Rutgers School of Social Work is pleased to introduce this year’s Ph.D. program graduates. This distinguished group of scholars has completed rigorous academic and research training and is now poised to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of social work scholarship, policy, and practice.
Throughout their time in the Rutgers Ph.D. in social work program, these graduates have demonstrated outstanding scholarly achievement. Their research portfolios include peer-reviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, and community-engaged scholarship. Collectively, their work reflects a strong commitment to social justice, health equity, and the development of evidence-informed solutions to critical social challenges.
The scholarly and professional interests of this cohort span a wide array of topics, including:
- Social support and reciprocity within refugee and immigrant communities
- Poverty and gender disparities
- Culturally responsive and community-informed social work practice
- The impact of trauma on young adult well-being
- Military sexual trauma and systems of care
- Disparities in educational attainment
- Social inequalities and their effects on health outcomes among older adults
"These graduates represent the next generation of leaders in social work research and education," said Dr. Cassandra Simmel, Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program. "Their academic and professional accomplishments to date speak to their dedication, innovation, and capacity to shape the future of our field."
Graduates from this cohort are currently pursuing a range of academic and research-focused positions, including tenure-track faculty roles, postdoctoral fellowships, and research appointments across a variety of institutional settings.
Those interested in learning more about the graduates and their areas of expertise are encouraged to visit their individual profiles or the Rutgers School of Social Work 2025 Ph.D. graduates book.
