Meet our Ph.D. Graduates and Candidates

Marjorie Colindres Thulin, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW

Dissertation Title: Multidisciplinary School Personnel’s Lived Experiences Working with Newcomer Latine Students: An Exploratory Phenomenological Study

Dissertation Chair and Committee: John Orwat, Ph.D. (Chair), Terry Northcut, Ph.D., James C. Raines, Ph.D.

Education:
Ph.D. - Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
MSW - University of Illinois at Chicago
BA/BS - Spanish Literature/Psychology, Loyola University Chicago

Licensures and Certifications:
Certificate - Online Teaching Certification, Lewis University
Certificate - Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1
Certificate - Mental and Emotional Regulation
Certificate - Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
License - Crisis Intervention Prevention Instructor Associate
License - Clinical Social Worker - Illinois, 149.018025
Yoga Instructor in School Certification at Yoga by Degrees
Type 75 Professional Educator License with a General Administrative Endorsement from Lewis University
Type 73 Professional Educator License in School Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago

Research Statement: Dr. Colindres research focuses on exploring, understanding, and addressing the unmet health, academic, and social needs of K-12 public school students who are English language learners. She is particularly interested in how multidisciplinary school personnel identify and respond to these needs within complex educational systems. The research is grounded in equity, team dynamics, and school-based structures that can better support students facing systemic barriers. Her dissertation exemplifies this agenda by exploring how school personnel perceive and navigate newcomer Latine students’ unmet needs through the coordination and use of culturally responsive support.

Research Interests:

• Unmet mental health and academic needs of K-12 English learners
• Special education and culturally responsive interventions for English learners
• How multidisciplinary teams identify, interpret, and respond to student needs
• School social work history, roles, and professional development pathways
• Technology integration and learning practices in modern educational settings

Teaching Interests:

• Research Methods in Social Work
• Clinical Social Work Practice and Policy
• Children and Adolescent Development
• Social Work with Individuals and Families
• Social Work Group Work

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships

2021-2026 - The Attoh Fellowship, Loyola University Chicago
2023-2024 - The Leadership Education in Health Programs Fellowship, University of Minnesota
2012 - Certificate of Achievement, Latino Committee on University Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago
2010-2011 - Dean’s Award Stipend, University of Illinois at Chicago
2005-2008 - LEAP Grant, Loyola University Chicago

Publications:

Colindres Thulin, M., Eadeh, H., LeBouef, S., Kaja, S., & McMorris, B.J. (2026). Exploring post-high school plans and educational experiences of Latine students in Minnesota: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2026.2652509

Colindres, M., & Robles-Sinkule, M. (2025). Navigating success: A scoping review of Latinx students’ high school diploma attainment in the United States. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2025.2515984

LeBouef, S., Dworkin, J., & Colindres, M. (2025). Applying the family fundamental interpersonal relations orientation model to the study of first-generation college students. The Journal of Higher Education., 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2025.2522000

Colindres, M. (accepted). A historical comparison of how school social workers responded to the Spanish Flu, Polio and COVID-19. International Journal of School Social Work.

Kelly, M., & Colindres, M. (2013). Task-centered practice. In Encyclopedia of Social Work.

Presentations:

Bastian, L., Brown, C., McMorris, B. J., Mathiason, M., & Colindres, M. (2025, March 28). Minoritized social positions, mental health, and sexual risk behaviors: A statewide exhaustive CHAID analysis [Paper presentation]. The annual meeting of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, Indianapolis, IN, United States.

Colindres, M., Kaja, S., Eadeh, H.M., Le Bouef, S., & McMorris, B.J. (2024, October 4). What are the aspirations and experiences of Latine students? Findings & implications from a cross-sectional study [Paper presentation]. Latino Social Workers Organization National Chicago Conference at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.

Starin K., Colindres M., Bell A., Goodman L.P., McMorris B.J., & Hendel K.R. (2024, June 9). DiscoverU: Unpacking the mindful eating component of a mentoring afterschool program for adolescents in a resource-constrained community [Poster presentation]. Association of Public Health Nutritionists Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN, United States.

Cebulla M., McMorris B.J., Colindres M., Sherwood N., & Hendel K.R. (2024, June 11). Fostering adolescent afterschool engagement: A qualitative study investigating insights and priorities from parents around nutrition and physical activity promotion in afterschool programs [Paper presentation]. The Association of Public Health Nutritionists Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, United States.

Arlinghaus, K.R., Starin, K., Colindres, M., Bell, A., Goodman, L.P., Sherwood, N.E., & McMorris, B.J. (2024, May 23). Cross-age mentoring to promote health and wellness in an afterschool program for adolescents: A formative mixed-methods evaluation [Paper presentation]. International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Omaha, NE, United States.

Perkins, N. H., Shadik, J. A., & Colindres, M. (2024, April 4-7). An examination of physical and emotional sibling violence & protective factors in childhood in a sample of MSW students [Poster presentation]. 2024 Joint Conference on Social Work, Education, and Social Development, Panama City, Panama.

Colindres, M. (2024, March 13). A secondary data analysis of the mental health status of adolescents during COVID-19 [Poster presentation]. 27th Annual National School Social Work Conference, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Sinkule, M., & Colindres, M. (2024, March 14). Encouraging Latinx students to pursue higher education with the support of school personnel [Paper presentation]. 27th Annual National School Social Work Conference in Baltimore, MD, United States.

