PhD in Social Work.
Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I obtained my MSW at the IU School of Social Work here on the IUPUI campus and enjoyed that experience and the professors I had. Several of my professors and the Dean encouraged me to think about the PhD program. I had wanted to become a professor since entering college so the encouragement I received from my MSW program was reassuring. I kept in touch with the school after graduating and still sought guidance from some professors when it came time to seriously consider programs and apply. When it came time to apply to doctoral programs, this was the only one I wanted to attend so I was so thankful when I was accepted.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
After completing my two years of coursework I published my first article. I was the sole author and shortly after that I collaborated with a professor and our article was also accepted for publication with me as first author. Going through the peer review process was a great learning experience and it was exciting to see my work in journals. It was also somewhat surreal to go from reading articles as a student to now having my name on one with the potential for a student like me to someday read it. This was a great step for me as I prepare for life in academia.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
When I was getting my MSW I lived downtown with my wife. We loved being in walking distance of the canal as well as the all the restaurants and bars downtown has to offer. We now have two small children and though we don’t live downtown anymore, we now enjoy Indianapolis for all it has to offer young families like the Children’s Museum.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
During my first three years I was a project coordinator for a HRSA training grant. Over the three years of the grant, 98 MSW were trained in evidence based practices for working with transitional age youth. I have also had the opportunity to teach classes at both the graduate and undergraduate level, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. In addition to this I am also completing the Certificate of College Teaching offered through the Center for Teaching and Learning to enhance my teaching skills. I also am a reviewer for a social work journal that publishes the work of PhD students.
My research interests include child welfare with a focus on the service providers, interprofessional collaboration and education, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. I have been fortunate to find multiple professors and students to collaborate with both here on campus but also across the country who I continue to work with producing manuscripts for publication as well as conference presentations and posters.