INIHKD 2026 focuses on reclaiming Indigenous ecologies and health

Multiple members of the INIHKD committee pose for a photo outside.

In November 2026, the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI) will host the International Network of Indigenous Health, Wellness & Development (INIHKD), an annual, week-long conference convening Indigenous scholars, researchers, practitioners, creatives and community leaders from around the world. This year, INIHKD will focus on three interconnected sub‑themes: Indigenous Health and Healing; Environmental and Ecological Systems; and Advanced Technologies and AI.

SSW Alumni Mixer honors 2026 awardees

A 3 photo collage. At the top left: Derek Crain smiles into the camera. To the right: Dr. Em Loerzel rides a horse at sunset. She is wearing a heavy red and blue shawl. At the bottom left: Ramona Beltran smiles wearing a multi-colored sweater.

The UW School of Social Work Alumni Mixer on May 14 will recognize three outstanding alumni: Derek Crain, Ramona Beltran and Em Loerzel, whose professional accomplishments and commitment to social work exemplify the values of our School. The event will also welcome alumni from across the country and serve as an opportunity to network and reconnect.

Dean Spencer receives Chang‑Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award

The Asian Pacific Fund has awarded University of Washington School of Social Work Dean Michael S. Spencer the 2025 Chang‑Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award, one of the nation’s most distinguished honors recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders in U.S. higher education. The San Franciso-based non-profit presents the annual award to individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and the potential to advance to the highest levels of higher‑education leadership.

Jenn Stuber receives Community Service Award from South County Fire

Members of the South County Fire department sit in a School of Social Work research commons classroom for a BHCore-led training session.

Behavioral Health Crisis Outreach Response and Education (BHCore), a School of Social Work research center founded by Associate Professor Jennifer Stuber, is equipping first responders across Washington state with vital behavioral health skills and strengthens how first responders are recruited, trained and supported across Washington. On March 19, 2026, South County Fire & Rescue recognized Stuber with its Community Service Award, which honors a community member who has made an outstanding contribution to fire and life safety through education, public relations and public service.

Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus Stan De Mello retires

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.

WA Governor’s Commission Drives Pioneering Research on Outcomes for AA and NHPI Students

Students sit in an auditorium for a presentation.

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.

Ph.D. student Bree Martinez named
Health Policy Research Scholar

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.

UW Ph.D. student accepts faculty position at Hunter College – CUNY

Hannah Scheuer stands in front of cherry blossom trees on the UW campus. She is wearing a pink blazer and glasses.

The University of Washington School of Social Work is thrilled to announce that Hannah Scheuer, a graduating Ph.D. student, has accepted a position as a tenure track assistant professor at The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College – City University of New York (CUNY). Scheuer graduates from UW in Spring 2025 and will begin her faculty position in January 2026.

Laurie Lippold named senior policy advisor at Partners for Our Children

Laurie Lippold, senior policy advisor of Partners for our children, seen here smiling with glasses on.

After 12 years as the public policy director for Partners For Our Children (P4C), Laurie Lippold now serves as P4C’s senior policy advisor and continues to champion policies that keep families together. To celebrate Lippold’s contributions to P4C and policies affecting families across the state, we want to highlight Lippold’s journey and career at the School of Social Work.

UW School of Social Work plays large role in SSWR 2025

Two staff members pose with UW live mascot Dubs II at the UW SSWR exhibit booth.

Seattle hosted the annual Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) conference for the first time, with the UW School of Social Work playing a significant role in welcoming peer institutions and contributing in large numbers to the research presentations. UW faculty, doctoral students, and staff researchers presented on various critical issues, including food insecurity, foster care policy advocacy, suicide risk among college students and more.