McMorris B.J., Bell A.N., Goodman L., Onchiri M., Colindres M., Sherwood N., & Arlinghaus K. (2024, February 29). Are Adolescents’ Social Emotional Skills and Physical Activity Levels Protective against Anxiety and Depression? Findings from the DiscoverU Afterschool Demonstration Project [Poster presentation]. The annual meeting of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, Minneapolis, MN, United States. [Distinguished Abstract]

Phillippo, K., Colindres, M., & Dominguez, V. (2024, February 23-25). "A war between stories”: Competing racialized merit narratives’ role in policy formation [Conference presentation]. Sociology of Education Association Conference, Monterey, CA, United States.

Herweh, K., Ayalew, Y., & Colindres, M. (2024, January 12). A content analysis of social work publications in select journals during the COVID-19 pandemic [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research 28th Annual Conference in Washington D.C., United States.

Colindres, M., Ayalew, Y. & Herweh, K. (2024, January 12). Students spoke! Perceived mental health of high school students during the pandemic in the United States [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work Research 28th Annual Conference in Washington D.C., United States.

Sungsim Lee, Ph.D., LSW, MSW, MA

Dissertation Title: A Qualitative Study of Gratitude Practice among Won Buddhist Older Adults and Implications for Gerontological Social Work

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Terry B. Northcut, Ph.D. (Chair), Edward R. Canda Ph.D. (Methodologist), Holly Nelson-Becker, Ph.D. (Member)

Education:
Ph.D. - Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
MSW - School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania
MA - Won Buddhist Studies, Won Institute of Graduate Studies
BA - Won Buddhist Studies, Wonkwang University
BA - Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education, Daegu University

Research Statement: Dr. Lee's long-term research explores spiritually grounded gratitude as a pathway to holistic well-being, healthy aging, social justice, and cultural diversity. Drawing on Won Buddhist wisdom, she seeks to deepen conceptual understandings of spiritually grounded gratitude through empirical research, foster interdisciplinary dialogue between spirituality and contemporary social work, and advance both theory and practice. Her dissertation exemplifies this broader agenda by enriching our understanding of how gratitude, as practiced by Won Buddhist older adults and rooted in the worldview of interdependent relationships, functions as a way of living that nurtures resilience, meaning-making, interconnectedness, and holistic well-being. Through this line of research, she aims to advance spiritually sensitive, culturally responsive, and strengths-based social work scholarship and practice while broadening interdisciplinary conversations on spirituality, well-being, and social justice. 

Research Interests:

• Gerontological social work and healthy aging
• Spiritually grounded gratitude and holistic well-being
• Qualitative inquiry and interdisciplinary dialogue
• Ecospiritual social work and community well-being
• Social justice and culturally responsive practice

Teaching Interests:

• Human behavior in the social environment
• Social work practice
• Gerontological social work
• Qualitative research methods
• Spirituality and social work
• Culturally responsive social work

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
2026 – Dissertation of the Year Award (Professional Schools), Loyola University Chicago
2026 – Ph.D. Dissertation Defense, Passed with Distinction, Loyola University Chicago
2026-Present – Elected Full Member, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
2025-Present – Selected Member, Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA)
2023 – Outstanding Dissertation Proposal Award, KASWEA (CSWE Annual Program Meeting)
2021 – Comprehensive Examination, Passed with Distinction (Oral and Written), Loyola University Chicago
2019-2022 – Loyola Ignatian Fellow for Social Justice
2015 – John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award
2013–2015 – Donald J. Deutsch Endowed Graduate Fellowship

Publications:

Lee, S., Tyson McCrea, K., Sorensen, B. L., Wynn, N., & Miller, K. M. (2025). Toward a Theory of Resistance for an Emancipatory Social Work. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 36(3), 501–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428232.2025.2495431

Lee, S., & Northcut, T. B. (2025). The ecospiritual approach for the advancement of social work: a concept and practice of ‘interconnectedness’ in Won Buddhism. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 44(2), 99–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2024.2384381

Choi, K., & Lee, S. (2025). Religion and spirituality for Korean social work education and practice: Historical perspectives, current trends, and future direction. In A. S. Yoon, S.-H. Kim, M. Lee, & J. Ji (Eds.), Social work practice, research, employment, and education for Koreans in the United States. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/social-work-practice-research-empowerment-and-education-for-koreans-in-the-united-states-9781666960709/

Lee, S. (2025). Spiritually sensitive social work and social justice for an inclusive and holistic approach in social work education and practice throughout the lifespan. In E. Counselman-Carpenter (Ed.), An intersectional approach to human behavior in the social environment: Decolonizing theory to practice (pp. 128–158). Cognella. https://titles.cognella.com/an-intersectional-approach-to-human-behavior-in-the-social-environment-9798823348430?srsltid=AfmBOooLeMb3gdWs1vjJ0dKsIFEPbhTPj7tpikt8rptky1y1Nj9XtBNA

Lee, S. (2024). Won Buddhist and ecospiritual social work. In Y. Fujimori & J. Gohori (Eds.), Buddhist social work in East Asia: South Korea and Japan (Research Series No. 10, pp. 31–42). ARIISW-Shukutoku, Gakubunsha.

Lee, S. (2020). Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice Innovation in Aging. Volume 4, Issue Supplement_1, 2020, Page 16. [Conference abstract]. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.053 https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/4/Supplement_1/16/6035697

Scholarly Translation:

Canda, E. R. (2025). Introduction to spiritually sensitive social work practice: For trainings at social welfare organizations in South Korea. English & Korean. [Translator, Sungsim Lee]. Lawrence, KS: Spiritual Diversity and Social Work Initiative, School of Social Welfare, The University of Kansas. (PDF) Resources for Spirituality and Social Work Training in Korea 2025

Presentations:

Lee, S. (2026, November). Multidimensional Well-Being in Later Life Through Gratitude Practice. Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting, National Harbor, MD.

Lee, S. (2026, November). Gratitude Practice and Resilience in Later Life: A Transformational Pathway. Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting, National Harbor, MD.

