Biography

I’m an Assistant Professor of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach. My research delves deeply into how young people understand inequality and shape democracy—from political beliefs and voting to protest and community action—with a specific focus on race, justice, and the integral role of social work in fostering social change. Through my work, I examine the ways in which systemic injustices can be challenged. I teach social policy and research methods, providing students with the tools they need to critically analyze social issues and develop effective interventions. Additionally, I mentor emerging scholars, guiding them through the complexities of academic research while encouraging them to pursue their own unique inquiries. I actively collaborate with community partners to connect rigorous evidence to public life, aiming to influence policy decisions and promote social justice initiatives that empower communities and foster greater equity in our society.

A Brooklyn native (Flatbush & Coney Island), I earned a BA in Psychology (Baruch College, CUNY) and master’s degrees in Social Work and Urban Planning (University of Michigan). I completed my PhD at UCLA. I serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Urban Social Work and authored Families in the Urban Environment: Understanding Resiliency (Cognella, 2018). At CSULB, I’ve also served as a college-level DEIA leader and direct the DARE Lab (Democracy, Anti-Racism, and Equity). I lead a study-abroad program to Germany centered on social policy and civic learning.

Highlights

• Research areas: Youth civic engagement & voting; awareness of inequality & critical reflection; race & democracy; political social work and policy.
• Selected publications: Child Development (on adolescents’ awareness of inequality), Journal of Youth and Adolescence (longitudinal links from awareness to civic action), Journal of Policy Practice and Research (MSW students’ views on policing and reform).
• Teaching: SW 505 (Foundations of Social Policy), SW 594B (Research Methods II), SW 698C/699C (Applied Projects I & II).
• Leadership & service: DEIA Champion/Co-Director work in the College of Health & Human Services; editorial service; student mentorship and research supervision.
• Grants & collaborations: Internal awards supporting student research and campus climate work; external submissions (e.g., William T. Grant Foundation, NIJ W.E.B. Du Bois).

Media & Speaking

Available for commentary on: youth voting and political participation; student activism; race and democracy; polarization and civic education; political social work; campus climate and belonging. I translate findings into clear takeaways and storylines for news audiences.

Note on the photo: I took the image on this page from the top of the World Trade Center in August 2001.