyn-biggerstaff-12738746\">passed away Feb. 4<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-1024x596.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-1024x596.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-768x447.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-1536x895.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Ladies-Aid-Society-2025-2048x1193.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The &#8220;Ladies Aid Society&#8221;: From left, standing, Mary Secret, Mary Katherine O\u2019Connor, Marcia Harrigan, F. Ellen Netting, Elizabeth Cramer, Ann Nichols-Casebolt, Marilyn Biggerstaff, Kia Bentley, Sarah Kye Price and Pam Kovacs. From left, seated, Randi Buerlein, Bev Koerin,&nbsp; Jaclyn Miller, Melissa Abell, Jane Reeves and Amy Rosenbloom.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two were members of \u201cThe Beach Group\u201d and the \u201cLadies\u2019 Aid Society,\u201d made up of former women faculty from the school who regularly traveled to the Outer Banks and who, closer to home, celebrated each other\u2019s promotions, retirements and birthdays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJane and Marilyn\u2019s passing reminds us that our school has been shaped by many remarkable individuals who came before us,\u201d says <strong>Humberto Fabelo<\/strong>, Ph.D., associate professor, who joined the School of Social Work in 1995. \u201cWhile it is always difficult to say goodbye, their lives invite us to pause and reflect with gratitude on how profoundly their contributions \u2013 and those of so many others over the school\u2019s 109-year history \u2013 have brought us to where we are today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs current stewards of this community, we carry both the privilege and the responsibility of honoring Jane\u2019s and Marilyn&#8217;s legacy. It is now our role to build upon their foundation, to care for and strengthen the school, and ultimately to pass it on to the next generation in as strong \u2013 or stronger \u2013 a condition than we received it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Jane-Reeves-far-right.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Jane-Reeves-far-right.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Jane-Reeves-far-right-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Jane Reeves, far right, with Bev Koerin, left, and Humberto Fabelo, second from left. <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jane earned her M.S.W. from Simmons College in Boston and moved to Virginia from Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1972 with her husband, Bill, and their children. She handled field placements for B.S.W. students before becoming the program\u2019s director.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn a personal level, both of these women were impactful in my own journey as an academic and especially as the B.S.W. Program director who followed in Jane&#8217;s shoes \u2026 she left such big shoes to fill I was never sure I&#8217;d measure up,\u201d Fabelo says. \u201cJane was always a source of encouragement and celebrated all the accomplishments of the B.S.W. Program and especially our wonderful students, who were an inspiration to her and many others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Marilyn-Biggerstaff-group-photo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Marilyn-Biggerstaff-group-photo.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Marilyn-Biggerstaff-group-photo-300x211.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Marilyn Biggerstaff, center, with colleagues.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biggerstaff, a faculty emeritus with the school, earned her D.S.W. at the University of Southern California and moved to Richmond to start her career at VCU. She taught in both the M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs, served in leadership with national social work education organizations and was involved in international projects. In 2019, she made a gift to create the school\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2020\/11\/11\/essential-for-the-future-biggerstaffs-gifts-support-doctoral-research\/\">Dr. Marilyn A. Biggerstaff Fund for Doctoral Student Research<\/a>, an annual award that goes to a current Ph.D. student in the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some additional recollections from current members of the VCU community and former colleagues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kristin Hopkins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>M.S.W. admissions assistant and longtime SSW staff member<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJane was literally like a ray of sunshine \u2013 she exuded such positivity and had eyes that literally twinkled (sometimes in a mischievous way)! She would enter and leave the shared Student Services office with a flourish. Even if you had missed seeing her, she left an electricity in the room that could be felt \u2013 you just knew she had been there even if you didn&#8217;t see her. With her short hair and twinkling eyes, she always reminded me of a Shakespearean sprite \u2013 always up to something, but full of goodness \u2026 you could feel it brewing beneath the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMarilyn was someone who could talk to anyone and would always make you feel at ease in an instant. She had such a quiet strength about her \u2013 bold in nature but so gentle in spirit. And she was so funny \u2013 not in an over-the-top kind of way, but just in a matter of fact kind of way. She would often stop into the office, just to say hello and see how we were doing. She saw everyone as individuals and never saw any division between roles and titles, faculty and staff, etc. The one thing that sticks out the most is her love for her dogs \u2013 she would often tell us stories about her dogs. I&#8217;m 99% sure she had a couple of West Highland White Terriers. Marilyn was genuine warmth and kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bev Koerin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Faculty emeritus &amp; 1974 M.S.W. graduate<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have fond memories of going to the Outer Banks, N.C., with Jane, Marilyn and four other social work faculty friends for long weekends over 17 or so years. \u2026 I worked more closely with Jane as B.S.W. director and member of a university committee on undergraduate rules and regulations. She was a strong advocate for students in both of those roles. Jane and I co-authored a couple of articles about B.S.W. education and made presentations at two B.S.W. program directors&#8217; conferences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">F. Ellen Netting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Faculty emeritus<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAfter Marilyn retired, she joined a studio acrylic painting class with (former faculty member) Mary Katherine O\u2019Connor and me. The three of us donated about 50 paintings to The Span Center (formerly Senior Connections). As a resident of Cedarfield, she hit the ground running in getting involved in their community, acting with Radio Players, crafting beautiful fused-glass pieces, painting acrylic landscapes, pressing flowers, and volunteering in the gift shop. She volunteered at The Span Center in multiple ways, donating both time and money.