Lee, S. & Canda, E. R. (2026, October). Everyday Awareness and Embodied Gratitude: Exploring Mindful Ways of Living and Spiritual Development among Won Buddhist Older Adults. 2026 International Conference on Mindfulness - Asia Pacific (ICM-AP) Seoul, Korea.

Flower, M. & Lee, S. (2025, January). Contemplative Auto-Ethnographies As Transmutational Means?: A Teacher-Action Research Project Exploring the Long-Term Impacts on Social Work Student's Personal, Professional, and Ethical Development (Virtual Poster Presentation). 2025 Society for Social Work Research (SSWR) Conference.

Choi, K & Lee, S (2024, October) Religion and Spirituality in Korean American Social Work Education and Practice. 2024 CSWE Conference Indigenous perspectives and environmental justice within Korean American social work practice CSWE-KASWEA Partnership Session, Kansas City, MO.

Lee, S. (2024, April). Gratitude Practice among Won Buddhist Older Adults and Implications for Gerontological Social Work. 2024 Social Work Social Development (SWSD) Conference, Panama City, Panama

Lee, S. (2024, April) Grace and Gratitude in Ecospiritual Social Work: Insights from Won Buddhism. 2024 Social Work Social Development (SWSD) Conference, Panama City, Panama

Lee, S. & Northcut, T. (2023, June). The Ecospiritual Approach for the Advancement of Social Work: A Concept and Practice of ‘Interconnectedness’ in Won Buddhism 2023 Canadian Society for Spirituality and Social Work (CSSSW) Conference. Halifax, Canada.

Lee, S. & Northcut, T. (2022, November). Ecospiritual Approach for Advancement of Human Rights: A Concept of ‘Interconnectedness’ and Practical Explorations. 2022 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Conference. Anaheim, CA.

Lee, S. & Mukerji, S. (2022, June). Areas of Connection between Ecospiritual Social Work and Buddhism: Practical Examples from Won Buddhism. 2022 The Society for Spirituality and Social Work (SSSW) Virtual Conference.

Freely, P., Sorenson, B., Lee, S., Wynn, N., & Miller, K. (2022, January). Beyond the Cosmetic Diversification: An Exploratory Comparative Content Analysis of One School of Social Work’s Initial Effort to Decolonize Foundation Level Syllabi (Poster Presentation). 2022 Society for Social Work Research (SSWR) Virtual Conference.

Freely, P., Lee, S., Miller, K. Sorenson, B., & Wynn, N. (2021, January). Towards an Emancipatory Science for Social Work: Bringing Social Workers’ Resistances Against Injustice into the Light. (Roundtable Presentation). 2021 Society for Social Work Research (SSWR) Virtual Conference.

Lee, S. (2020, November). Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice (Poster Presentation) 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Virtual Conference.

Brianna Sorensen, PhD, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Dissertation Title: The Journey to Fat Activism: A Grounded Theory Study Exploring Identity, Awareness, and Community Building in the Pursuit of Fat Liberation

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Brian Kelly, Ph.D. (Chair), Amy Krings, Ph.D. (Co-Chair), Susan Grossman, Ph.D., May Friedman, Ph.D.

Education:
Ph.D. - Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
MSW - University of Illinois Chicago
BSW - The Ohio State University

Licensures and Certifications:
LCSW - Illinois & Colorado
CADC - Illinois

Research Statement: Dr. Sorensen's research examines fat liberation across clinical, community, and policy contexts, with a particular focus on how individuals and communities challenge weight stigma and pursue liberation. She is interested in translating principles of fat liberation into evidence-informed clinical practice, understanding how fat activist communities develop and sustain themselves, and examining policies that shape weight-based discrimination and access to equitable healthcare. Ultimately, her scholarship seeks to bridge research, practice, and advocacy to advance health equity and social justice for people in larger bodies.

Research Interests:

• Fat liberation and weight-based stigma across practice levels
• LGBTQ+ studies and intersecting experiences of marginalization
• Community organizing and collective identity development
• Policy advocacy around weight, healthcare access, and discrimination

Teaching Interests:

• Mezzo and macro social work practice
• Social welfare policy and advocacy
• Clinical practice with marginalized populations
• Fat studies and weight-based stigma
• LGBTQ+ studies and affirming practice

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
2026 - Scholar in Residence, Feminist Therapy Scholars in Residence Summit
2021-2025 - Junior Fellowship Scholar, International Centre for Fat Liberation and Scholarship

Publications:

Lee, S., Tyson, K., Sorensen, B. L., Wynn, N., Miller, K. (2025). Towards a theory of resistance as a foundation for an emancipatory social work. Submitted to the Journal of Progressive Social Work: Radical Thoughts and Praxis. Special Issue on: Stories of Resistance. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428232.2025.2495431

Sorensen, B. L., & Krings, A. (2023). Fat liberation: How social workers can incorporate fat activism to promote care and justice. Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work https://doi.org/10.1177/08861099231183672

Winter, V. R., Hood, A., Sorensen, B. L., & Trout, K. E. (2023). Sexual and reproductive health cancer screening avoidance: The role of body image. Body Image, 45, 362–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.001

Mata, D., Korpak, A. K., Sorensen, B., Dodge, B., Mustanski, B., & Feinstein, B. A. (2022). A mixed methods study of sexuality education experiences and preferences among bisexual, pansexual, and queer (bi+) male youth. Sexuality Research & Social Policy: Journal of NSRC: SR & SP, 19(2), 806–821. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00593-8

Presentations:

Rupolo, S., Sorensen, B. (2026, June). The Impact of Group Support on Contemplating Parenthood. [Interactive Workshop]. International Association for Social Work with Groups. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wynn, N., Sorensen, B. (2026, June). Towards a Social Work Ethic of Body Sovereignty: Fat Liberation and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People. [Interactive Workshop]. International Association for Social Work with Groups. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Sorensen, B., Wynn, N. (2025, October). Body Sovereignty, Fat Activism, and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People with Disabilities. [Interactive Workshop]. Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Denver, CO.

