Monthly Monitor: Making the Most Out of Conference Experiences
Making the Most Out of Conference Experiences
Guest Editor: Tasha M. Childs, MSW, LSW
In this issue, we discuss conferences, jobs, imposter syndrome, and more. The following pieces are including in this issue:
Editorial: SSWR Conference Experiences Pre-Doctoral, Coursework, and In Candidacy
What I Wish I Would’ve Known as a First-Time Conference Attendee
Tips on How to Pay for Conference Attendance
Networking at a Conference
SSWR New Attendee Program
SSWR DSC Doctoral Student Social Hour
SSWR Coffee With a Scholar
Considering Fit With Job and Post-Doctoral Opportunities
Imposter Syndrome: The Sequel
Managing the “End of Term”
Social Work Snippets
Editorial: SSWR Conference Experiences Pre-Doctoral, Coursework, and in Candidacy
The annual Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) conference provides both excitement and concern as students and scholars alike come together to share on current research and learn from colleagues in our field. Students interested in starting a doctoral program in social work might consider attending the SSWR conference to scope out possible mentors or hear first-hand experiences from current doctoral students and candidates. Current doctoral students in coursework have the opportunity to present their research through oral paper presentations, research e-posters, and roundtable discussions. Finally, doctoral candidates attend to present their research, begin networking for job opportunities, and participate in preliminary rounds of interviews if on the “job market” this year.
As what we’ll call a pre-Doctoral student, navigating the SSWR conference may be the most fulfilling with another PhD student or possibly a program director taking you under their wing. The sheer volume of presentations and multi-day events can be overwhelming at first. Even if you’re taking on the conference alone, consider reaching out to other students or scholars you may be familiar with. Some of the best connections made are those started by a simple, short email expressing your interest in a particular program or individual. To go a step further, consider asking program directors or other researchers to meet briefly for a coffee between presentations or as the conference day ends.
Current doctoral students may be able to attend the conference with their primary mentor or other doctoral students! If you’re attending and/or rooming with a group of doctoral students, consider having a conversation about quiet hours the night before your presentation or poster. Students attending alone should push their level of comfort a bit by connecting with other doctoral students. You never know when you’ll have shared research interests or just both be new to the SSWR conference experience. There are other doctoral students who volunteer to help in different areas of the conference! They can help you navigate the conference events and may be a good guide for opportunities to engage with others during down time.
If you’re a doctoral student interested in a career in academia, it can be helpful to tag along with doctoral candidates on the job market. Some of the most insightful conversations about this process have come from conversations with folks on the market, discussing the types of questions they get asked, and how to navigate the “social” hours hosted by different institutions. Although the formal conference happens during the day, different institutions host social hours and may sponsor luncheons or coffee breaks during the conference. After the conference day ends, consider grabbing dinner or going to work somewhere with students in your program, new doctoral students you’ve met, or mentors!
Doctoral candidates going on the job market next year may look to shadow other doctoral students on the job market for part of a conference day. Take notes of what you experience and any feelings that are brought up seeing someone else move through the process. Then, consider bringing these up with your mentor and/or program director during your next meeting to address any concerns you have.
For doctoral students at any stage, it can be helpful to keep track of who you talk to, what their interests are, what program they attend or are part of, and their contact information if you received any! These key pieces of information will help you follow-up with any individuals you are interested in connecting with after the conference. Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to meet as many people as you can during the conference’s few days. Be aware of your own social battery and take the break to stay hydrated and grab a bite to eat in-between!
Finally, remember you never know who you’ll meet in any one of the SSWR conference sessions, as a volunteer, or at the doctoral student luncheon! It’s important to be professional, but also make room for creating some deeper connections with students and scholars in the field. If you’re lucky, some of those students will become your colleagues, collaborators, co-writers, and close friends as you navigate your doctoral studies and next steps beyond graduation!
