Welcome New Faculty Member Kaela Byers
Dr. Byers joings the college with an expertise in child welfare, focusing on policy, practice, and structures impacting social determinants of health and family well-being.
Research Study Examines Organizational Factors’ Impact on Work-Related Burnout in Child Welfare Workers
Researchers focused on what predictors most impacted work-related burnout in Florida's child welfare workers.
Welcome New Faculty Member JaNiene Peoples
Dr. Peoples joins the college with a research focus on understanding the risk and protective factors that influence mental health and substance use in adults and college students.
Longtime Faculty Member Dr. Dina Wilke Retires
This summer the College of Social Work bid farewell to Dr. Wilke after decades of dedicated leadership and scholarship.
Researchers Dive into the Impact of Hurricanes on Florida's Foster Care Youth
Dr. Gashaye Tefera and Dr. John Mathias are leading a project to explore the experiences foster youth and their families during and after hurricanes in Florida.
From Pilot to Practice: Adapting Trauma Intervention for Foster Youth
A study led by Dr. Tanya Renn is generating new insights into how to adapt trauma interventions for the challenges facing foster youth.
Study Examines Longitudinal Service Trajectories of Children Entering Residential Care
A study run by Dr. Shamra Boel-Studt and the Institute for Quality Children's Services examines different pathways for children entering residential care.
Faculty Member's New Book Offers a Practical Guide on Foster Parent Collaboration
Dr. Lisa Schelbe and her coauthor Amanda Preston's recent published book works to bridge the gap between child welfare professionals and foster parents.
Research Study Highlights Occupational Impact on Cognitive Health in Older Adults
A recent study led by Dr. Qiuchang Katy Cao explored how occupational experiences before age 60 mediate the relationship between education and cognitive function for adults age 65 and older.
Faculty Member Receives University Teaching Award
Jessica Greil-Burkart received a 2025 University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching
Faculty & Research Overview
The FSU College of Social Work is highly focused on conducting research that transforms and impacts the lives of individuals, groups, families, and communities. To accomplish this goal, our work is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative.
Our research related to social problems and vulnerable populations translates into impactful change in policy, practice, and society. Our faculty, centers and institutes, doctoral students, and research collaborations focus on translational outcomes in the areas of child welfare, criminal justice, health/mental health, social welfare/poverty, health and healthcare, environmental justice, gerontology, family violence, and literacy.
Our college boasts an amazing faculty with high-impact academics doing high-impact research. Our faculty have been named prominent scientists at national academies, the Society for Social Work and Research fellows, Rhodes Scholars, and other national and international honors. As an intellectual community, our faculty believes in a diverse approach to research, using a wide range of research methods to address the important social problems facing our communities. We involve students in research. BSW, MSW, and PhD students are valuable partners and collaborators in the FSU College of Social Work research.
Florida Institute for Child Welfare
FSU Multidisciplinary Center
Institute for Justice Research and Development
Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies
Institute for Quality Children's Services
Maura's Voice Research Fund