Levitt, A., Sorensen, B. (2025, July). Compulsory Thinness: Examining the Interpersonal, Structural, and Institutional Policing of Fat Bodies. [Paper Presentation]. Weight Stigma Conference. Hybrid, Brisbane Australia.

Wynn, N., Sorensen, B. (2025, May). Body Sovereignty, Fat Activism, and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People. [Workshop]. Macro United Conference. St. Louis, MO.

Sorensen, B., Wynn, N. (2025, March). Reimagining Sexuality Development through a Decolonized Framework: Centering Queer and Fat Bodies. [Paper presentation]. Association of Women in Psychology. Santa Fe, NM.

Sorensen, B., Krings, A. (2023, June). Seeking fundamental rights for all bodies: A call for fat liberation in social work education. [Poster presentation]. The European Conference on Social Work Education. Porto, Portugal.

Hood, A., Trout, K., Sorensen, B., Ramseyer-Winter, V. (2023, January). Sexual and Reproductive Health Cancer Screening Avoidance: The Role of Body Image. [Paper Presentation]. The Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference. Phoenix, AZ.

Miller, K., Wynn, N., Freely, P., Sorensen, B., Lee, S. (2022, January). Beyond Cosmetic Diversification: An exploratory comparative content analysis of one school of social work’s initial effort to decolonize foundation level syllabi. [Paper Presentation]. The Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference. Virtual.

Miller, K., Sorensen, B., Freely, P., Lee, S., Wynn, N. (2021, January). Getting into Good Trouble: Towards an Emancipatory Science for Social Work: Bringing Social Workers’ Resistances Against Injustice into the Light. [Paper Presentation]. The Society for Social Work and Research’s 25th Annual Conference. Virtual.

Yigermal Demissie Ayalew, MSW, BSW

Dissertation Title: Adaptation Strategies of Ethiopian Community-Based Organizations in the United States: Navigating the Dynamics of Community Legitimacy, Migration Policy, and the Organizational Ecology

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Terry B Northcut, Ph.D. (Chair), Amy Krings, Ph.D., Nathan Perkins, Ph.D., Maria Wathen, Ph.D. 

Education:

MSW - Addis Ababa University
BSW - Addis Ababa University
Higher Diploma in Pedagogy - University of Gondar

Research Statement: Yigermal studies immigrant wellbeing and the community-based organizations that sustain it, using mixed methods and participatory approaches. His scholarship spans program development and evaluation in domestic and international settings, immigrant and youth wellbeing, mixed-methods research (MMR) methodology, and social work pedagogy. His dissertation examines how ethnic community-based organizations serving immigrant communities adapt their program, governance and strategies amid a shifting immigration policy, fragile funding landscape, evolving community composition and needs, and changing organizational ecologies, with particular attention to intergenerational dynamics between founding and emerging leadership. His future research aims to develop participatory, practice-ready models of program development, evaluation, and adaptation that immigrant-serving organizations can use to sustain community wellbeing under conditions of uncertainty.

Research Interests:

• Immigrant wellbeing and immigrant-serving community-based organizations
• Participatory program development and evaluation
• Nonprofit organizational adaptation and intergenerational leadership dynamics
• Epistemological pluralism and emancipatory research methodologies
• Social work pedagogy and teaching methods

Teaching Interests:

• Research methods and program evaluation (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed)
• Immigration and migration studies
• Community practice and organizational development
• Human behavior and the social environment
• Social welfare policy and practice

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships

2025-2026 - Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Scholars Fellowship, The Graduate School, Loyola University Chicago.
2024-2025 - Teaching Scholars Fellowship, The Graduate School, Loyola University Chicago.
2026-present - Founder and President of the Doctoral Student Association of the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago.

Publications:

Tyson, K. T., Ayalew, Y. D., Moore, A., Watson, H., Paawu, M., Johnson, A. (2026). From Just Doing Research to Doing Just Research: Research Paradigms for Emancipatory Social Work Research. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work. In print.

Rai, A., Ayalew, Y. D., Perkins, N. H., Saasa, S. K., & Grossman, S. F. (2024). Correlates of In-Law Abuse among Male and Female Immigrants in the United States. Journal of Family Violence, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00781-1

Rai, A., Held, M. L., Huslage, M., Galvez, E., Ayalew, Y. D., & Siksay, L. (2024). “Do the Right Thing”: Immigrant Perspectives of Social Work Support. International Journal of Social Welfare. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12654

Ayalew, Y. D., Tyson., K., Miller, K., & Matthews, C. (2023). The Promise of Digital Out-of-School Programs for Supporting Youth in Under-Resourced Communities: Participatory Principles for Human Rights-based Virtual Youth Group. Social Work with Groups. https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2023.2285755

Held, M. L., Rai, A., Huslage, M., & Ayalew, Y. D. (2022). An examination of risk and protective factors on the mental health of first- and second-generation immigrant adults during an exclusionary policy context in the United States. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 19(3), 331–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2022.2041519

Presentations:

Ayalew, Y. D. & Northcut, T. B. (November 2025). Moral Injury in Social Work Education: Strategies for Navigating Politically Charged Environments. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Denver, Colorado.

Ayalew, Y. D., Moore, A., Watson, H., & McCrea, K. T. (July 2024). Allyship: Pedagogical and Theological Reflections on a Social Justice-focused Incubator for Graduate Student Research and Praxis with Urban Communities Experiencing Racialized Disadvantages. Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities: Faith, Justice and Reconciliation Assembly 2024. Chicago, Illinois.

