Research Assistant Professor Lyungai Mbilinyi’s research interests focus on intimate-partner violence prevention and early intervention and the intersections of race, gender and class among social and health issues. Born in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Dr. Mbilinyi has a personal and professional interest in the experience of African immigrants and refugees in the United States. She completed her BA in international studies and French at Macalester College and her MSW and MPH at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Mbilinyi began her social work career more than 15 years ago as a domestic violence group counselor. It was during her tenure as a counselor when she became interested in applied research and evaluation to ensure that interventions to family members impacted by domestic violence are based on relevant and sound research. Dr. Mbilinyi has taught research courses for Masters of Social Work students. She has published on children’s exposure to domestic violence, and marketing to and intervening with intimate partner violence perpetrators.
Dr. Mbilinyi also co-directs the School’s Innovative Programs Research Group. She is a member of the Society for Social Work and Research, and has served on the Board of the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence since 2008.
