Although the Fall 2020 semester looks very different from previous fall semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FSU College of Social Work is proud to welcome its newest cohort of doctoral students. Each comes to FSU with a wealth of previous experience in social work and a desire to make a difference in social work research and academia. Meet our Fall 2020 Doctoral Cohort:

Michaé Cain

Michaé comes to FSU with an interest in researching intimate partner and domestic violence, women’s issues, youth development and the factors impacting college enrollment for low income and first-generation students. From Savanna la Mara, Westmoreland in Jamaica, Michaé is the eldest of eight children. She has worked in the social work field in several areas including in community organization and development, advocacy, medical social work, administration and project/program development.

“I look forward to making new connections that will enhance my knowledge, skillset and experience in research and academia. I was drawn to FSU’s doctoral program in social work because of the emphasis placed on molding scholarly leaders in research and teaching,” said Michaé.

Breanna Kim

Breanna is from Naples, Florida and returns to Florida State after receiving her BSW and MSW degrees from the College of Social Work. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a transition specialist with Project Connect, working with youth recently released from residential programs as they transitioned into the community. After earning her MSW, Breanna developed a keen interest in public policy. She has worked in several administrative roles for the state of Florida. She hopes to contribute to a growing body of research that helps inform public policy through a social work perspective, particularly those impacted by the criminal justice system.

“FSU is where I found my passion for the criminal justice population and I think it will bring me full circle in my academic studies. FSU is a great fit because it houses some of the best minds studying the intersection of social work and criminal justice,” expressed Breanna.

Savarra Tadeo

Savarra is from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area and has prior field experience with trauma and adolescent populations within hospital settings. She is interested in researching youth health and mental health topics such as risk behaviors, adversities and outcomes. Her current research focuses on youth suicidal behavior, substance use, victimization, academic performance, risky health and mental health behaviors, and other health and mental health outcomes. Her research also examines disparities between heterosexual youth and sexual minority youth.

"I decided to pursue a doctoral degree in social work because I want to continue my research and add to the knowledge base and intervention database with the goal of increasing youth health and mental health wellness," stated Savarra.

Megan Vogt

Megan, from Chandler, Arizona, is drawn to studying the intersection of social work and criminal justice, with a particular interest in gender issues, mental health, trauma and education. She became interested in criminal justice after her experience in a study abroad program to the United Kingdom. Megan has prior experience working with women and children with eating disorders as well as with juveniles involved in the criminal justice system. She hopes to continue learning more about reentry and working with the FSU Institute for Justice Research and Development to improve the lives of people impacted by the criminal justice system.

“As passionate as I am about criminal justice, I knew that I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree. I genuinely love to learn, and in social work the people I admire most in the field had doctoral degrees and consistently go above and beyond for change. I am eager to learn alongside my fabulous cohort about the areas we are most passionate about,” remarked Megan.