March 27, 2025
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, after relocating to New York City with her family.
To celebrate this achievement, we spoke with Scheuer about her journey through the Ph.D. in Social Welfare program, her research and her future aspirations.
Tell us a bit more about your professional and personal background.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with a focus on acute care settings. I was raised in Portland, Maine and am grateful for the opportunity to go back to the east coast for this faculty position and be closer to family. My most beloved and important role is being a mother.
How would you describe your research interests?
My research is focused on gathering information to help promote decarceration and developing supportive alternatives for youth who are involved in both child welfare and juvenile legal systems. It aims to change systems that perpetuate inequity, family instability and poor health outcomes. My research utilizes a community-engaged approach that centers the voices of those who are most impacted. The practical applications of my research are centered around developing innovative, effective and sustainable program and policy initiatives to promote youth decarceration.
What are the responsibilities of your faculty position?
My faculty position will include a mix of research, teaching and service. I will pursue my research interests while also primarily teaching clinical courses in the MSW program. I may also teach in the BSW program and will likely be developing my own courses for the MSW clinical track.
What excites you about teaching at Hunter College?
The Silberman School of Social Work could not be a better fit for me. My research agenda, teaching pedagogy and clinical practice align seamlessly with the school’s mission and commitment to educational access and civic engagement. As an educator, I strive to develop an inclusive, rigorous, relevant and engaging classroom community where students are both challenged and supported on their journeys to become critically engaged social workers. I view teaching as a reciprocal process and recognize the immense privilege of teaching as a means to help build the clinical workforce of the future. The Silberman School of Social Work’s emphasis on community partnerships and social work excellence as a means to strengthen community capacity and pursue social justice is perfectly aligned with my community-engaged program of research.
With graduation on the horizon, what are your thoughts about your Ph.D. experience here at UW?
As I near graduation at UW, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible folks including faculty, fellow doctoral students, MSW students and community partners. I have learned so much during my time in this program and am humbled by the incredible partnerships, friendships and mentors that have guided me in the past five years.