Research Newsletter | Summer 2025
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At the University of Kansas, we are committed to making the Midwest – and the world – a better place through the power of research.
At the KU School of Social Welfare, our researchers are addressing critical issues locally, nationally, and globally. They are partnering with communities to improve outcomes in child welfare, healthcare, and public policy, and advancing the science of social work through practice-based interventions that better serve vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.
Our faculty and research staff are committed to projects that create a better future and improve people’s everyday lives. Explore the far-reaching impact of research and service from the KU School of Social Welfare – because when research meets real life, meaningful change happens.
We invite you to contact us at kusswdo@ku.edu. Your feedback and collaboration are extremely important to us.
Take good care,
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Michelle Mohr Carney, PhD, MSSA
Dean and Professor, KU School of Social Welfare
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#1 ranking for social work research at KU |
The University of Kansas is a top-ranked public university for federally funded research in Social Work, according to the national Higher Education & Research Development (HERD) Survey. KU also ranks No. 3 among public universities for overall research and development funding in Social Work.
The most recent HERD Survey from the National Science Foundation ranked KU in:
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- No. 1 in Social Work - federally funded R&D (public institutions)
- No. 3 in Social Work - overall R&D (public institutions)
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The latest HERD survey is based on fiscal year 2023 data.
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KU launches new Center for the Advancement of Healthcare for Everyone |
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Social Welfare professors win university awards for international impact |
A pair of KU School of Social Welfare professors received university international research and teaching awards during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Professor Terry Koenig was awarded the KU International Affairs Advisory Board International Research Award for her research exploring the resilience of African refugees and their often violent journeys from home to northern Italy.
Professor of the Practice Melinda Lewis received the International Affairs Advisory Board International Teaching Award for 2024. Lewis was recognized for her work leading the School’s Costa Rica study abroad program and aligning the course with the School’s innovative curriculum, in partnership with the University of Costa Rica's Social Work Department.
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Faculty Research Spotlight: Logan Shinkai Knight |
Assistant Professor Logan Shinkai Knight emphasizes lived experiences in her research, focusing on human trafficking and platforming a survivor-led movement. Her goal is to change the narrative and culture.
Knight's research prioritizes survivor leadership and expertise for developing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to address human trafficking. Her work on survivor resilience and altruism involves survivors in all stages of research, from study design to dissemination.
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Faculty Research Spotlight: Tadeo Weiner Davis |
The Kansas City Metro area made a lasting impact on Assistant Professor Tadeo Weiner Davis. He was born in La Paz, Bolivia, but moved to Kansas City when he was 8 years old and grew up there.
Weiner Davis was exposed to the communities and social movements in Kansas City and Chicago, and his social work education led him on a path toward research that could inform the political work of marginalized groups in Kansas City.
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Faculty Research Spotlight: Whitney Grube |
Assistant Professor Whitney Grube is focused on helping the most vulnerable. That’s a passion she’s had since she was an undergraduate student studying behavioral science at KU.
Before joining the KU School of Social Welfare faculty, Grube spent the better part of 10 years as a research associate working on various projects involving children and families.
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| Grant award expands arts-based aging project |
The KU Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) awarded the 2024 AAI Art & Humanities Grant to faculty member Sarah Jen to expand a project that documents the influence of an art-based intervention among communities of older adults and intergenerational audiences.
Read more
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| Examining approaches to international domestic violence |
Claire Willey-Sthapit, an assistant professor of social welfare at KU with family ties to Nepal, became interested in how service providers, families and communities address domestic violence while working with a Nepali nongovernmental organization.
Read more
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| Evaluating alternative depression treatments for LGBTQ individuals |
Associate Professor Briana McGeough led an evaluation of tools contained in “LGBTQI Workbook for CBT” by Erik Schott, a text designed to help guide individuals through tools of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Read more
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Green Hall
1535 West 15th Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
socwelweb@ku.edu
785-864-4720
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The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or online and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or online.
© The University of Kansas. 2025.
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