FSU Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Member Kaela Byers
“My inspiration to pursue social work stemmed from a commitment to human rights and desire to address disparities at a systems level, particularly for vulnerable children and families,” shared Dr. Kaela Byers. “I was particularly drawn to the potential for research to inform policy and practice changes that lead to more supportive and accessible systems.”
Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Dr. Byers joins the Florida State University College of Social Work faculty as an associate professor in the fall of 2025.
She comes to FSU after serving as an associate research professor at the University of Kansas (KU). While there, she led and contributed to numerous studies exploring protective factors, parent-child relationships, and system-level strategies aimed at preventing child maltreatment.
Her expertise in mixed-methods research and program evaluation has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that prioritize family preservation and well-being. In her most recent role at KU, she served as associate Director for the Center for Public Partnerships and Research. She worked closely with local, state, and national partners to develop and evaluate innovative strategies for building community and system capacity to better support child and family well-being.
Her research and scholarship focus on community, structural, and systems-level issues that impact children, families, and their communities. “I work closely with local communities, state leaders, and lived experts to identify, implement, and evaluate innovative, data- and family-informed strategies to strengthen systems of family support,” explained Dr. Byers.
She served as principal investigator of the Kansas Family First Prevention Services Act and Kansas Family Resource Center initiatives since the state’s early adoption of this federal legislation in 2019, which enabled the use of child welfare dollars for prevention services. These ongoing evaluations support the provision of essential services to children and families across the state.
Her research approaches include mixed-method approaches, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex social issues. This includes rigorous program evaluations and community-engaged research methodologies that center the voices of those with lived experiences.
“I envision a future where all families have access to comprehensive, connected community support systems that meet their needs and challenges before challenges become crises,” she articulated. “My research will continue to explore policy, practice, and structures impacting social determinants of health and family well-being.”
In the classroom, she works with students to build their capacity to critically engage with policies that shape and impact the systems and services in the United States. “Social workers are uniquely equipped to inform socially just policy development and reform, especially when also furnished with evidence and an understanding of underlying research methods,” she emphasized. “I am committed to teaching and mentoring students to develop as change agents with well-rounded skillsets grounded in practical experience.”
“I am thrilled to join this community that values both rigorous research and meaningful community engagement,” she enthused. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the faculty and students at FSU to advance research that makes a tangible difference for children and families.”