Research Centers and Labs

Our Research Centers and Labs serve as vital bridges between the university and the communities we are committed to uplifting. Each lab brings faculty, students, and community partners together to address real-world challenges through evidence-based inquiry, innovation, and collaboration. Whether exploring child welfare systems, strengthening addiction recovery supports, advancing mental and behavioral health, or developing emerging technologies for social good, our labs ensure that research is not created in isolation—it is shaped by the voices, needs, and lived experiences of the people we serve.


Centers

Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies (CARS)

Provides researched, evidenced-based, trauma informed services in prevention, intervention and recovery support services; trains social workers ready to impact changes in oppressed populations.

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Child Welfare Research Center (CWRC)

Serves as a research and resource center for Texas, the Southwest, and the nation in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge to improve the conditions of vulnerable children and their families.

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Labs

Emotional Robotics Living Lab (ERLL)

At the Emotional Robotics Living Lab (ERLL), we focus on real-world applications where technology meets compassion.

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Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) Lab

The Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) Lab advances scientific discovery and social work scholarship related to the etiology, prevention, and reduction of substance use and associated risks among adolescents and young adults.

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Prevention & Intervention of Violence Over Time (PIVOT) Lab

PIVOT connects interdisciplinary researchers around issues related to interpersonal violence across the lifespan, including trajectories of violence, victimization, and survivorship.
Social Networks for Social Good (SNSG) Lab

Social Networks for Social Good (SNSG) Laboratory is a virtual laboratory that promotes research, education, and service related to social network analysis (SNA), focusing on human relationships and organizational networks to strengthen the social fabric that underpins communities.

Questions About School of Social Work Admissions?

Get information about School of Social Work Academic Programs, Admissions Requirements, Complete Future Student Interest Form, and more.

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