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJane was the B.S.W. Program director when I arrived at the School in 1993. She was one of the most elegant and kind persons one could ever meet. Because I was doing B.S.W. advising, she was always available whenever I needed help. She, too, moved to Cedarfield and became a welcomed part of that community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sarah Kye Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Vocations minister for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia; former faculty member and associate dean&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would like to share the joy that I had in sharing a connection with Jane Reeves, even though we didn\u2019t work together at the School of Social Work at the same time. She reached out to me during my own transition from the school and into full-time ministry as an Episcopal priest. Jane was married to an Episcopal priest and saw immediately the connections between the roles both for promoting healthy systems of care and providing for the biopsychosocial well-being of those with whom we are changed to care. It was lovely to feel \u2018seen\u2019\u201d by someone who could appreciate both roles. I value her connection with me through that shared understanding of vocation.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mary Riddick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Senior director of medical philanthropy and alumni relations, VCU; former SSW development director&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;There is so much that could be said about Dr. Marilyn Biggerstaff, but it all comes down to this: She lived a life of profound intention. She loved fiercely, fought on the frontlines for those without a voice and remained unshakable in her commitments, no matter the cost. While I will cherish our talks, I will most of all remember the example of the life she lived.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">James Romanik<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Executive director of development, VCU College of Humanities &amp; Sciences; former SSW development director<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Dr. Marilyn Biggerstaff was a giant. As a social worker and leader, she was passionately committed to her community and those whom she served. She was a tireless advocate and always refocused efforts to center mission. As a person, she was kind and funny with a profound generosity of spirit. I will miss her wit, her smile and her unfailing ability to call things exactly as she saw them.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Jane Reeves will be sorely missed. She had a deep love for her family and friends and an abiding commitment to her community. Jane gave years of service to the School of Social Work and forged the B.S.W. Program into the pillar it is today. She didn&#8217;t seek recognition \u2013 only the knowledge that her work touched the lives of countless students across the years. Her passing is a loss for everyone who knew her.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amy Strite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>President &amp; CEO, Span Center, &amp; 1990 M.S.W. graduate&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith deep gratitude, we remember Dr. Marilyn Biggerstaff and the many ways she strengthened The Span Center. Marilyn invested generously in the people of The Span Center through her philanthropic giving, the art she so freely shared, and the time she gave as a volunteer. She also gave of her wisdom, personally teaching and guiding leadership development through education and training that enriched both staff and the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn many ways, Marilyn served as a thoughtful and strategic voice, encouraging reflection, growth, and strong leadership. We are, without question, a stronger organization because of her generosity, her teaching and her belief in our work. While we mourn her death, we remain profoundly grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>They both came east, to Richmond and VCU, in the 1970s. They overlapped at the School of Social Work for approximately 23 years. In their final years, they both resided at the Cedarfield Retirement Community in Richmond. And when they passed away earlier this year, only 29 days separated the deaths of Jane Reeves and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":852,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[870,227,226,178,558,867,868,231,869,46],"class_list":["post-5445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community","category-facstaff","tag-amy-strite","tag-bev-koerin","tag-f-ellen-netting","tag-humberto-fabelo","tag-james-romanik","tag-jane-reeves","tag-kristin-hopkins","tag-marilyn-biggerstaff","tag-mary-riddick","tag-sarah-kye-price"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/852"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5445\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":5437,"date":"2026-04-10T10:48:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/?p=5437"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:51:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:51:36","slug":"research-near-and-far-b-s-w-students-present-at-national-conferences-in-richmond-new-orleans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/2026\/04\/10\/research-near-and-far-b-s-w-students-present-at-national-conferences-in-richmond-new-orleans\/","title":{"rendered":"Research near and far: B.S.W. students presenting at national conferences in Richmond, New Orleans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seven VCU School of Social Work undergraduate students are honing their research skills this spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two students, <strong>Nic Stumpo<\/strong> and <strong>Regina Marquez<\/strong>, will present as the <a href=\"https:\/\/ncur.secure-platform.com\/2026\/\">National Conference on Undergraduate Research<\/a> comes to Richmond on April 13-15. Stumpo and five other B.S.W. students presented in February at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bswpdonline.org\/event-list\">Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors&#8217; annual conference <\/a>in New Orleans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, B.S.W. student researchers participate each spring in the VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research &amp; Creativity. But this year, they will be among an expected 4,000 undergraduate student presenters as VCU hosts NCUR at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Established in 2011, NCUR is the flagship conference for the&nbsp;Council on Undergraduate Research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cVCU continues to expand access to transformative, research-supportive learning experiences that prepare our graduates to address complex questions and challenges in a global society,&#8221; says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news.vcu.edu\/article\/vcu-to-host-national-conference-on-undergraduate-research-this-month\"><strong>Herbert Hill<\/strong>, Ed.D.