McCrea, K. T., Ayalew, Y. D., Moore, A., & Miller, K. (May 2024). Using participatory methods to optimize social work practice and advance cognitive and social justice. International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Ayalew, Y. D. & Herweh, K. (January 2024). A content analysis of social work publications in select journals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Society for Social Work Research (SSWR). Washington DC.

Colindres, M. & Ayalew, Y. D. (January 2024). Students Spoke! Perceived mental health of high school students during the pandemic in the United States. Society for Social Work Research (SSWR). Washington DC.

Herweh, K. & Ayalew, Y. D. (October 2023). What's the literature say? A content analysis of select social work journals during COVID-19. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Atlanta, Georgia.

Galvez, E. & Ayalew, Y. D. (October 2023). Understanding immigrant communities: What do immigrants want social workers to know? Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Atlanta.

Colindres, M. E., Herweh, K., Ayalew, Y. D. (April 2023). The Educational Experience of Multicultural Doctoral Students Developing Mutual Aid in a Research Course. Graduate Student Advisory Council. Chicago.

Herweh, K., Ayalew, Y. D. (May 2023). Conducting Qualitative Research in Doctoral Education: Experiences of Social Work Doctoral Students. International Center for Qualitative Inquiry. Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Ayalew, Y. D., Miller, K. (April 2023). Supporting Youth Resilience in Under Resourced Communities with Digital Out of School Programs. The International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Arlington, Virginia.

Held, M., Rai. A., & Ayalew, Y. D. (January 2023). Immigrant Adult Mental Health: Risk and Protective Factors. Society for Social Work and Research. Phoenix, Arizona.

Larry (Leo) Davis, ABD, MSW, MPH

Dissertation Title: Repairing the Fracturing of Relationships: The Role of Fatherhood Interventions in Sustaining Well-being, Mental Health, Child Attachment, and Parenting Relationships for Fathers Impacted by the Criminal Legal System.

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Katherine Tyson-McCrea, Ph.D. (Chair), Amanda Brown, Ph.D., Larry Gant, Ph.D., Malik Henfield, Ph.D.

Education:
Health Policy Research Scholar (Certification)
MSW - Policy & Program Evaluation, The University of Michigan Ann Arbor School of Social Work
MPH - Policy-Administration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health
BS - Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare

Research Statement: Leo's dissertation employs a Quasi-Experimental Research Design (i.e., Intervention Group and Waitlist-Control Group) to collect original data and evaluate “The Power of Fathers” intervention curriculum program within the Cook County Jail to provide insights into the benefits of the fatherhood engagement curriculum for supporting fathers and families, and advancing a more just and equitable society. Before and after measures of fathers’ depression and resilience were gathered, as well as interviews with participating fathers. This research has implications for policy recommendations and systemic programmatic change within correctional and reentry spaces, specifically to advance supports for incarcerated and re-entering fathers. The study seeks to optimize the current curriculum implementation, draws on the strengths of Black Fathers' cultural wealth, increases fatherhood engagement with their children, which is a protective factor against family poverty, and serves as a protective factor against recidivism.

Research Interests:

• Fatherhood Engagement and Paternal Separation
• Mass Incarceration, Wrongful Convictions and Re-Entry
• Mental Health (ACEs)
• Social Determinants of Health
• Child and Foster Youth Development

Teaching Interests:

• Human Behavior, Social Development and Built Environment
• Community Engagement Strategies
• Anti-Racist Applications of Ignatian Pedagogy (Holistic Teaching)
• Education for Cultural Humility
• Criminal Justice and Re-Entry Science

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships

2026 - The University of Chicago- Chapin Hall Equity Fellow
2022-2026 - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation- Health Policy Research Scholar
2026 - Loyola University Chicago- Graduate Student Civic Engagement Award
2025-2026 - Loyola University Chicago School of Law, The Rule of Law Institute Fellow
2025-2026 - The Sanville Institute- Research Scholar
2022-2024 - Council on Social Work Education- Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)
2021-2024 - Loyola Ignatian Fellow
2024 - Loyola University Chicago- Graduate Student Civic Engagement Award
2022-2024 - Council on Social Work Education- Policy Fellow
2023 - Morehouse School of Medicine (Fatherhood) Research Awards
2021 - University of Michigan School of Social Work Dean’s Mission Scholar

Publications:

Davis, Larry (Leo) B., Tiffani Elliott, and Joseph A. D. McBride. 2024 (Oct 3, 2024). Chapter 25 “William Julius Wilson.” In Fifty Key Scholars in Black Social Thought, edited by M. C. Jipguep-Akhtar and N. Khan. New York: Routledge. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Fifty- Key-Scholars-in-Black-Social-Thought/Jipguep-Akhtar-Khan/p/book/9781032323589

Report prepared for Impact for Equity, Chicago, IL. Rosenblatt, Peter, Christine George, Travis Moody, Larry (Leo) Davis, Austin Wonder, Ariel Fleenary, Michael Reda, and Thais Rulich-Maly. Staying Put: A Qualitative Analysis of Residential Stability Among Housing Choice Voucher Holders in “Opportunity Neighborhoods.” Association for Public Policy Administration and Management Fall Conference, National Harbor, Maryland, November 2024.

Presentations:

Davis, L., (2024). Spirituality, Justice, and the Reckoning of the Colonial Past: Reform, Mass Criminalization, and Historical Trauma of Incarceration. (Think-tank Consulting with Presidential Spiritual Council., Fr. Gillespie of the Holy Trinity Church of Washington, D.C).

