Fulbright Sends Prof to Israel
Ruth Paris to assist in research at Bar Ilan University
Ruth Paris, associate professor of clinical practice and director of the Family Therapy Certificate Program at Boston University School of Social Work, has received confirmation from the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars that she was selected for a Fulbright Specialist Program grant in social work at Bar Ilan University (BIU) in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Throughout March, Dr. Paris will work in collaboration with Dr. Rachel Dekel of BIU to share her expertise in community-based clinical research and family therapy practice. Dr. Paris will assist in the systematic study of the social work interventions currently offered through clinics at BIU’s School of Social Work. She will work in partnership with Bar Ilan faculty to provide an overall needs assessment of clinical research capacity, and will subsequently lead seminars, meet with individual faculty to develop research proposals, assist with clinical research training for the doctoral program, and conduct joint research.
Social work plays a critical role in Israel, where there are unique challenges given the diversity of the population and their stressful circumstances. For example, students work with veterans dealing with the aftermath of military service, immigrant families from Russia and Africa, and young children struggling with the traumatic effects of bombings.
“It is delightful to have Dr. Paris be able to collaborate on such important research with her long-time distinguished colleague, Dr. Dekel,” Boston University School of Social Work Dean Gail Steketee said. “This Fulbright award will enable them to exchange ideas and work together on research while in Israel. Both of our institutions will benefit greatly.”
Dr. Paris is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the faculty and students at Bar Ilan. “I will approach this work—just as I do when partnering with community agencies—knowing there are many strengths already in place,” Dr. Paris said. “I will also be learning a great deal about different interventions, particularly those that are trauma-focused, and will bring that expertise back to BU. I am hopeful that we will build a bridge between Bar Ilan and Boston University so that we may continue to partner on joint research programs.”
The Fulbright Specialist Program promotes linkages between US scholars and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas through short-term collaborative projects and is sponsored by the US State Department.
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