What I Wish I Would’ve Known as a First-Time Conference Attendee
Want more tips on attending the SSWR Conference? Here’s some advice from our Doctoral Student Committee members:
Going to SSWR for the first time, you might feel like you need to be in a session every hour! Make sure to allow time for impromptu meetings where other students or mentors might introduce you to folks in your research area.
My first SSWR conference was in 2021; thus, my experience and insight come from attending a virtual conference. If you plan to attend SSWR this year virtually, these tidbits are for you. I wish I had realized how much time I needed to allocate for planning for the conference ahead of time. A few weeks before the conference, I recommend going through all the presentations and adding them to your work calendar. You can add the link, notes, and information about the speakers. This way, when the conference week arrives, you will be able to attend each session seamlessly. You will also be able to see what other openings you have in your calendar for setting up informal meetings with presenters and for networking.
What I wish I knew about attending the SSWR Conference was that we are able to obtain CEUs while attending. You will need to fill out a form. But it's convenient because you are already attending events, you might as well obtain CEUs while you're doing it.
I wish I would’ve known how eclectic the conference would be. So many different research topics and areas. I like its blend of interactive workshops and paper presentations. Be prepared for an experience where you’ll get to share and exchange diverse perspectives and insights.
I wish I knew how much psychological energy a virtual conference takes. I wish I had protected my time in between sessions and put my day-to-day work on hold until after the conference.
Conferences are fun. Relax and enjoy the intellectual community, creativity, and collaboration. Even though it can be hard, leave the imposter feelings behind. You are “in the room where it happens,” and you are still learning… you have nothing to prove.
Tips on How to Pay for Conference Attendance
So, your abstract was accepted. Congratulations!!! But how are you going to pay for it?
This is a question that comes up for many graduate students. We did the hard work of completing our research and we want the opportunity to present (and let's be serious, we want to add it to our CV!).
Conferences can be costly, especially if they are out-of-state. You should factor in travel (e.g., flights, Uber/taxi costs), food, hotel stay, registration, additional conference events, etc. The total can quickly add up and it can force you to not participate due to cost. Given that, there are several avenues you consider when trying to cover the cost of attending a conference.
Ask a Program Coordinator
First, research if there are any conference awards available in your department. Your department should be receiving funding designated for various events, etc. Some departments set aside funds specifically to help students with conference costs, etc. Speak to your Program Coordinator or Department Head and inquire whether these funds are available. There also may be university level grants and awards available that aren’t widely publicized.
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Many GSAs receive specific funding from your school to support graduate students. They may have a program that reimburses students for their conference attendance. Ask GSA prior to attending the conference, what the requirements are for the travel award. Usually, you need to fill out a form with details on the conference and include your receipts.
Conference Website
Check the websites of the conference, sponsoring organization and committees for available opportunities. Some organizations offer to cover attendance costs if you volunteer for a few hours. This could include working at an exhibit table, working with the judges, or setting up and breaking down rooms. If this is not specifically offered, it doesn’t hurt to ask a conference coordinator if this option is available.
Special Designations
There are also awards that can be given by conferences for participants that are first time attendees or new professionals with less than five years of experience. It is important to read the requirements and application process before applying to make sure you can fulfill them in case you are selected.
Local Organizations
Search whether there are local organizations that offer conference awards. You can find these by a simple google search. Use search terms such as “conference” “social work” “graduate student” “scholarship” “grant” “funding” and the specific state/city you live in. You could also ask your professors, as many of them are a part of outside organizations.
Other Tips
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!! You will need this information when you apply for reimbursement. These receipts can include (travel, lodging, conference registration fee, and sometimes food).
Save documentation that shows that you presented at the conference.
Consider traveling with people in your program, if possible. Not only does it provide you with the opportunity to get to know your colleagues better, but you can also cut down on costs. You could share a room and share transportation (e.g., taking a rideshare to the events, carpooling to the conference if it’s nearby, etc.)
Research what hotel you are staying in. If you are attending the conference, check to see if there is a host hotel with blocked out rooms. Typically, you can get a special rate if you book early on. This can also save on transportation or if the conference isn’t at the specific hotel, there may be a shuttle that is offered.
