Social Work Faculty

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:25:23 +0000

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults Taylor Thomas Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:25

In This Story

Megumi Inoue, PhD

Across the globe, the number of older adults is rapidly increasing and health care systems around the world are adapting to the needs of this population. This summer, a group of ��AV graduate and undergraduate students, led by Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work Megumi Inoue, participated in the study-abroad program in Japan—Rise of the Super-Aged Society.

Students explored policies, programs, and services to meet the unique needs of an aging global population. During the program, students visited governmental and nonprofit agencies working with the older population and interacted with local older adults in community settings.

“Study-abroad programs offer students experiential learning opportunities in different cultures that go beyond traditional classroom education. By immersing themselves in new environments, students gain practical skills in cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving while they are studying a specific topic. They also develop a deeper understanding of local issues and perspectives, enriching their academic knowledge and broadening their worldview,” said Inoue.

Samiah Clark, a bachelor of social work student set to graduate in May of 2025, attests to how students gained valuable, firsthand knowledge that can only be accomplished through immersing oneself in the culture.

"The trip enhanced my education and observational skills surrounding the cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan,” Clark said. "Additionally, I learned about their customs of respecting older adults and traditions families partake in when caring for their parents. If I had the chance, I would go again."

The course is designed to introduce and examine strategies implemented in Japan in response to issues and challenges surrounding its rapidly aging population. Students explore the strengths and limitations of strategies that Japan has incorporated expanding their perspectives on interventions for other aging countries, including the United States.

“Taking students on study-abroad trips is important for their educational and personal development,” said Inoue. "It enriches their academic experience, enhances cultural competence, and prepares them for the globalized world. After the program, students often express how cultural exposure facilitated personal growth, professional development, and self-reflection."

Learn more about the Japan - Rise of the Super-Aged Society Mason-led study abroad.

Topics

study abroad

International Health Policy

Older Adults

healthy aging

Social Work Faculty

experiential learning

Students

Songs from adolescence and early adulthood enhance mood and social engagement among people with dementia, according to new study

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:18:46 +0000

Songs from adolescence and early adulthood enhance mood and social engagement among people with dementia, according to new study Mary Cunningham Mon, 06/24/2024 - 17:18

Around 46% of residents in U.S. nursing homes have Alzheimer's or other dementias, and 13% of them are treated with antipsychotic medications, according to the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes.

Photo by Getty Images

Antipsychotic medications that affect a person’s mental state have been widely prescribed for people living with dementia in nursing facilities to treat their behavioral (social) and psychological (mood) symptoms, though positive results are limited, and the drugs can come with serious side effects. ��AV College of Public Health faculty are part of a growing group of researchers who are seeking therapeutic ways to improve the quality of life of these residents without medication.

New research, led by principal investigator Megumi Inoue, found that personalized music intervention is effective at reducing the use of antipsychotic and antianxiety medication, alleviating agitation levels, and enhancing mood and social engagement among residents.

Personalized playlists were developed based on family member suggestions regarding what songs, artists, and/or genres the participants listened to when they were around 15 to 25 years old, an age when more memories are available for potential recollection. Facility staff played the personalized playlists for the intervention group twice a week, aiming for at least 30 minutes each session, for four weeks. Participants in the control group continued their usual schedule during these four weeks.

Associate Professor of Social Work Megumi Inoue

“This study provides evidence that personalized music intervention can be used to manage distressing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia,” said Inoue, an associate professor in the Department of Social Work. "This low-cost, easily implementable intervention, requiring no special licensure for administration, can significantly enhance the quality of life for nursing facility residents

Overall, the intervention group experienced a decrease in average antipsychotic medication use after the intervention, and the control group, which did not receive any music, had an increase in medication use during the same time period. The observational data also revealed that this intervention can improve the mood of residents living with dementia and help them connect with others, while surveys from administrative staff and activity directors highlighted their positive views of the intervention.

“In addition to improving patients’ quality of life, this intervention can create an improved environment throughout the nursing home,” said Inoue. "For example, if personalized music helps reduce residents’ challenging symptoms, they will become easier to work with for direct care workers. In addition, the reduction of medications to treat residents’ psychological and behavioral symptoms will contribute to creating an overall safer facility because such medications have sedating effects that can cause falls."

