5 Questions with Diane Mitschke
In this Q&A, Mitschke, associate dean for academic and student affairs in the School of Social Work, discusses her work, why it drives her and what it means for our society.
Q: As a researcher, you’re focused on housing choice, transportation equity and access to opportunities in refugee and immigrant communities. What can you share about your current research?
I’m really excited about this research because it will allow us to develop a good understanding of the role that access plays in how refugees and immigrants are able to build healthy communities after they arrive in the U.S. We know that access to resources like health care, mental health care, quality schools, employment and social support is a key indicator of a community’s well-being. Limited access to these resources can result in challenging, if not devastating consequences for the most vulnerable among us.
In my current study, we look at the factors that are most important to new Americans when it comes to deciding where to live. By understanding the value that new immigrants and recently resettled refugees place on specific community resources, we can guide city planning efforts around the needs and values of these communities to support their health and wellness.
Q: Why are you passionate about supporting refugee and immigrant communities?
While every individual who moves to this country has a unique history and background, immigrants and refugees ultimately share a similar goal: They are seeking a place where they can feel safe—where they can learn, grow and lead satisfying and productive lives.
In my work with refugees, and in particular reflecting on some of my most recent work with resettled refugees from Burma, I am regularly left speechless by the tenacity, determination and grit of the people I meet. Many of the individuals who arrive in the U.S. as refugees have experienced what can only be described as unimaginable traumas over the course of their lifetimes. Recognizing that these same individuals can find ways to build new, thriving, supportive communities despite these experiences is inspiring. My hope is that as we work to transform our society into one that is welcoming, accepting and generous to newcomers, we will begin to better appreciate and value the contributions of the diverse immigrant and refugee communities that surround our university.
Q: Earlier this year, UTA launched a new Strategic Plan research theme, Cultural and Societal Transformations. Why do you think it’s important for a university to make cultural and societal transformations part of its strategic focus?
It’s relatively easy to see the connections between the work that we do in social work as researchers and practitioners and its impact on society. Recognizing and appreciating the unique constellation of diverse cultures and communities is essential to the work that we do as a university to engage and empower individuals to thrive in society.
Q: How does that focus benefit students, particularly in the School of Social Work?
In social work, we typically refer to field work as our signature pedagogy. While the content that students learn is in our social work classrooms, the real essence of learning about social work happens when students take their learning into the field. Our students complete a minimum of 480 hours interning in the community, gaining hands-on experience about what it means to work toward social justice, community empowerment and societal transformation.
Q: What’s on the horizon for you and your research?
I’ll always be a community-led researcher. It’s important to me that the research and work that I do have a direct and positive impact on the communities I work with, and that the communities themselves guide the research. Ultimately, community empowerment must be led by the community itself, and anything that I can do through my research and engagement with the community should have this as its focus.
- Interview by Amber Scott, University Advancement