Social work students bring their research to the community
Posted: March 23, 2017 6:00 a.m.
These graduate students from the Faculty of Social Work are just some of the researchers presenting their research March 24, at the United Way in Regina and Station 20 West in Saskatoon. (l-r) Rebecca Rackow, Lynn Thera and Megan St. Hilaire. Photo - External Relations
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There is a clear community connection with the research being done by the faculty of social work. Some graduate students will have their research showcased by community organizations in Regina and Saskatoon on Friday, March 24.
In Regina, three graduate students will share their research at the United Way from 9:00 a.m. to noon. In Saskatoon, five graduate students will present their research projects at Station 20 West from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“The profession of social work is all about working with communities. Most social work research takes place off campus and in the community, so it only makes sense to present research in the same way,” says Dr. Kara Fletcher, assistant professor and field education coordinator at the Saskatoon campus of the U of R’s faculty of social work. “If you look at the titles of our presentations for the afternoon, I think this nicely captures what we mean. Our presenters will be discussing topics as diverse as women and the criminalization of HIV (Shelly Glum and Kristen Dunn), gentrification in Riversdale (Chelsey Bradshaw), the experiences of Indigenous professionals (Jennifer Clarke), ADHD and children (Andrew Field), and pain assessment and treatment amongst social workers (Jennifer King). All of these topics are based in social work research, yet they are so diverse.”
In Regina, the students will share their diverse research as well. The topics covered will be women and complex trauma (Lynn Thera), the effects of textile-based art on those with (dis)abilities (Megan St. Hilaire) and making the case for systemic discrimination of the mental health system in Saskatchewan (Rebecca Rackow).
“I’m very excited to be doing this. The work I’m doing is in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Saskatchewan, and I know that is what we want to do is make this information more public,” says Rebecca Rackow, a bachelor of social work candidate. “This (showcase) is a great opportunity to do that.”
The research showcase is part of Social Work Week in Saskatchewan March 19 – 24.
“My belief is that social work research has to reflect what is happening within communities,” says Dr. Daniel Kikulwe, assistant professor in the faculty of social work. “Therefore, social work week is an excellent opportunity to share our work and learning experiences. The knowledge sharing helps us gain the ‘power to empower’ others, which is the theme for this year’s social work week.”
The events in Regina and Saskatoon are open to the public.
Social Work Research Day - Saskatoon
Location: Station 20 West
Address: 1120-20th Street West
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information on the featured research in Saskatoon please visit here. This research day is sponsored by the Saskatoon Health Region, the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers and the U of R faculty of social work.
Student Research Showcase - Regina
Location: United Way Regina
Address: 1440 Scarth Street
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon.
For more information on the featured research in Regina please visit here. This event is sponsored by the United Way, Family Service Regina, Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers and the faculty of social work.
The faculty of social work places a strong emphasis on student accessibility. In addition to the University of Regina campus location, it offers social work courses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, throughout rural regions of Saskatchewan, and in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.