She added, "Using the personalized music intervention may be perceived as extra work by some staff members, but ultimately, it can ease their work processes as its positive effects have indirect impacts on their work and facility environment."

“A Personalized Music Intervention in Nursing Home Residents Living With Dementia: Findings From a Randomized Study” was published online in the Journal for Applied Gerontology in June 2024. This research was supported by a Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Fund from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.

Additional authors include Emily S. Ihara, Catherine J. Tompkins, Shannon Layman, Sarah Nosrat, Morgan Moore, and Kimberly A. McNally from George Mason’s College of Public Health; Meng-Hao Li from George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government; Samreen Mehak from George Mason’s Department of Biology; George Mason alumna Kendall Barrett from Wise Mind Psychotherapy; and Catherine Magee from Paving the Way MSI.

In This Story

Megumi Inoue, PhD

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 29 May 2024 15:50:53 +0000

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia Mary Cunningham Wed, 05/29/2024 - 11:50

In This Story

Dr. Cathy Tompkins

Gilbert Gimm, PhD

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of those living with dementia receive informal care from family members or friends. This equates to 16 million family caregivers in the U.S. However, caring for family members with dementia is often associated with increased caregiver burden (which includes emotional, physical, and financial strain), stress, and worse physical health for the caregiver.

Catherine Tompkins, principal investigator, professor of social work, and associate dean of faculty and staff affairs in the College of Public Health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, led by ��AV researchers, found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced burden scores by 15% for 97 family caregivers of older adults living with dementia. The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers TM, intervention was specifically designed to help family caregivers manage their own stress when caring for older adults living with dementia or a chronic illness

“In this study, we found evidence of a range in average caregiver burden levels based on the dementia severity category of care recipients. The findings show that an online Zoom intervention in a peer group setting can be beneficial for family caregivers of older adults with mild, moderate, or severe dementia,” said Catherine Tompkins, principal investigator, professor of social work, and associate dean of faculty and staff affairs in the College of Public Health.

The intervention provided family caregivers with education and strategies to manage stress when caring for someone living with dementia. Examples of self-care techniques included breathing and meditation; troubleshooting behaviors associated with dementia; and peer-to-peer support within a virtual group setting.

Associate Professor Gilbert Gimm

“Reducing caregiver burden and managing stress are critical to the well-being of families. These findings show that effective stress management interventions for family caregivers can be facilitated through online peer groups,” said Gilbert Gimm, first author and associate professor of health administration and policy.

“Mason Caregivers Aiming for Resilience, Empowerment, and Support Study: Assessing Family Caregiver Burden Post-Intervention” was published online in April 2024. Co-authors include George Mason Associate Professor Megumi Inoue, Professor Emily Ihara, Mason CARES Project Manager Shannon Layman, and Master of Social Work alumna graduate Harveen Pantleay. This study was supported by a grant (#2021048) from the Retirement Research Foundation (RRF).

The study is part of a larger project, entitled Mason CARES (Caregivers Aiming for Resilience, Empowerment, and Support), that implemented and assessed interventions for family caregivers.

Topics

Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence

Mary Cunningham — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:44:35 +0000

Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence Mary Cunningham Tue, 04/02/2024 - 19:44

Denise Hines seeks to reduce stereotypes and bias of men from racial and ethnic minority communities who experience intimate partner violence

Denise HInes. Photo provided

Intimate partner violence (IPV) research and support are most often focused on abuse against women; however, men also experience this form of violence. The research that does exist on men’s victimization mostly focuses on White men despite men of all racial and ethnic backgrounds experiencing IPV.

A leading expert in under-recognized victims of violence, ��AV researcher Denise Hines, PhD, will lead a new project to study male victims of IPV, with a focus on men from racial and ethnic minority communities, specifically African American and Latino. She received an anonymous $1 million grant for the project after the donor read her tip sheet about men who experience IPV.

