25 years after 9/11, what disasters reveal about Americans’ ability to reconnect
As a social work researcher who has studied disaster recovery and worked alongside disaster-affected communities for more than two decades, I have witnessed another side of the human response to catastrophe.
Does Childhood Divorce Increase Kids' Risk Of Adult Depression — Or Is It Other Parental Problems?
Supporting parents who are struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders may be one of the most effective ways to improve the long-term well-being of their children.
School of Social Work ranks among nation's best
Academic Analytics places UTA program in the top 3% nationally for research productivity and impact in the U.S.
World Cup could drive demand, but human trafficking a ‘year-round issue,’ experts say
"The number of people who are being exploited is the same even when there’s not a World Cup happening,” said Jennifer O’Brien, a social work professor at the University of Texas at Arlington whose research focuses on child sex trafficking in the U.S.
The World Cup and human trafficking: What the research reveals about the real risks at major sporting events
As U.S. cities prepare to host the FIFA World Cup, familiar warnings about human trafficking “spikes” at major sporting events have reemerged.
Drums that hit in the heart: UTA Native American student-led powwow celebrates 30 years
UTA alumni, NASA President Stephen Silva-Brave and NASA Vice President Carletta Granado teamed up to plan the Native American Student Association Powwow, held on April 4 at the Maverick Activities Center, which brought together over 1,200 attendees, more than 40 vendors, and about 90 competing dancers.
Current PhD student Ana Ponciano is paving the way for future generations
I teach social work policy at the bachelor’s level and conduct research with a professor, interviewing members of the Hispanic community about the current political climate and how it affects their access to health services.
Exhausted, nature-deprived viewers flock to ‘Slow TV’ animal cams
The eagles had the highest view count of any year-round nature livestream active on YouTube between last fall and this spring, said Rebecca Mauldin, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who studies social connectedness.
March Madness Why sports betting is booming among young adults
Lewis and fellow University of Texas at Arlington professor Dana Litt study alcohol and behavioral risks through the university’s Studying Alcohol and Related Risks Lab.
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, experts warn lost sleep can take a toll
Dr. Christine Spadola, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work who also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Harvard Medical School, said the body does not instantly adjust when the clock is moved forward suddenly.
UTA social work dean begins SSWR presidency
Kirk A. Foster, dean of the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work, became the president of the Society for Social Work and Research at the beginning of February.
Witness in Meta trial testifies to prevalence of child sex abuse online
In a New Mexico lawsuit against the biggest social media company in the world, University of Texas at Arlington professor Jennifer O’Brien, witness for the state, testified that about 15% of U.S. children experienced “technology-facilitated sexual abuse” in 2023.
Swipe This! The death of dating apps and dating?
UTA professor Rachel Joy Voth Schrag suspects economic and safety worries are behind disenchantment with apps and dating.
Relationship Between Violence, Substance Misuse in Teens Linked in UTA Study
Young people who grow up witnessing violence in their home or neighborhood are at increased risk of substance abuse later in life.
Teaching With AI: From Policing Use to Preparing Professionals
Just as AI technology is rapidly advancing, our knowledge, assumptions, and attitudes toward it will undoubtedly evolve as well.
Research on expanding access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in rural communities
PettyJohn said rural nurses can have an issue with low case volume due to sparse populations and survivors not wanting to come forward because of stigma.
UTA veterans office ensures no military students are ‘hurry-up-and-waiting’ for services
Billy Jackson said he has “always been the go-to guy” for people seeking support, including when he served as an aviation electronics technician in the Navy.
Social Media’s Value: A Lifeline for Many Abused and Neglected Young People
Social media has become a crucial outlet for young people to disclose abuse, connect with peers, and learn about safety strategies.
Shutdown stress: hidden toll on mental wellness
Genevieve Graaf, associate professor, at the University of Texas at Arlington, gives tips on navigating financial uncertainty while attending your mental health.
Tarrant County Nonprofits Rethink Collaboration Amid Funding Shifts
More than a dozen organizations have come together to explore new partnerships, share resources, and reimagine a stronger, more resilient network for the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Link Between Body Image, Suicide Ideation With Teenager
Researchers from the University of Texas in Arlington found a strong link between weight perception and suicidal ideation. This study also sheds light on the essential role schools, families and communities can have to mitigate these dangers.
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Announces 2025 International Distance Learning Award Winners
Karen J. Magruder, associate professor of practice in the School of Social Work, was awarded a 2025 United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Teaching Award.
Victor Allen impacts lives inside, outside the classroom
Victor Allen served his country in the Army. Now, he is serving his community, and it is getting recognition.
The NE adjunct instructor and retired Army sergeant major was presented his third Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from then-President Joe Biden in October.
Older Adults With Divorced Parents May Be at Higher Risk of Stroke
A new study co-authored by Philip Baiden, an associate professor of social work at UTA, suggests parental divorce during childhood may significantly increase the risk of stroke later in life. The study was reported on by dozens of broadcast, print, and online news outlets, domestically and around the globe.
Children Sex Trafficking – What you need to know
We should support policies and initiatives addressing child homelessness, food insecurity and drug endangerment. Tackling these root social problems strengthens community resilience and reduces risks for child sex trafficking, writes Jennifer O'Brien.
SSW hosts comedian Joel Kim Booster as part of October LGBTQ History Month
Social Work Speakers' Event with Joel Kim Booster, actor and comedian, and Kirk Foster, School of Social Work dean, speak during speakers' event on Oct. 2 at Texas Hall. The speakers' event is part of the School of Social Work's October speaker series.
Advocating for foster care/adoption with the agency Jonathan's Place
Associate Professor of Practice Karla Arenas-Itotia was interviewed on iHeart Radio which aired on approximately six stations for Mother's Day advocating for foster care/adoption with the agency Jonathan's Place.
Challenges of Informal Caregivers
Dr. Kathy Lee, social work assistant professor, was featured in a news article about her research exploring the challenges facing millions of Americans who have become informal caregivers for family members in a piece for The Conversation. This story was reshared by Yahoo Life.
DFW has 7 universities earning top spots for graduate programs in Texas including UTA Social Work
North Texas universities have done it again. U.S. News and World Report has deemed seven Dallas-Fort Worth universities among the best grad schools in the state, with some departments landing among the top 100 in the country.
UT System earns accolades with US News Graduate programs including UTA Social Work
The University of Texas System institutions earned several top rankings in U.S. News and World Report’s most recent partial rankings of “Best Graduate Schools” in the U.S. According to U.S. News.
UTA SSW grad New Dallas area habitat for humanity CEO
Ashley O. Brundage said working on housing and homelessness “can definitely feel like you’re beating your head against a wall sometimes.” But that won't slow her down as she takes on her new role as CEO of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity.
Challenges of Informal Caregivers
Dr. Kathy Lee, social work assistant professor, was featured in a news article about her research exploring the challenges facing millions of Americans who have become informal caregivers for family members in a piece for The Conversation. This story was reshared by the Milwaukee Independent.
Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time
Christine Spadola, assistant professor of social work, gave tips on KLIF-AM to adjust to daylight saving time. Spadola recommended staying hydrated and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. She said it will...
Class of 2024 NWBA Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
We are thrilled to announce the induction of Dr. Darlene Hunter into the prestigious National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Hailing from Walled Lake, Michigan, Darlene’s journey is marked by resilience, leadership, and unparalleled contributions to wheelchair basketball.
A social worker explains how to improve quality of life for family caregivers
Millions of Americans have become informal family caregivers: people who provide family members or friends with unpaid assistance in accomplishing daily tasks such as bathing, eating, transportation and managing medications.
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