In addition to researching your hotel, check to see if complimentary breakfast and/or snacks are offered. This can help you save on food costs.
Prior to applying to conferences, join the listservs of the organizations. Sometimes conference funding announcements are sent out.
It's important to note that some awards can be available for simply attending the conference. You don’t necessarily have to be a presenter to qualify for reimbursement. However, typically organizations will award more money to those that are presenting.
Good luck during this conference season!
Networking at a Conference
Conferences are excellent environments to establish new contacts and relationships. It is important to know what approach to take to network at conferences as our strategy can have a significant impact on our career and professional development. If you have a chance to look at the program before going to the conference, it will be the first step to make a personal plan. One of the first things to do is to know which workshops and events at the conference you are interested in attending, and to learn more about them.
In 2018, I attended the SSWR conference for the first time, and it was difficult to start a conversation, introduce myself, or build relationships with other attendees. I think I was not prepared. Good preparation is important ahead of the conference if we plan to attend and network. Practicing your elevator speech is very important (e.g., your name, research interest, school, year or level in the program, why you are interested to speak with them, how they could be of assistance to you). This should be done in less than two minutes; that’s why it is called an “elevator speech.” Additionally, remember to properly look at name tags and introduce yourself by calling people by their names.
If presenting, always remember that recruiters may be in the audience, so you have to put your best out. Conferences are usually very busy and fast-paced. People do not really have time for coffee in between workshops, but you may be able to attend the next session with someone to continue the conversation. Prepare your business cards and be ready to write down the other person’s contact information if they do not have a physical business card. If there is a particular presenter that you want to meet, learn more about their research interest, and make sure to attend their workshop and be on time. Do not leave before the end of the presentation as their personal information may be shared at the end of their presentation, and you will be able to have their contact or email address. Make sure to follow up after the conference by sending an email and following them on social media.
SSWR New Attendee Program
Are you attending SSWR for the first time in-person in 2022? Have you attended SSWR in the past and want to provide support to new conference attendees? If so, the SSWR DSC invites current and new SSWR student members to sign up for the New Attendee Program. The purpose of the program is to offer conference navigation support and peer mentorship to PhD students attending the SSWR conference for the first time. Student mentors and new attendees talk about topics including which events to go to, navigating an online conference, expectations of the annual conference, research interests, and experiences as a doctoral student.
If you are interested in serving as a mentor or mentee for the program, the process is simple. Just sign-up here by December 20th and we will notify you of your match as we get closer to the conference. After that, connect via email before the conference and meet in-person during the conference! Space is limited and we will match on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will do our best to match as many mentors/mentees as possible.
Here are what some past attendees and mentors have said about the New Attendee Program:
“I loved it. It made my SSWR experience so worthwhile.” -New attendee SSWR 2020
“I signed up to orient to SSWR and meet other doctoral students.” -New attendee SSWR 2021
“I signed up to learn from other advanced students who have been there before.” -New attendee SSWR 2021
“I signed up to get more comfortable with the SSWR environment, network and make connections in the field, and understand more of the ‘unwritten’ rules about conferences.” -New attendee SSWR 2020
“I signed up because I felt I could have used something like that my first time at the conference.” -Student mentor SSWR 2020
“Because my first conference attendance was a little awkward, and I thought I could help someone else have a less awkward/isolating first experience.” -Student mentor SSWR 2021
SSWR DSC Doctoral Student Social Hour
At the 25th Annual Conference for the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) in 2021, the SSWR Doctoral Student Committee (DSC) held the first student-only conference kickoff event. The first-time event, which was held virtually, was attended by over 50 social work doctoral students from programs across the U.S. and internationally. The purpose of the event was to kick off the SSWR conference, and provide a safe and inclusive virtual space for doctoral students to connect with peers and build community while navigating the immense challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, at the 26th Annual SSWR conference in Washington, DC, the DSC is excited to invite doctoral students to the Doctoral Student Social Hour on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 7:30pm-8:30pm. This student-only event will be held in-person at the conference hotel and will be an informal time for doctoral students to connect with each other and build community throughout the conference. If you are planning to attend SSWR 2022, please RSVP to the Doctoral Student Social Hour when you register for the conference.
