FSU College of Social Work Alumnus Dr. Daniel Dunleavy graduated this summer with his social work doctoral degree. His dissertation, titled “Appraising contemporary social work research: Meta research on statistical reporting, statistical power, and evidential value,” (Major professor: Dr. Jeffrey Lacasse) reflects his research interests in research methods and statistical inference. Dr. Dunleavy’s research interests also include mental health, substance abuse, child welfare and the philosophy of science.

He took on a new role at Florida State University this fall with the Center for the Translational Behavioral Science (CTBS) at the FSU College of Medicine as a postdoctoral fellow. In this role, he splits his time between two projects as a project coordinator and methodologist.

Both projects appeal to his interest in mental health and substance use. The first project investigates the relationship between health-risk behaviors (e.g., tobacco or alcohol use, living a sedentary lifestyle, sleep deprivation, etc.) that people may engage in and the stress associated with overt or covert discrimination and racism. The second project investigates how Florida legislation on the medical use of marijuana/cannabis has impacted the prescribing of opioid medications.

For Dr. Dunleavy, social work and medicine go hand-in-hand, particularly with  health, mental health and substance use. “Many problems social workers deal with have direct and indirect linkages with medicine. Likewise, medical problems are influenced and shaped by the kinds of social factors we as social workers are most concerned with, including but not limited to, poverty and homelessness, child maltreatment, access to healthcare and social services, and experiences of trauma.” Dunleavy explained.

For Dr. Dunleavy, the most exciting aspect of this new position is the opportunity to collaborate on “team science” with a group of researchers  at different stages in their academic careers and with various backgrounds. “I get to work with a diverse group of people, each with a unique skillset, background and expertise,” he said. “This includes a team with backgrounds in psychology, social work, medicine, nutrition, public health, and sociology.” Three of the researchers he works closely with include the director of CTBS, Dr. Sylvie Naar, as well as Dr. Nicole Ennis and Dr. Seyram Butame.

While enjoying his new role, he also faces the same challenges faced by the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home has made it easier to stay safe with his young family and pets, but he admits that it“has made it more difficult than usual for getting acquainted with new projects, new team members and a new work culture.”

Despite these challenges, Dr. Dunleavy is enjoying his new role and team, feeling prepared by the support and methodological skills he gained at the College of Social Work. “I look forward to seeing the doctoral program at the college continue to grow,” he stated, also recalling favorite memories in the program, which included presenting some of his research at a mental health conference in Prague, Czech Republic. He encourages new and potential doctoral students to continue to take it one day at a time, but to also “follow their passions and not to be afraid to ‘cold call’ or email their heroes or desired mentors.”

“Exciting and fulfilling work is good for the (academic) soul,” Dr. Dunleavy concluded. “The digital age has made it easier than ever to reach out to, connect with, and collaborate with great thinkers.” To contact Dr. Dunleavy, email daniel.dunleavy@med.fsu.edu.