^{This research will dispel a lot of stereotypes and racial biases that Black and Latino men who experience domestic violence face above and beyond what White men face. We want to make sure they don’t feel lost or alone. We hope to learn how we can make Black and Latino men feel comfortable coming forward and knowing there are people who will help them get what they need,” said Hines, an associate professor of social work at Mason's College of Public Health.}

The four-phase study titled “Understanding male IPV in racial and ethnic minority communities,” will have 300 White males, 300 Black males, and 600 Latino males from both immigrant and non-immigrant communities within the U.S participate. As part of the study, participants will complete a survey with questions about their abuse experiences, barriers to seeking help, experiences when help was sought, and how things like trauma, mental health issues, and racism affected those experiences.

In phase II of the study, researchers will interview Black and Latino IPV victims to discuss their abuse experiences as they relate to their race/ethnicity/immigration status and how marginalization and stereotypes contribute to their struggles with identifying abuse and seeking and receiving help.

The team will also survey IPV support providers including mental health professionals, medical professionals, social service providers, lawyers, judges, and police officers regarding their attitudes towards male IPV victims versus female IPV victims. The final phase will be interviews with experts from a variety of professions on male IPV victims that along with survey results will form the basis of a best practices white paper.

Hines’ research team includes Emily Douglas, PhD, from Montclair State University, who has worked with Hines on most of her male IPV projects over the past 20 years; Chiara Sabina, PhD, from Rutgers University, who is an expert on IPV in the Latinx community; and Kerry Lee, PhD, from Bryn Mawr College, who is an expert on IPV in the African American/Black community. A doctoral student and a master’s student will assist with the project.

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:42:29 +0000

‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine? Mary Cunningham Thu, 02/29/2024 - 18:42

In This Story

Dr. Cathy Tompkins

Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

Ageism is a problem in health care, and the World Health Organization Global Report on Ageism points to factors such as increased human life expectancy, declines in birthrates, and the lack of investment to address health inequities among older people as reasons for strategies to eliminate ageism.

Ageism can impact the quality of patient care and be a source of frustration for older patients. Senior Mentor Programs (SMP) are one way to address ageism and improve the quality of care delivered to older patients by better understanding their unique needs, perspectives, and societal contributions.

Intergenerational mentoring programs are beneficial to both young and older people, according to a new study led by Emily Ihara, chair of ��AV’s Department of Social Work, and Catherine Tompkins, the College of Public Health’s Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs, who are co-PIs of Mason’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

“The results show the importance of reciprocal relationships, where both young and older people benefit, in addressing ageism in health care,” said Ihara. “The program served to defy existing stereotypes especially for younger medical students who may not have had experience working with older adults. Building relationships with an older mentor helped them to gain a better understanding and much-needed perspective of older people, which will hopefully translate into better provision of care for this population.”

The team from ��AV and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) analyzed the perspectives of older adults (mentors) who participated in a SMP involving first-year medical students. Three themes emerged from the mentors’ responses: generational guidance, volunteerism, and life satisfaction. The responses illustrated how intergenerational mentorship programs can help older adults maintain a desire to promote the well-being of younger generations (such as by volunteering) by providing an opportunity for older adults to form meaningful connections (life satisfaction) and positively influence members of the younger generation (generational guidance). Participants in the study spoke about wanting to help stop health-related discrimination toward older people.

“Do whatever it takes to get medical personnel to treat and understand older adults. We are not wrinkly old babies, which is how a lot of doctors treat us,” said one participant.

The SMP provided older adults the opportunity to have an open conversation with students in the medical field and address the stigma related to caring for older adults. For example, several mentors discussed being treated unfairly or being misunderstood when receiving medical services. The program allowed older adults to connect with students and to pass on advice or experiences that they believe are important to improve patient care. Student responses to the program were analyzed in a different academic paper.

“’Don’t treat us like fragile babies:’ Mentors’ perspectives of an intergenerational mentoring program for medical students” was published online in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships in February 2024. Additional authors include Mason undergraduate student Vianey Velazquez-Dominguez; three Mason Master of Social Work alumni—Harveen Pantleay from Loudoun County Schools; Kendall Barrett from Wise Mind Psychotherapy; and Madeline Holden from Wesley Housing Development Corporation; and Kimberly Ivey, Leland Waters, and Sarah A. Marrs from VCU.