Davis, L., (2023). Roberts Woods Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Leadership Program: Sustaining Our Work Through Grants and Other Revenue Streams. (Workshop Discussant) Kansas City, MO.

Davis, L., (2023). The International Academic Forum- Bridging Boundaries that Limit Fatherhood Engagement and Education During Incarceration: A Workshop Evaluating a Participatory Curriculum with Incarcerated Black Fathers. (Workshop Lead & Organizer) Arlington, VA.

Davis, L., Johnson, S. (2021-2022). Together for Children Workshop- Uplifting the Voices of the Unheard and The Unseen: Joining First-hand Knowledge with Research to Advance Foster Youth Health and Wellbeing. (Planning Committee, Breakout Session Facilitator & Presenter) Madison, WI.

Davis, L., (2017). McNair Graduate Student Panel presentation. Guide for Undergraduate Research Success and Preparing for Graduate School. Milwaukee, WI. Davis, L., (2017). MPH Capstone Project Presentations. Community Perceptions on Access to Public Transportation. Milwaukee, WI.

Davis, L., (2016). Milwaukee Standing Up Against Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence. Guest Presenter for Vice President Biden’s Office, Washington DC.

Davis, L., (2016). Futures Without Violence- Public Heath Week. Fellow Presenter for Congresswomen Gwen Moore, Washington DC.

Davis, L., (2016). Futures Without Violence- Public Heath Week. Fellow Presenter for Senator Tammy Baldwin, Washington DC.

Davis, L., (2016) Domestic Violence and Public Health in Milwaukee. Graduate School Fundraiser Luncheon Lecturer, Milwaukee WI

Katrina Herweh, MASW, LISW-S, CDCA

Dissertation Title: Recollections of Social Support Peri-Medical Trauma: A Qualitative Narrative Study

Dissertation Chair and Committee: John Orwat, Ph.D. (Chair), Marquitta S. Dorsey, Ph.D., Michelle E. Flaum, LPCC-S, DCMHS

Education:
MSW - Miami University (Oxford, OH)
BSW - Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)

Licensures and Certifications:
Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor endorsement (LISW-S)
Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA)
Certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provider

Research Statement: Healthcare aims to alleviate patients' ailments, but it can cause medical trauma, leaving mental and emotional scars on patients and their families. Katrina's research focuses on better understanding how to support pediatric patients and their families during health events to reduce the risk of medical trauma and enhance trauma-informed approaches. Her interests also include improving healthcare systems and inter-professional team care to reduce burnout and enhance patient care post-pandemic.

Research Interests:

• Pediatric medical trauma
• Medical trauma within trauma-informed care approaches
• Inter-professional healthcare
• Sibling grief

Teaching Interests:

• Lifespan development
• Effects of trauma
• Inter-professional healthcare
• Child and family practice and interventions

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
Graduated cum laude from Xavier University

Publications:

Herweh, K., Wynn, N. C., Key, W., Dentato, M. P., & Orwat, J. (2025). The importance of interprofessional education and practice to increase skills, attitudes, and experiences among MSW students. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 2640-8074. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2568079

Orwat, J., Dentato, M. P., & Herweh, K. (2024). Certificate in advanced behavioral interventions among multiple populations: Interprofessional education exemplar. Advances in Social Work, 24(2), 455-471. https://doi.org/10.18060/27718

Herweh, K., Reynolds, E. & O’Rourke, J. (2024, September). Enhancing graduate nursing and social work students’ collaboration through screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment and simulated education. Clinical Simulation in Nursing , 94, 101594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2024.101594

Stockard, K., & Herweh, K. (2024). Stages of Development: Neonatal. In M. S. Dorsey (Ed.), Understanding diversity in human development (pp. 113-147). Springer Publishing.

Presentations:

Herweh, K., Wynn, N., Key, W., Orwat, J., & Dentato, M. P. (2026, January 14-18). Training social work students to fill healthcare workforce shortages in medically underserved communities. In W. Key (chair), Training social work students to fill healthcare workforce shortages in medically underserved communities [Symposium]. Society for Social Work Research 2026 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Wynn. N., Herweh, K., Key, W., Orwat, J., & Dentato, M. P. (2026, January 14-18). Examining the impact of a behavioral health workforce development program upon MSW students’ interprofessional and behavioral health skills and competencies. In W. Key (chair), Training social work students to fill healthcare workforce shortages in medically underserved communities [Symposium]. Society for Social Work Research 2026 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Herweh, K., & Wynn, N. (2025, November 5). A balancing act: Curating LGBTQ affirming clinical social work practice in a changing political landscape [Paper presentation]. NASW Chapters Conference 2025.

Herweh, K., & Orwat, J. (2025, October 23-26). MSW program evaluation of interprofessional education and youth behavioral health needs [Paper presentation]. Council on Social Work Education 2025 Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.

Herweh, K., Wynn, N., Key, W., Dentato, M. P., & Orwat, J. (2025, September 25). Enhancing MSW students’ confidence for collaborative practice and skills in addressing substance use [Paper presentation]. INEBRIA Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Colindres, M., Demissie Ayalew, Y., & Herweh, K. (2024, January 10-14). Students spoke! Perceived mental health of high school students during the pandemic in the United States [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research 2024 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Herweh, K., Demissie Ayalew, Y., & Colindres, M. (2024, January 10-14). A content analysis of social work publications in select journals during the COVID-19 Pandemic [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research 2024 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Key, W., Herweh, K., Orwat, J., & Dentato, M. P. (2024, January 10-14). Promoting readiness for collaboration among social work students: A key aspect for behavioral health care [Paper presentation]. Society for Social Work Research 2024 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Herweh, K., Demissie Ayalew, Y., & Colindres, M. (2023, October 26-29). What’s the literature say? A content analysis of select social work journals during COVID-19 [Paper presentation]. Council on Social Work Education 2023 Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Herweh, K., & Demissie Ayalew, Y. (2023, May 18-20). Conducting qualitative research in doctoral education: Experiences of social work doctoral students [Paper presentation]. International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry 19th Congress, Urbana, IL.

