ricka.mammah@mavs.uta.edu
Research Interests:
Teaching Interests:
Ricka Olga Mammah is a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas at Arlington, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work. She is a recipient of the Joseph Lucille and Rebecca Hegar Endowed Scholarship 2023. Ricka's research interests focus on addressing gender-based violence among immigrant and other minority populations, improving the mental health of survivors, promoting culturally sensitive practices, and enhancing access to services. Her work is motivated by a strong desire to advocate for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. By shedding light on the experiences of immigrant and other minority populations, she aims to influence policies and practices, fostering more inclusive and equitable support systems. Her methodological specializations include qualitative research, program evaluation, and Community Based Participatory Action Research.
Ricka holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Stephen F. Austin State University (May 2015) and a Master of Social Work from the same institution (May 2012). She completed her Bachelor of Social Work from Texas A&M University in August 2010.
Ricka's dissertation, titled "Exploring the Process of Seeking Informal Social Support for Intimate Partner Violence among African Immigrants Residing in the United States," investigates the experiences of African immigrant survivors of IPV and their journey in seeking help. The study aims to uncover the specific types of informal social support received by these survivors. Additionally, it seeks to gain insights from individuals who provide this support, exploring their perspectives, the support they offer, and the challenges they may encounter. Ricka is expected to graduate in August 2024.
Throughout her doctoral studies, Ricka has actively contributed as a co-investigator on grant-funded projects, conducting interviews, analyzing data, recruiting participants, and writing manuscripts. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including nursing and kinesiology experts, and has gained expertise, leadership, and training. Ricka has actively participated in various projects, including Domestic Violence Technology-Based Advocacy Services, exploring the impact of COVID-19 on young adults with disabilities, and engaging in Interprofessional Safety Planning and Assessment. She has an impressive publication record, with several peer-reviewed scientific papers and manuscripts under review. Her research has been published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Social Work Education and Families in Society.
Additionally, Ricka has teaching experience and has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Texas at Arlington, teaching courses on Social Policy and Services, Social Policy and Mental Health, and Life Span Development. She has also been a guest lecturer for Intimate Partner Violence course and has facilitated discussions and grading for special courses at Texas Christian University. Ricka enjoys teaching and mentoring students utilizing her personal, research, and practice experiences. She has strong teaching skills and is able to transition seamlessly between virtual and in-person settings.
After receiving her Ph.D., she hopes to work in a tenure-track faculty position to conduct research that informs evidence-based practices in the domain of mental health and gender-based violence among immigrants and minority populations.