Finally, in the spirit of collaboration and fun, please add music suggestions to our Spotify playlist. We look forward to seeing everyone in Washington, DC in January!
SSWR Coffee With a Scholar
Mentoring Opportunity via Coffee with a Scholar is Back for 2022!
Each year, the DSC coordinates Coffee with a Scholar to coincide with the annual SSWR conference. This is a unique opportunity for SSWR doctoral student members to connect with a researcher outside of their usual networks. Doctoral students can sign up for Coffee with a Scholar when they register for SSWR.
What can you do? Sign up if you are interested! Also, please let your classmates know by sending an email to your whole university program. People are busy and get a lot of email. We get it. They may overlook email, but they will open a tailored message from you – a trusted source. We don’t want people to miss out because they don’t know about Coffee with a Scholar. It’s a real hidden gem at SSWR that gets very positive evaluations.
You can boost our messages about Coffee with a Scholar on social media. We will be sharing updates via the DSC Facebook page. You can also check out #CoffeeWithAScholar on Twitter for future posts.
If you have any questions about Coffee With A Scholar, feel free to email SSWRdoc@gmail.com. One of the committee members will respond to you.
What past mentees have had to say:
“I just really think I got a great match. I knew it was a great match as soon as you told me. I honestly probably should have been forging that relationship outside of this program, but it hadn't necessarily occurred to me to do so, so I'm grateful that the program brought us together!”
“I enjoyed talking with my assigned mentor- he shared career advice, personal reflections on his own research, teaching, career decisions; shared some helpful tips on how to frame my research/interests in interview settings and to talk about the future path I hope my research will take.”
Considering Fit With Job and Post-Doctoral Opportunities
When considering jobs or post-doctoral opportunities, it is okay, and even essential, to pause and think about “fit.” Many of you are looking for jobs and post-doctoral opportunities during the Great Resignation. As social workers we know the Great Resignation is happening for many reasons related to structural racism, economic oppression, limited family protections, and employer mistreatment. It is also happening because folks are SO VERY TIRED. People (including many in academia) have been stretched and burned out for a long time, and the pandemic is causing people to pivot their priorities.
Recently, at the Annual Program Meeting for CSWE, the common phrase was “everyone is hiring.” That might be the case, but that doesn’t mean that everywhere is the right fit for everyone. If you are in the job market, consider some of the things you want, some of the things you can compromise on, and some of things that you need for success. Here is a link to an article by Kristen Weir (2011) directed at psychology job seekers, that has important suggestions to start from when considering job options. It covers consideration about teaching and research expectation but also suggests considering the culture of the program, saying
“Even if you find a job with the perfect mix of teaching and research, it might not be a good fit for you in other ways. If, for example, you're most happy as part of a supportive research community, seek out schools with formal faculty mentoring programs. When on interviews, ask about department collegiality.” (Weir, 2011, para.11)
Additionally, the article poses questions about taking part-time teaching roles to continue in community or clinical practice. While the article is a good overview, there are important holistic items not discussed in the article. Below are several other important questions to weigh and pose to potential employers, such as:
If I am a parent or caregiver, is there flexibility in my teaching load or the option to work remotely if needed?
If I am a BIPOC scholar or LGBTQ+ identified scholar, are there supportive on-campus and community supports for me?
Does the library have the resources I need for my level of research and/or teaching?
Is there support for teaching and course design?
Can I teach the same classes the first few semesters to avoid having to learn multiple new courses in the first year or two?
Are there interdisciplinary opportunities for teaching?
Are faculty encouraged to and supported in mentoring student researchers/writers?
Will qualitative research be seen and supported? Will quantitative research be given the same consideration for promotion?
