News
Tackling the ableism epidemic
Social Work Assistant Professor Kiley McLean presented a “Brief & Brilliant” talk at the Society for Social Work Research 2026 Annual Conference in January. The session, “Tackling the Ableism Epidemic,” confronts the lack of investment in people with disabilities. Brief …
Preparing students for trauma-focused interactions
By Al Dickenson The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare has offered the Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) since 2013, training students to work with clients who have traumatic backgrounds. Those planning to pursue careers in the justice system …
Kavanaugh chosen for visiting professorship
By Kathy Quirk Caretaking is a universal fact of life. So sharing information and research about how different countries approach caregiving challenges is important, according to Melinda S. Kavanaugh, professor of social work in UWM’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. That’s why she’s excited and …
Artistic Representations of Aging 2026 event
Artistic Representations of Aging highlights a photo exhibit, film and panel discussion — all centered around aging. The UWM Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology and Student Gerontology Association invite you to attend Artistic Representations of Aging on Friday, April …
HBSSW faculty and students present research at national conference
Faculty, scientists, doctoral and post-doctoral students from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare presented their research at the Society for Social Work and Research 2026 Annual Conference. The conference, “Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy …
Social Welfare professors honored at UWM Employee Excellence Awards
Joshua Mersky and Stan Stojkovic were recognized on Wednesday, Oct. 15, for their devotion to the UWM community at the 2025 Employee Excellence Awards ceremony. Joshua Mersky The Committee of Distinguished Professors honored Professor Joshua Mersky with the Office of …
“Going Home” with virtual reality provides a unique study opportunity for dementia researchers
By Al Dickenson For the tens of millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers, there is frequently a lot of pain associated with reminiscing about the past. However, by using virtual reality as …
Allyship for Native Americans: Patti Schevers’ journey back home
By Al Dickenson Patti Schevers has a unique story — growing up in a rural environment as a white woman within the Oneida Nation Reservation. Patti grew up on her family farm, which she and her family have lived on …
UWM researcher supports youth caregivers worldwide through training and film
By Kaitlin Stainbrook When someone is diagnosed with a neurological disorder like ALS or Huntington’s disease, life changes immediately — and not just for them. Caregiving often falls to immediate family members, even if they are still children. As a …