Herweh, K., & O'Rourke, J. (2023, April 26-30). Certificate in advanced behavioral interventions among minority populations (CABISAM): Interprofessional education model of proficiency and empowerment [Poster presentation]. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties 2023 Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.

Colindres, M., Herweh, K., & Demissie Ayalew, Y. (2023, April 22). The educational experience of multicultural doctoral students developing mutual aid in a research course [Paper presentation]. Loyola University Chicago Graduate School 16th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, Chicago, IL.

Orwat, J., Dentato, M. P., & Herweh, K. (2022, November 10-13). Certificate in advanced behavioral interventions among multiple populations: Interprofessional education exemplar [Paper presentation]. Council on Social Work Education 2022 Annual Program Meeting, Anaheim, CA.

Nora Wynn, MSW

Dissertation Title: Fueling the Fire: Counternarratives of Queer Desire with Young People through Photovoice

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Brian L. Kelly, Ph.D. (Chair), Marquitta Dorsey, Ph.D., Darren Cosgrove, Ph.D.

Education:
BA - Sociology, Hunter College
AM (MSW) - Social Service Administration, University of Chicago

Research Statement: Nora uses arts-based research methodologies to explore lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, using a strengths-based approach to advocate for systems-level change. She is particularly interested in the barriers and catalysts to agency and self-efficacy among LGBTQ+ youth, and the ways in which social work research and practice can center young people’s subjectivity. For her dissertation, Nora facilitated a participatory Photovoice project exploring queer young people's experiences of desire. Findings illustrate desire as a multifaceted and inherently political phenomenon rooted in connection, safety, and self-efficacy. This work positions LGBTQ+ young people as subjects, not objects, of desire, establishes an understanding of desire grounded in lived experience, and underscores the importance, and vitality, of these desires amidst a harmful sociopolitical climate. Deeply interested in participants’ experiences of the research process, Nora envisions participatory, arts-based research as a transformative practice, where participants build community, enact agency, co-construct knowledge, and contribute to systems-level change.

Research Interests:

• Sexual Wellbeing and Behavioral Health
• LGBTQ+ Youth
• Strengths-Based Group Work
• Arts-Based Research Methodology

Teaching Interests:

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment/Human Development
• Social Work with Groups
• Gender Studies
• Participatory Research Methodology
• Feminist Pedagogy

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
2024 - International Association of Social Work with Groups SPARC Grant Awardee
2024, 2025 - Delta Alpha Pi Gratias Award for Commitment to Students with Disabilities

Publications:

Herweh, K., Wynn, N. C., Key, W., Dentato, M. P., & Orwat, J. (2026). The Importance of Interprofessional Education and Practice to Increase Skills, Attitudes, and Experiences among MSW Students. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 23(3), 526–545. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2568079

Lee, S., Tyson McCrea, K., Sorensen, B. L., Wynn, N., & Miller, K. M. (2025). Toward a Theory of Resistance for an Emancipatory Social Work. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 36(3), 501–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428232.2025.2495431

Kelly, B. L., Wynn, N. C., & Gates, T. G. (2025). Using the arts to facilitate affirming, inclusive, strengths-based, groups with LGBTQ+ Youth. Clinical Social Work Journal, 53(1), 69-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-024-00950-1

Presentations:

Wynn, N.C. (2026, June 2-5). Interprofessional SBIRT Training Through Practitioner-Student Collaborative Learning Groups. [Conference Presentation]. International Association for Social Work with Groups, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wynn, N.C., Rupolo, S., Sorensen, B. (2026, June 2-5). Towards a Social Work Ethic of Body Sovereignty: Fat Liberation and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People. [Conference Workshop]. International Association for Social Work with Groups, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wynn, N.C., Herweh, K., Key, W. (2026, January 14-18). Examining the Impact of a Behavioral Health Workforce Development upon MSW Students’ Interprofessional and Behavioral Health Skills and Competencies [Conference Presentation]. Society for Social Work Research Conference, Washington, D.C.

Herweh, K., Wynn, N.C., Key, W. (2026, January 14-18). Interprofessional Education and Training of MSW Students: A Key Aspect of Behavioral Health Care [Conference Presentation]. Society for Social Work Research Conference, Washington, D.C.

Herweh, K., Wynn, N.C. (2025, November 5). A Balancing Act: Curating LGBTQ Affirming Clinical Social Work Practice in a Changing Political Landscape [Interactive Workshop]. National Association Illinois Chapter Conference. Virtual.

Herweh, K., Dentato, M.P., Orwat, J., Wynn, N.C. [contributor]. (2025, October 23-26). MSW Program Evaluation of Interprofessional Education & Youth Behavioral Health Needs [Conference Presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.

Wynn, N.C., Kelly, B.L. (2025, October 23-26). Using the Arts to Facilitate Group Work Practice with LGBTQ Youth with Disabilities [Conference Presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.

Wynn, N.C., Sorensen, B. (2025, October 23-26). Body Sovereignty, Fat Activism and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People with Disabilities [Roundtable Presentation] Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.

Herweh, K., Wynn, N.C., Key, W., Dentato, M.P., Orwat, J. (2025, September 24-26). Enhancing MSW Students’ Confidence for Collaborative Practice and Skills in Addressing Substance Use [Conference Presentation] International Network on Brief Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

Wynn, N.C., Sorensen, B. (2025, May 29-31). Body Sovereignty, Fat Activism and Sexual Wellbeing for Queer Young People [Roundtable Presentation] Macro United Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Sorensen, B., Wynn, N.C. (2025, March 6-9). Queering the Curriculum: Centering Fat Bodies and Queer Youth in Sexuality Education for a Decolonized Future [Conference Presentation]. Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Santa Fe, NM.

Wynn, N.C., Kelly, B.L. (2024, June 13-16). Using the Arts to Facilitate Group Work Practice with LGBTQ Youth [Conference Presentation]. International Association for Social Work with Groups, Madrid, Spain.

Wynn, N.C. (2023, January 12-15). “Why are you not talking about gay stuff?:” A Scoping Review on LGBTQ+ Youth Perspectives of Sex Education [Conference Presentation]. Society for Social Work Research Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Wynn, N.C. (2022, March 3-6). More Than Risk Reduction: A Critical Review of Youth Perspectives on Sex Education [Poster Presentation]. Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Chicago, IL.

Lee, S., Freely, P., Sorensen, B., Wynn, N.C., Miller, K.M. (2022, January 12-16). Decolonizing or Diversifying?: Evaluating Decolonizing Curricula Efforts by Schools of Social Work [Poster Presentation]. Society for Social Work Research Conference, Virtual.

Wynn, N.C. (2021, March 5-7). Before Sex Consciousness Awakens: Conceptualizing Feminist Social Work in Sex Education from 1910-1931 [Poster Presentation]. Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Virtual.

Rachel A. Young, MSW

Dissertation Title: Community Responses to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Shore, Chicago

Dissertation Chair and Committee: Maria Wathen, Ph.D. (Chair), Brian Kelly, Ph.D., Amy Krings, Ph.D., Tania Schusler, Ph.D.

Education:
MSW - University of Minnesota
BSW - Bethel University

Research Statement: Rachel’s research agenda aims to support the profession’s ability to mitigate the adverse effects of digital infrastructure, such as data centers, on communities locally and globally. Her dissertation examines community responses to digital infrastructure from an environmental justice perspective, highlighting the interconnectedness of social, political, environmental, and economic systems. Drawing on interviews and public documents, her case study addresses resource and land use, equity, environmental justice, surveillance, and the extent to which ratepayers subsidize resource costs. As digital infrastructures proliferate, they are increasingly built in economically and historically marginalized areas, intensifying structural vulnerabilities and inequalities. Rachel’s research agenda also includes the continuation of community-based evaluation projects similar to those she is currently working on through her fellowship at the Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) and past Graduate Research Assistantships. In partnership with community organizations, these evaluation projects and research presentations and papers span policies and programs related to affordable housing, homelessness, criminal justice, food access, community health, safety, youth development, and civic engagement.

Research Interests:

• Environmental justice
• Community organizing
• Evaluation research
• Civic engagement
• Social policy

Teaching Interests:

• Social policy and practice
• Community practice
• Organizational practice
• Environmental social work
• Applied research methods and evaluation

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
2023-present - Graduate Research Fellow, Loyola University Chicago Center for Urban Research and Learning
2026 - Laura Bassi Scholarship
2026 - Graduate Research Assistant, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
2022-2025 Graduate Research Assistant, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
2026 - Doctoral Scholars Institute, The Network for Social Work Management

Publications:

Wathen, M. V., Young, R.A., Krings, A., Kilbane, T. (2026). Predictors of Political Participation of Social Workers: The mediating effect of confidence. Social Work Education, 45(1), 163-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2025.2484364.

Presentations:

Lumesberger Draschl, S., Young, R.A., Global Environmentally Informed Social Work Interventions: A Scoping Review Society for Social Work Research: Social Work Research at the Service of Democracy: Advancing Rigorous Inquiry for the Common Good [Oral Presentation]. upcoming January 2027. San Francisco, CA.

Young, R.A. "Community Responses to Digital Infrastructure: Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park In South Shore, Chicago." Society for Social Work Research: Social Work Research at the Service of Democracy: Advancing Rigorous Inquiry for the Common Good [Flash Talk]. Accepted, upcoming January 2027. San Francisco, CA.

Young, R.A., Community Responses to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Shore, Chicago. Council on Social Work Education's Annual Conference: Rooted in Resilience: Honoring the Past, Grounding the Present [Oral Presentation] October 2026. Atlanta, Georgia.

Young, R. A., Lumesberger Draschl, S., Mapping Environmental Social Work Interventions: An International Scoping Review [Conference & CEU Presentation]. 2026 Ecological Justice and Social Work Symposium, Adelphi University, Virtual. May 8, 2026.

Young, R.A. Community Resistance Against Data Center Development in 'Data Center Alley.' Society for Social Work Research: Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice [Oral Presentation]. January 16, 2026. Washington, D.C. 2025.

Wathen, M. V., Young, R. A., Chen, G. T. (2025). Technological Innovations in Food Pantries and Gaps in Implementation Resources. [CEU Presentation]. Illinois School of Social Work Tech Series, Virtual.

Wathen, M. V., Krings, A., Young, R. A. (2025) Social work and its embrace of democracy: Predictors of the political participation of social workers. [Conference Presentation]. 14th European Conference for Social Work Research, Munich, Germany. 2024.

Wathen, M. V., Young, R. A., Chen, G. T. (2024) Technology integration in food pantries during the Covid-19 pandemic: Successes, challenges, and inequities. [Conference Presentation]. The Network for Social Work Management 3rd Annual Forward-thinking Summit, Virtual.

Wathen, M. V., Young, R. A., Krings, A. (2024) Predictors of Political Participation of Social Workers: Mediating effect of confidence. [Conference Presentation]. The 16th International Conference of the International Society for Third Sector Research, Antwerp, Belgium.