If I am part of an underrepresented group, are there hidden service expectations and how will I be supported in turning down or taking up service to the institution based on personal interest and self-care?
Whether the institution is a fit or not, by collectively entering in the job market asking such questions, through a social constructionist lens, we can help shape our futures.
Imposter Syndrome: The Sequel
In the Oct. 2020 issue of the newsletter, I wrote about Imposter Syndrome and likened it to a tiny internal demon, a “good villain.” Now it may be hard to think of feeling “less than” or “unworthy” as “good,” but hear me out.
I’m a fifth-year PhD student and I still feel Imposter Syndrome creep up in my daily life. I’m out of the dissertation proposal stage and am trying to get my study approved by my university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), but nothing seems to get me ahead of the process. I’ve made several revisions and still come up short for the IRB. At some point, one of their staff went on sabbatical and my protocol was totally pushed to the wayside. The IRB apologized, but the damage was done, and my study has been severely delayed in data gathering and collection. I’m still submitting revisions and not getting expedient answers. I feel very stuck and frustrated.
After several back and forths, I could feel Imposter Syndrome saying, “Your dissertation is pointless. It’s not going to help anyone. You should just give up.” There were a couple of times I wanted to throw in the towel and just forget about the hard work I did to even get to the point of carrying out a study. When should I just stop hitting a brick wall and expecting results? When is enough enough?
I sought help from my advisor, who advocated for me to the IRB, and my peers, who helped me stay optimistic. I took a long, hard, and honest look at myself and my own abilities, skills, and potential. It soon became clear that I was not going to give up on my dissertation or my study, regardless of what the IRB did. I belonged in my PhD program; I had a solid proposal; I successfully defended my proposal; and I was skilled and experienced to implement my study. I was not going to give up because of a technicality. I was going to persist- keep the back and forth between the IRB and me going until there was nowhere else to turn. My study is going to be approved.
And this is what Imposter Syndrome can do to you. It can challenge your limits and make you defy the odds. I don’t want to be made to feel like I don’t belong or like I should just self-sabotage everything good in my academic and professional life. Imposter Syndrome may not go away easily (it has a sneaky way of coming back, especially in challenges with the IRB), but I am glad I am able to meet it with the power to resist, the power to clap back and say, “I will forge on.”
Any friend of a “good villain” knows the power of resistance and meets that head-on with courage and grit. I’m happy to say I’ve resisted Imposter Syndrome even though it keeps making appearances. So what? As I said in my last column, own it, embrace it, and then squelch it. You’ll be happy you made the decision to own Imposter Syndrome before it owns you. Embrace the challenges, the doubts, the fears, the insecurities. Then squeeze the life out of it and decide to let it go. You are not your Imposter Syndrome. You can move on without the constant worrying that you’re not going to “make it” or you’re not “good enough.” It’s the only path toward true liberation.
For more tips and tricks to overcoming Imposter Syndrome, be sure to visit these helpful websites:
https://asana.com/resources/impostor-syndrome#9-tips-to-cope-with-impostor-syndrome
https://impostorsyndrome.com/10-steps-overcome-impostor/
https://hbr.org/amp/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome
https://todayslearner.cengage.com/how-imposter-syndrome-affects-students-and-instructors/
Managing the “End of Term”
The end of term can be hectic for anyone, regardless of where you are in the program. Being in coursework can present extra challenges, particularly if you’ve just started back to school. Quarter programs versus semester programs also present different challenges, especially if you are not used to the timeline from prior educational experience.
Creating a calendar of all the tasks and assignments that need to be done, and how long they are expected to take, may be helpful. Set attainable goals, be realistic in the work that will need to go into completing any final papers or projects. Don’t forget to schedule breaks, time for yourself, meals, sleep, and time for fun. Find an accountability or study buddy, so you can both keep each other on track, as well as support and commiserate with each other if needed. Pace yourself, and be aware of your peak productive times, and how long you can produce quality work before burning out.
