Joshua Mersky, PhD

  • Professor, Social Work

Dr. Joshua Mersky is a professor of social work and founding co-director of the Institute for Child and Family Well-Being, a community-university partnership between the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare and Children's Wisconsin. The mission of the Institute is to improve the lives of children and families with complex challenges by implementing effective programs, conducting cutting-edge research, engaging communities, and promoting systems change.

Dr. Mersky’s research interests include the study of adverse and traumatic experiences that undermine health and well-being over the life course. He applies his expertise to developing, testing, and disseminating effective strategies in community settings to promote resilience.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2006
  • MSW, Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2001
  • B.A., History, University of Mary Washington, 1995

Professional Interests:

  • Trauma and resilience
  • Prevention and intervention
  • Program evaluation
  • Translational research

Current Funding:

  • 4/1/23-3-31/24. Promoting Equity in COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination through Emergency Department-based programs: Identifying Informational Needs and Practical Implementation Strategies. Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin. Role: Co-Investigator (PI: Baumer-Mouradian)
  • 10/1/22-3/31/25. Developing an Evidence-Informed Postnatal Home Visiting Program. Racine County Public Health Division and Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services. Role: Principal Investigator
  • 10/1/22-9/30/27. Hope and Healing for Children Who Experience Family Violence. Funding Source: U.S. DHHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Role: Principal Investigator
  • 9/30/21-9/29/23. Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant Program: Coordinated State Evaluation of Family Engagement and Health Equity. U.S. DHHS, Health Resources and Services Administration. Role: Principal Investigator
  • 7/1/21-6/30/23. Strong and Stable Families. Wisconsin Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board. Role: Principal Investigator
  • 9/30/21-9/29/25. Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant Program Funding: U.S. DHHS, Health Resources and Services Administration. Role: Principal Investigator
  • 7/1/21-6/30/23. Strong and Stable Families. Funding: Wisconsin Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board. Role: Principal Investigator

Recent Publications:

Curriculum Vitae