Faculty - News

Congratulations to Dr. Jacquelyn Meshelemiah and Dr. Samantha Bates for their recent promotions. Dr. Meshelemiah has been promoted to professor and Dr. Bates has been promoted to associate professor with tenure, effective May 21.

May is both National Pet Awareness month and Mental Health Awareness month, and the College of Social Work would like to take this time to recognize one of its faculty members whose expertise lies in the human-animal bond and animal-assisted therapy research.

While March Madness is an exciting time for sports fans, the popularity of legalized sports gambling can cause some to struggle with the complexities of problem gambling such as financial insecurity, a diminished sense of wellbeing and jeopardizing relationships at home, school or work.

April is School Library Month, and the College of Social Work would like to take this time to recognize two of its faculty members who have conducted research on the powerful potential of father-child shared book reading in preventing school and community violence.

Congratulations to Dr. Njeri Kagotho who has been awarded the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) diaspora fellowship.

Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Kaiser who has been awarded a 2025 Community-Engaged Course Development Grant from The Ohio State University Office of Undergraduate Education’s Office of Academic Enrichment Service-Learning.

Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of women throughout history. Dr. Cecilia Mengo’s research contributes to improving the health and lives of women, especially those impacted by violence.

February is National Parents Leadership Month, a time to celebrate and honor the vital work of parents and caregivers in raising the next generation. This month, the College of Social Work highlights the contributions of Kate Roush, MSW, LISW-S, an assistant clinical professor at the college making a meaningful impact in early childhood mental health.

Congratulations to Dr. Joyce Lee who is the recipient of the 2025 Society for Social Work and Research Excellence in Research Award. The award recognizes collaborative, rigorous research among social work researchers and community partners advancing community science to tackle complex social problems to achieve an equitable society.

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Krings who has been named a 2024 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Fellow. SSWR Fellows are members who have served with distinction to advance the mission of the Society—to advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, equitable and just society.