Human Rights

Lauren is a doctoral candidate in the College of Social Work at Florida State University. Her research interests center on disparities in access to health and mental health care, with particular attention to structural and policy-level determinants. Drawing on her clinical and research experience, she explores how systemic inequities shape service delivery and outcomes for children and families. Her interests include the intersection of complex trauma and health, the role of state and institutional policy in care access, and the development of equitable systems of care.

Ponsiano Ngondwe (Pons) is a social work doctoral student at the College of Social Work. Pons’ research interests focus on education access for vulnerable populations such as persons with disabilities, especially refugee children. Pons’ other interests include empowering vulnerable populations: refugees, street families, and women in informal settlements. Pons holds an MSW from Boston College and a Master of Arts in Migration Theology from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.