This work was supported by the Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [grant number U1QHP28744], Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

Thumbnail photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.

Topics

Older Adults

Intergenerational Education

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:42:53 +0000

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence Mary Cunningham Thu, 01/25/2024 - 18:42

In This Story

Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Twenty-six percent of women and 15% of men who were victims of intimate partner violence reported that their first experience was before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

��AV researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to intimate partner violence in young people.

“As with adult intimate partner violence, many teenagers who experience violence in their dating relationships do not tell anyone,” said King. “It is important to look out for warning signs and check in with anyone you know experiencing any of the signs.”

One in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking and can take place in person or electronically.

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
Isolation from friends and family
Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises

“Even just one of these warning signs indicates a risk of teen dating violence and that you or the person experiencing this needs help. While some of these signs can be associated with issues other than teen dating violence, it’s important to act on red flags like these,” said King.

Parent involvement is a protective factor to safeguard teens against engaging in risky behaviors. Here are a few tips especially for parents:

Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and that violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) has no place in a healthy relationship.
Know and recognize the signs of abuse, as well as the facts of dating violence.
Look for changes in your teen's mood, appearance, or activities; which could be an indication that something is wrong or abuse is happening. This could be things, such as a drop in grades, unexplained bruises, or a change in friends or peer group.

Teen dating violence has a lifelong impact on a person’s health and can be detrimental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Violence can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.

There are many resources available if you or someone you know is being abused. Talk to a trusted adult or visit loveisrespect.org or www.thatsnotcool.com for support and help. Additional resource: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Dr. Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of ��AV’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African-American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.

To speak to Dr. King, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About George Mason
��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more on our homepage.

About the College of Public Health
The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The College offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, inequalities and marginalized communities, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, informatics, and health technologies. With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity.

The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally-recognized programs, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 8 master’s degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees, and 6 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Innovate for Good: Social Work case simulation goes virtual

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:09:23 +0000

Innovate for Good: Social Work case simulation goes virtual Mary Cunningham Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:09

The College of Public Health at ��AV wants every student to be able to learn through virtual reality training—and the Department of Social Work is helping to lead the way.

Working with one of the college’s five Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators (CHSE), the department created an interprofessional, person-centered virtual reality simulation for students to apply their skills to a real-time social work case in a low-stakes environment.

Photo by Mary Cunningham/College of Public Health

The training, which meets the Healthcare Standards of Best Practice, was offered to 28 Master of Social Work (MSW) students in the HRSA-funded Community Academic Partnership-Behavioral Health program. The virtual reality (VR) experience was couched between pre- and post-simulation educational materials and debriefs that linked student experiences back to direct practice learning objectives.

“VR simulation offers students the unique opportunity for interprofessional group decision-making and support in providing care, in a context where immediate feedback around decision-making, as well as the opportunity for alternative decisions, can be experienced,” said professor Holly Matto, the lead author of a paper about the learning experience.

Department chair Emily S. Ihara, CHSE chief innovation officer Bethany Cieslowski, associate professor Denise Hines, and director of practicum education Jeanne Booth helped create and shape the experience. They were joined by other social work faculty to run pre-brief and post-debrief for the case.

In the VR scenario, students interacted with a teen in a hospital clinic after his foster parents called the police when the teen displayed violent behavior in the home after drugs were found in his room. The simulation offered a safe learning environment, encouraging student pairs to manage engagement, practice, and adjust their skills in a real-time, low-stakes scenario.

Feedback from students suggested they learned the importance of building rapport with a client, how to adapt to unfamiliar settings, how to adapt to new information and adjust communication styles accordingly, and how to create a safe space with an ambivalent client. After the simulation, the majority reported feeling more confident with client communications and providing interventions that foster client safety.

