Boston University School of Social Work\u00a0(BUSSW)\u00a0recently held\u00a0its\u00a0Spring 2026\u00a0Research in Action\u00a0research\u00a0discussion, where faculty came together to explore the theme of health and well-being through a multidisciplinary lens.<\/p>\n
Moderated by Professor\u00a0Hyeouk\u00a0\u201cChris\u201d Hahm,\u00a0associate dean for research\u00a0at\u00a0BUSSW,\u00a0the event featured six\u00a0BUSSW 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.<\/p>\n
Presentations highlighted a wide range of research, from Professor Ruth Paris\u2019s work on Latin American immigrant families and culturally responsive interventions to\u00a0Assistant\u00a0Professor Noor\u00a0Toraif\u2019s\u00a0exploration of how family and individual contexts shape youth well-being.<\/p>\n
Professor Clemens Noelke examined neighborhood opportunity and homicide mortality, while Assistant Professor Darien Williams\u00a0presented on\u00a0global housing-related health disparities through a community-centered lens.<\/p>\n
Assistant\u00a0Professor\u00a0Luis\u00a0Alvarez-Hernandez emphasized the importance of linguistic inclusion in clinical trials to advance health equity, and\u00a0Professor\u00a0Allyala\u00a0Nandakumar shared research on the economic value of social work and its broader societal impact.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n