Learn about the other processes you will have to go through in the future, and if you’re expected to start preparing for qualifying or comprehensive exams or reaching out to potential committee members. Plan for the future, but don’t forget to focus on the work that needs to be done now, and do not overwork yourself.
Find out when grades actually need to be submitted. If you are worried you may need a few extra days to finish a project or paper, this will let you know what the possibilities are in requesting an extension. If your program has opportunities to take incompletes, this may also be a possibility if you’re worried about not getting everything done or feel like you just need some extra time overall. Learn the options you have available to you as well as who you can go to for support.
Talk with your mentors and research advisors about expectations over breaks. What needs to be done? Is any of this tied to funding? Be transparent in what you feel like you can take on, whether you’ll have periods of unavailability, or if you just flat out need a break. This can also be a great time to practice saying “no” to additional projects!
Try to keep things balanced and in perspective. There are many other things to life than grad school, so be sure to prioritize your health and needs. Ask for help if you need it! Push through the imposter syndrome; you are brilliant and belong in your program. You are a whole person, and your grades, outcomes, or productivity during this time do not define your worth or abilities.
Social Work Snippets
SSWR Conference 2022
11/4/2021: Online registration anticipated to open the week of 11/8. Early Bird Deadline: 12/10/21. View rates
11/4/2021: Hotel Reservations Now Available. Discounted Rate Deadline: 12/15/21. View
Call for Papers/Proposals:
Deadline: November 22, 2021
We are seeking to fund vaccine equity focused projects that address the systemic disadvantages experienced by communities of color, rural communities, and communities that face a disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes from public health threats. It has been well established that some communities of color experience high rates of disease, hospitalization, and serious negative health outcomes. Additionally, for rural communities, place may have a strong impact on not only vaccine uptake but other health outcomes. With these disparities in mind, we are seeking to support multilevel targeted outreach to vaccine hesitant or underserved populations across five geographic areas, in order to enable communities to respond more effectively to the needs of constituents with lower vaccine uptake. While the current focus is on COVID19 vaccinations, the knowledge and experience gained will also help to advance future outreach for flu and other adult immunizations
Deadline: December 1, 2021
A combined effort (Departments of Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus along with Departments of Psychology & Social Work at Denver University, University of Colorado Boulder, and Colorado State University) offers postdoctoral research training for MDs and PhDs for research careers in developmental psychobiology, with special emphasis on the development of maladaptive behavior. This multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional translational program has a long history of involvement in developmental research. The Developmental Psychobiology Research Group (DPRG) includes researchers with productive career involvement as independent investigators of developmental research techniques, some of which are technologically unique. Subject populations have ranged from humans through murine to tissue culture models. Members from this group serve as the faculty for this research training program funded by NIMH T32MH015442, now in its 44th year. Addressing problems with clinical relevance are continually in the forefront of this translational program.
Behavioral Sciences Special Issue "Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Care"
Deadline: November 21, 2021
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is widely accepted as a standard for assessment and intervention that not only acknowledges but also respects and integrates the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of patients and families. However, relatively little has been discussed as to how different cultural dimensions may or should be considered in TIC and how the intersection between trauma and culture can inform service access and delivery, staff competency, organizational policy, as well as service outcomes. Given that certain cultural dimensions (e.g., racial, gender, and social identities) tend to account for significant disparities in service access and needed support, special attention and caution will be requested in TIC for the populations who are culturally underrepresented or marginalized. This Special Issue is interested in how cultural humility and sensitivity can be incorporated into elements and principles of TIC and what lessons we have learned to create culturally responsive trauma-informed practice and policy in the current care systems.
Behavioral Sciences Special Issue: Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Care
Deadline: November 30, 2021
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is widely accepted as a standard for assessment and intervention that not only acknowledges but also respects and integrates the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of patients and families. However, relatively little has been discussed as to how different cultural dimensions may or should be considered in TIC and how the intersection between trauma and culture can inform service access and delivery, staff competency, organizational policy, as well as service outcomes. Given that certain cultural dimensions (e.g., racial, gender, and social identities) tend to account for significant disparities in service access and needed support, special attention and caution will be requested in TIC for the populations who are culturally underrepresented or marginalized. This Special Issue is interested in how cultural humility and sensitivity can be incorporated into elements and principles of TIC and what lessons we have learned to create culturally responsive trauma-informed practice and policy in the current care systems.
