Faculty Research
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Faculty News
The UTCSW Faculty have been busy during the spring semester. Through publishing important research, expanding research overseas, serving in fellowship programs, and even winning awards, these scholars are making the world a better place every day and in every way. Fiona Doherty Dr. Fiona Doherty has been selected as a Fellow for the National Science…
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Dr. Fiona Doherty Publishes Two Research Articles Discussing Climate Change
Dr. Fiona Doherty recently published two research articles that discuss climate change in various aspects and the challenges that accompany it. An article titled “Age-Friendly Strategies for a Warming World” published in the latest issue of Generations Today, examines how climate change uniquely affects older adults and highlights age-friendly strategies communities can use to reduce…
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Enhancing Dementia Awareness Through Faith Leadership in Ghana
Dr. Tiffany Washington recently conducted international research focused on enhancing dementia awareness through faith leadership in Ghana. With support from the Engagement Scholarship Consortium and the UT College of Social Work, while partnering with the Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Association of Ghana, Washington delivered a culturally grounded dementia education initiative designed to strengthen public understanding…
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Dr. Courtney Cronley Named 2026 SSWR Fellow
UT Professor Dr. Courtney Cronley has been named a member of the 2026 class of SSWR Fellows. The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Fellows are members who have served with distinction to advance the mission of the Society — to advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and…
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SSWR Presentations 2026
The UT College of Social Work faculty and PhD students are presenting their latest research and projects at the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference, Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice. Our presenters will share important insights and advance the field of social work on the national stage. Check the schedule…
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Leading the Way: UTCSW’s Outstanding Faculty Drive Social Work Innovation
University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW) faculty members are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation that shape the future of social work education, practice, and policy. Their dedication to advancing knowledge is evident in innovative studies, influential publications, and collaborative projects that address pressing social challenges. By combining expertise with passion,…
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UTK and Knoxville Family Justice Center’s Partnership Focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness
UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS), and the Knoxville Family Justice Center (KFJC) partnered to lead the community in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2025 through a powerful lineup of events, outreach initiatives, and a renewed focus on survivor-centered care. Although emphasized in…
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Examining the Indirect Effect of Dementia Caregiving Status on Mental Health Through Coping Resources
Dr. Fei Wang’s latest research, published in Research on Aging, uncovers how resilience plays a key role in shaping mental health outcomes among U.S. caregivers—especially distinguishing between those caring for individuals with dementia vs. non-dementia. The study also highlights how perceived gains from caregiving can enhance caregiver well-being. Caregivers of older adults with dementia generally…
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Pilot Study to Assess Drinking at Bars or Events Located within Grocery Stores
A newly accepted manuscript by UTCSW Cooper-Herron Endowed Professor in Mental Health Dr. Bridget Freisthler, was completed with Honors Undergraduate students as part of a research class when Freisthler worked at Ohio State University. The novel piece is that grocery stores have been increasingly serving alcohol at bars located within the stores and creating events…
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Innovative Contributions and Unparalleled Expertise Accompany New Faculty
The UT College of Social Work welcomed three exceptional faculty members: DR. RUBÉN PARRA-CARDONA, Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair; DR. BRIDGET FREISTHLER, Cooper- Herron Endowed Professor in mental health; and DR. TIFFANY WASHINGTON, Associate Professor (health specialization). These faculty brought innovative contributions and unparalleled expertise in each of their respective fields. Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona…