Research
Our Research
Scholars and researchers in the School of Social Work pursue bold questions, engage collaboratively, emphasize equity, and promote social justice.
School of Social Work researchers are supported by the Office of the Associate Dean for Research. Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Michael Dentato, PhD and Director of Faculty Grants and Scholarship, Sarah Weisz work with faculty, students, and staff to seek research funding and develop new opportunities for collaboration. We offer unique opportunities for faculty and students to learn and work together, conduct research, and engage with agency and community partners. Our Centers and Institutes, along with two Research Labs (RAIL and SWURL), provide hands-on training for the next generation of social work researchers. The school also publishes Praxis, a journal of student research and reflection.
Impact Review
SSW’s annual Impact Review highlights the innovative research and scholarship created by SSW faculty, often in collaboration with students and community partners.
By the Numbers 2026
42%
SSW faculty have active grant funding
44%
SSW faculty published scholarship or presented at a conference with at least one student
90+
Peer-reviewed articles published by SSW faculty researchers in 65 different journals
100+
Presentations made by SSW researchers at 28 different national and international conferences
Our Research Clusters
The School of Social Work faculty is dedicated to research that intersects with many areas of social work. Our research and scholarship is clustered in four key areas: Advocacy and Social Justice, Health and Mental Health, Policy and Systems, and Social Work Practice Methods and Theories. Within each of these areas, our faculty drill down into more specific areas of interest.
Social Work Practice Methods & Theories
- Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
- Interventions & Methods
- Technology & Innovation
Health & Mental Health
- Health, Wellbeing, & Wellness
- Mental Health Conditions
- Violence
Advocacy & Social Justice
- Race, Gender, & Sexuality
- Health Disparities
- Migration & Immigration
Policy & Systems
- Social & Health Policy
- Social & Health Systems
- Economic & Community Development
Our Services
The Office of Research Development provides the School of Social Work, its faculty, and doctoral students with services that support research funding identification and submissions, create relationships, and develop and implement strategies to increase the impact of our research and scholarship. Services we provide include collaboration support, communication of research and research opportunities, proposal support, research career development, and strategic research advancement. We also provide support to our doctoral students who apply for fellowships, other awards, or dissertation support.
Collaboration Support
- Facilitate research team collaborations within SSW and across LUC and the community
- Support formal agreements that enable research collaborations
Communication of Research and Research Opportunities
- Annual Impact Review publication
- Quarterly Lunch & and Learn sessions are led by faculty to discuss current research projects, or important topics such as MOUs, data sharing agreements, etc.
- We support Praxis, our student-run journal, and share it with the broader social work research community
- Monthly ADR Newsletter distributed to SSW faculty, doctoral students, staff, and Loyola administrators
- CSWE, SSWR, and IASWG: Compilation of faculty, students, and alumni presentations
- Creation of research-related metrics
- Disseminate funding opportunity information
Proposal Support Functions
- Assist faculty with funding opportunity assessment
- Provide project management support for complex proposals
- Assist with navigation through institutional administrative structures
- Support development of sections of grant submissions
- Plan pre-submission proposal reviews
- Coordinate submission with PI and Office of Research Services
- Plan resubmission strategies for unfunded proposals
- Support doctoral students who apply for fellowships, awards, and dissertation funding
Research Career Development
- Research career planning consultation
- Co-host annual writing retreats for faculty and doctoral students with the LUC/SSW Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Strategic Research Advancement
- Liaise with Corporate and Foundation Relations Team
- Support School of Social Work research planning initiatives
- Represent School of Social Work on LUC Research Advisory Council led by the Vice Provost for Research
- Liaise weekly with LUC/SSW administration
Maribel Lopez, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
“For me, scholarship is not only about academic achievement or publications, it also takes into account the work we do in society to uplift, empower, and better our communities.” Maribel Lopez
Jonathan Singer, PhD
Professor
“It is so energizing to be in an environment where people are producing amazing scholarship, not because they are afraid not to or being feeling pressured to, but because they are inspired by their deep desire to make a difference in this world.” Jonathan Singer, PhD