The Society for the Study of Social Problems Annual Meeting
Deadline: January 15, 2022
We are continuing to experience moments that vividly illustrate the inequities, inequalities, and injustices we know all too well. It is the time to turn those multiple moments on our social landscape into momentum – momentum for social justice, momentum for change, momentum for SSSP scholars to move from analysis to action, and momentum to make SSSP not simply the Society for the Study of Social Problems, but also into a society that designs solutions.
Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work Special Issue: Critical Feminist Inquiry in Social Work
Deadline: January 31, 2022
A decade ago, Affilia published a special issue on critical feminisms in social work (volume 25, issue 4; 2010), one aim of which was “to reinvigorate our profession’s commitments to social justice and social change” (Gringeri & Roche, 2010, p. 338). At that time, feminisms were falling out of focus, and Affilia was making the case for their continued relevance.
For this special edition of Affilia, we invite manuscripts that build on the issues raised in our 2010 special issue (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886109910384194) for the new decade. We also call attention to our revised journal subtitle, Feminist Inquiry in Social Work, to ask what critical feminisms mean for social work theorizing, research, practice, and education today.
Reimagining Supports for Youth Involved with Public Systems in the Transition to Adulthood
Deadline: February 1, 2022
Youth who depend on service systems before and during the transition to adulthood, such as those experiencing homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice, special education, special healthcare needs, and/or have serious emotional disturbance, tend to have worse educational, employment, and health outcomes than their non-system involved peers (Osgood, Foster, Flanagan & Ruth, 2005). There is considerable fragmentation of services both within and across child-serving systems (Davis, Green & Hoffman, 2009). Moreover, hallmarks of the developmental transition have generally included stable, “independent” housing, securing employment, completing education, and family formation even though the timing, ordering, and occurrence of these markers have changed over time (Settersten & Ray, 2010).
This special issue encourages innovative thinking and focuses on papers that contribute to improving outcomes for system-connected youth by shifting our focus or reimagining services and supports for youth in the transition to adulthood. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, conceptual, and review papers are welcome.
Grants/Fellowships:
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
Deadline: November 17, 2021
The National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports 25 early career scholars working in critical areas of education research. These $70,000 fellowships support non-residential postdoctoral proposals that make significant scholarly contributions to the field of education. The program also develops the careers of its recipients through professional development activities involving National Academy of Education members.
Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy Grant
Deadline: December 1, 2021
Aim and Mission:
To support emerging scholars through small grants.
To promote scholarship with a social policy application.
To encourage projects that address contemporary issues in the social sciences.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be current PhD (or DrPH) candidates who are working on their dissertation.
Applicants must not have a PhD; those who do, are ineligible.
Applicants must have defended their dissertation proposal or had their topic approved by their department.
Applicants can be from any country and any university in the world. US citizenship or residency is not required.
Criteria:
The foundation supports projects with a social policy application on either a global or local level.
Applications are evaluated based on the Trustees’ assessment of criteria such as: feasibility, applicability, originality, methodology, theoretically informed or empirically rich research, and letters of recommendation. No specific weight is given to any one area. Proposals are evaluated based on overall merit of all aspects of the application.
UCSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in AIDS Prevention Studies
Deadline: December 10, 2021
The Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) in the UCSF Division of Prevention Science is accepting applications for 2- to 3-year postdoctoral fellowships in AIDS prevention research.
The Traineeships in AIDS Prevention Studies (TAPS) Program is a multi-disciplinary NIMH-sponsored postdoctoral training program designed for social and behavioral scientists, physicians, and epidemiologists with a demonstrated interest in HIV/AIDS research.
