BUSSW Researchers Spotlight Health and Well-Being at Spring 2026 “Research in Action” Discussion
Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) recently held its Spring 2026 Research in Action research discussion, where faculty came together to explore the theme of health and well-being through a multidisciplinary lens.
Moderated by Professor Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm, associate dean for research at BUSSW, the event featured six BUSSW researchers whose work spans communities, systems, and policy. Each presentation underscored a shared understanding: health outcomes are deeply shaped by the intersection of social, economic, and structural factors.
Presentations highlighted a wide range of research, from Professor Ruth Paris’s work on Latin American immigrant families and culturally responsive interventions to Assistant Professor Noor Toraif’s exploration of how family and individual contexts shape youth well-being.
Professor Clemens Noelke examined neighborhood opportunity and homicide mortality, while Assistant Professor Darien Williams presented on global housing-related health disparities through a community-centered lens.
Assistant Professor Luis Alvarez-Hernandez emphasized the importance of linguistic inclusion in clinical trials to advance health equity, and Professor Allyala Nandakumar shared research on the economic value of social work and its broader societal impact.
The event concluded with an engaging discussion that fostered cross-disciplinary insights and collaboration. Five newly accepted doctoral students also attended as special guests, gaining early exposure to research in action and its potential to shape policy and practice.
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