<\/a>, assistant vice provost of undergraduate research and creative inquiry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NCUR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>April 13-15<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Regina-Marquez.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Regina-Marquez.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Regina-Marquez-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Regina-Marquez-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regina Marquez<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>Associations between Black &amp; Latine Caregivers\u2019 Academic Socialization and Children\u2019s Academic Self-Efficacy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> &#8220;My research focuses on how caregivers\u2019 academic socialization practices influence children\u2019s academic self-efficacy, particularly among Black and Latine families. My RA colleague and I have been working hard in creating a poster to have an understanding of how messages about education, perseverance and navigating barriers shape children\u2019s confidence in their academic abilities. I was drawn to this topic because of the important role family support plays in children\u2019s educational outcomes, especially within communities that may face structural challenges in school settings.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presenting:<\/strong> 2:15-3:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, Exhibit Hall A<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Nic-Stumpo-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Nic-Stumpo-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Nic-Stumpo-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Nic-Stumpo-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Presenting in New Orleans<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nic Stumpo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Stumpo made the same presentation at the conference in New Orleans.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>From Clinical Interaction to Socio-ecological Environment: Belongingness in Healthcare for Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Individuals<\/em><br><br><strong>Description: <\/strong>&#8220;In short, the focus of my research is to holistically understand the health care experiences of transgender, nonbinar, and gender-diverse individuals of varying temperaments, statuses and intersectional identities. As a trans person, I recognize the challenging relationship that my community has with seeking and accessing medical care, whether or not the purpose is for gender-affirming interventions. Additionally, the members of my community are as diverse as our experiences. My aim is to conceptualize a guiding framework for the development, evaluation and implementation of health care provision that meets the needs of my entire community.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presenting:<\/strong> 2:15-3:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Exhibit Hall A<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors&#8217; annual conference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Feb. 25-28<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Fuller.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Fuller.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Fuller-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Fuller-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Presenting in New Orleans<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Matthew Fuller<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>From Stress to Disconnection: Minority Stress, Relational-Cultural Theory, and Suicidality Among Queer Adolescents<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description: <\/strong>&#8220;My research focuses on understanding how minority stress and relational disconnection shape psychological distress and suicidality among queer adolescents. I am particularly interested in how stigma\u2011based stressors such as discrimination, internalized stigma and anticipated rejection undermine connection and contribute to elevated suicide risk. I was drawn to this topic because queer youth continue to face disproportionately high rates of distress and suicidality, and I wanted to explore how both structural oppression and relational experiences influence their well\u2011being.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/BPD-group-presentation-Kristyn-Autumn-ELena-Laila.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/BPD-group-presentation-Kristyn-Autumn-ELena-Laila.png 700w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/BPD-group-presentation-Kristyn-Autumn-ELena-Laila-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/534\/2026\/04\/BPD-group-presentation-Kristyn-Autumn-ELena-Laila-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Presenting in New Orleans, from left, Autumn Matusiak, Kristyn Broadwater, Elena Diaz and Laila McGlone<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kristyn Broadwater, Elena Diaz, Laila McGlone &amp; Autumn Matusiak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentation:<\/strong> <em>\u201cRichmond to RVA\u201d: How Historical Discriminatory Housing Policies Have Perpetuated Unethical Change to Marginalized Communities<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Description: &#8220;The BSW Student Association&#8217;s research focused on the historical impacts of gentrification in Richmond and how the effects of past discriminatory policies persist today, negatively impacting marginalized members of the community. Attending the BPD conference was a great opportunity to hear social workers speak on the importance of social work as a profession, and what we can do to make change at the B.S.W. level. Our team&#8217;s general interests include food insecurity, the disproportionate effect of punitive discipline on marginalized groups and the educational discrimination that children with disabilities face. It was a wonderful experience to learn what social work students nationwide are passionate about and hear them spread awareness about their social issues.&#8221; <strong>\u2013 Laila McGlone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Seven VCU School of Social Work undergraduate students are honing their research skills this spring. Two students, Nic Stumpo and Regina Marquez, will present as the National Conference on Undergraduate Research comes to Richmond on April 13-15. Stumpo and five other B.S.W. students presented in February at the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors&#8217; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9],"tags":[830,865,864,866,861,862,735,863],"class_list":["post-5437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-research","category-students","tag-autumn-matusiak","tag-elena-diaz","tag-kristyn-broadwater","tag-laila-mcglone","tag-national-conference-on-undergraduate-research","tag-nic-stumpo","tag-poster-symposium-for-undergraduate-research","tag-regina-marquez"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5437\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]