To be eligible, persons applying must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree, and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Scholars who contribute diversity to the field of health research are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants without a Master’s in Public Health degree or its equivalent in training/experience will obtain an MPH in Epidemiology at UC Berkeley at the beginning of the three-year program. Those already holding an MPH may complete the program in two years. Stipend range follows the NIH scale and is supplemented per the current UCSF postdoctoral union agreement with UAW .
Application due date is December 10th, 2021, for fellowships beginning July 1, 2022. Separate application to the UC Berkeley School of Public Health is due December 1, 2021 for fellows requiring the MPH. For further information, see our website at Postdoctoral Training in the Division of Prevention Science and for application materials, please contact our Program Coordinator, Rochelle Blanco.
Penn State Child Maltreatment Postdoctoral Fellowship
Deadline: January 14, 2022
Penn State University’s Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (solutionsnetwork.psu.edu) is now accepting applications for our 2-year NICHD-funded T32 (solutionsnetwork.psu.edu/t32-grant) post-doctoral fellowship in child maltreatment science. The training will allow fellows to specialize in several training tracks including a) Biology and Health, b) Developmental Processes, c) Prevention and Treatment, and d) Policy and Administrative Data Systems. This training is one of the few opportunities for new scholars to develop expertise across the wide spectrum of child maltreatment science.
Boston College School of Social Work Postdoctoral Fellow
Deadline: Open Until Filled
Boston College School of Social Work invites applications to a post-doctoral fellowship focused on issues of relevance to maternal and child health and health equity, with a special focus on child abuse prevention. The fellow will join a research team studying the long term impacts of two brief parenting interventions on parent and child outcomes. This longitudinal mixed methods study includes both quantitative and qualitative data sources, with data relevant to stress, mental health, social support, exposure to violence, child emotional and behavioral well-being, and parenting practices. Data are obtained from multiple sources including video/observational, self-report surveys, in-depth qualitative interviews, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Interest and/or expertise in longitudinal data analysis, qualitative data analysis, efficacy trials, and/or implementation science is desired. The position is partially funded by NIH/NICHD (grant #R01 R01 HD093665; PIs: Taylor and Fleckman). The Postdoctoral Fellow reports to Principal Investigator, Dr. Catherine Taylor.
Job Opportunities (from ACOSA Newsletter):
Director of Data and Evaluation, University of Maryland
Director of Federal Equity Initiatives and Director of Racial Equity Analytics at Urban Institute
Director of Membership & Communication at NASW-Michigan
Assistant Professor, Utah State University SSW
Assistant Professor, University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Various Positions, Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR)
Faculty Openings - Open Rank, Boston College SSW
JU is hiring! The Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas seeks an Assistant Professor of Trans and/or Queer Cultural Studies for Fall 2022. This position is a full-time, tenure-track, academic-year (9-month) appointment. The successful candidate must have research and teaching expertise in trans and/or queer cultural studies and/or theory. https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnew…/Search/…/HomeWithPreLoad…
Other News:
Do you love podcasts? Listen to NASW Social Work Talks podcast, which explores relevant social work topics through speaking with experts and practitioners: https://www.socialworkers.org/…/nasw-social-work-talks-podc…
Check out SSWR's Doctoral Student Center for resources and more: secure.sswr.org/resources/doct…
Obtain your free copy of the new publication “Pandemic ethics: A resource for social work students, educators and practitioners” here: ifsw.org/pandemic-ethic…
Disclaimer: This newsletter is created as free service by SSWR Doctoral Student Committee Communications Subcommittee members:
Pari Shah
Alberto Cifuentes, Jr.
Veronica Timbers
Durrell Malik Washington, Sr.
Agnès Nzomene Kahouo Foda
Victoria Carter
Tasha Childs
Riley Hostetter
Guest submissions also included by members of our Conference Committee and Mentoring Committee.
The opinions expressed in this newsletter are the opinions of the individuals listed above alone and do not claim to represent the opinions of SSWR or the SSWR Doctoral Student Committee.