Human Rights

Lauren is a doctoral candidate in the College of Social Work at Florida State University. Her research interests include differences in access to care among vulnerable populations. Lauren’s experiences as a licensed clinical social worker and research assistant, both globally and locally, inform her focus on bridging gaps in mental health services. She is particularly interested in addressing the needs of those affected by structural injustices, especially at the intersection of complex trauma and health. 

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.