Each year, the Stanford University–Elsevier study identifies the world’s leading scientists whose published work ranks among the top 2% globally for research impact. In its most recent 2024 and 2025 updates, several scholars from the University of Washington School of Social Work earned this prestigious distinction.
After 29 years at the University of Washington School of Social Work, Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus Stan De Mello retired at the conclusion of the 2025 Fall quarter. De Mello was a beloved and active member of the SSW faculty, teaching hundreds of students, serving as liaison with field instructors in the BASW and MSW programs and providing wise leadership in the Community-Centered Integrative Practice concentration.
For many years, Asian/Asian American (A/AA) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) student data in Washington have been grouped together, which has made it difficult to understand the challenges faced by students within these diverse communities. To better understand these differences, UW researchers Max Halvorson, Santino Camacho and Jenn Nguyễn spent two years studying student experiences and created two reports on their findings.
Graduates of the University of Washington Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) program share insights about their current professional roles, and offer candid advice for navigating the BASW program, preparing for the job market and imagining their futures in social work.
Associate Professor Clara Berridge’s research examines the ethical, privacy and equity implications of surveillance and AI technologies in elder care. As she brings this critical lens to national media, policy discussions and a new UW course on Social Welfare and AI, Berridge continues to advocate for technology that upholds dignity, human connection and justice.
University of Washington Ph.D. students Vania Buck and Jon Torres were recognized this past weekend at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference as recipients of the 2025 Minority Fellowship Program. Current UW Ph.D. students Joanna La Torre and Juliann Li Verdugo were also selected as MFP fellows in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The newest cohort of Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) juniors has completed their first week in the program and they are already feeling inspired, challenged and deeply connected to their goals. Asked to reflect on their early impressions, three BASW students shared what has stood out most during this important transition.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected Bree Martinez, a second-year Ph.D. student at the University of Washington School of Social Work, as one of its 2025 Health Policy Research Scholars. HPRS helps scholars establish and strengthen professional ties to public health and policy leaders, provides training in health equity and policy process, and grants an annual award of up to $30,000 for up to four years or until the scholar completes their doctoral program.
Nominations for the School of Social Work 2026 Alumni Recognition Awards are now open and nomination forms will be accepted until November 15. If you know of an alumni who should be considered for the Early Career Achievement Award, Established Impact Award or Social Work Legacy Award, nominate your selection today.
The University of Washington School of Social Work is excited to announce that Kamryn Morris, Melanie Morris and Lauren White will join the School as assistant professors this fall quarter. Their research interests span prevention science, oral health equity and mental health in Indigenous communities. We are proud to welcome these outstanding scholars to our faculty and social work community.