^{Mason’s Department of Social Work and other social work training programs are uniquely positioned to lead pedagogical advancements in innovative skill development,” said Ihara. "This includes developing methods that build safe learning spaces in order to enhance resiliency strategies students will need as they enter an increasingly demanding and challenging workforce environment upon graduation."}

Photo by Mary Cunningham/College of Public Health

With the success of this training case, the department plans to integrate VR simulation training into its Bachelor of Social Work and MSW curricula. In fact, the department has already developed a new custom social work VR case where social workers and other health professionals can work together with a substance-engaged family.

Coordinators of this training simulation are excited for the future opportunities that VR can provide for students and for substance recovery and support.

“We envision inviting peer support specialists and recovery coaches, critical to the existing behavioral health workforce, to participate in similar VR simulation trainings in the future," said Matto. "For example, VR simulations could be used to practice motivational interviewing skills routinely employed in recovery coach sessions, as well as to help peer providers understand ways to manage stigma, adhere to boundaries, assess for suicide and develop appropriate safety plans, and engage in inter-professional team decision-making around complex cases, which could offer peer providers a standardized skillset in these key domains."

The VR case simulation training was supported by funding from HRSA-22-109 Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program (U3NHP45404-01-00) and HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals (M01HP41969‒01‒00).

The team’s educational experience, “Virtual reality case simulation to build skill competencies in working with substance-engaged clients,” was published online in Social Work Education in December 2023.

The College of Public Health has set a goal of raising $10 million so that every student in the college can learn through VR. Learn more about our VR Simulation Center here.

Innovate for Good is an ongoing series that examines how Mason faculty in the College of Public Health are harnessing technology to improve health outcomes. If you have stories to share as part of the Innovate for Good series, email Mary Cunningham at mcunni7@gmu.edu.

In This Story

Holly Matto, PhD, LCSW-C

Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

Bethany Cieslowski, DNP

Denise Hines, PhD

Jeanne Booth

Topics

virtual reality

Social Work

master of social work

Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program

Social Work associate professor registers U.S. patent to reduce substance use relapse, the department’s first patent

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:20:43 +0000

Social Work associate professor registers U.S. patent to reduce substance use relapse, the department’s first patent Mary Cunningham Wed, 04/26/2023 - 11:20

In This Story

Holly Matto, PhD, LCSW-C

Padmanabhan Seshaiyer

Substance use disorder affects more than 46 million Americans according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Recovery can be a difficult path, but an interdisciplinary team led by Holly Matto, associate professor in the Department of Social Work, aims to make it a little easier through a recently patented technology-based recovery support system.

Matto and College of Science Professor Padmanabhan Seshaiyer received the patent for a mobile technology to help those in recovery overcome triggers that lead to relapse. The technology is a real-time, cloud-based support system that helps manage behavioral responses—for example, the desire to use opioids—by monitoring physical symptoms, such as changes to a person’s heart rate, to identify when someone needs help to overcome a triggering event. With up to 60 percent of patients experiencing relapse within one year of treatment, the support is critical.

“The patent recognizes our unique contribution to the expanding availability of digital health technologies designed to improve access to timely support,” says Matto. The patent is believed to be the first received by a faculty member from the Department of Social Work.

Known as Recovery Engaged Mind-Health (REMind-h), the technology allows individuals in recovery to identify personally meaningful recovery-affirming sensory cues, which might include positive images, sounds, or other sensory stimuli that reinforce their commitment to recovery. Some examples might include peaceful nature scenes, a soundscape, motivational quote, or a sponsor’s message. These data are stored in the system’s cloud server and are activated and delivered to the person when their physiological metrics rise above the trained threshold, cycling through the available cues until regulation is restored.

“By using technology to monitor physiological responses, people in recovery can immediately have a personalized support system right there on their phone when they need it to help them manage the triggering moment,” says Matto. “The goal is to avoid relapse and, ultimately, to improve their quality of life.”

Matto says the patent has allowed the research team to partner with LifeSpan Digital Health LLC, which will license the technology. The technology prototype has already been developed by Rudra Nagalia, a graduate student in Health Administration and Policy and a member of the research team.

Matto began work on the idea behind the patent several years ago. She and Seshaiyer first teamed up to develop the technology after receiving a multidisciplinary grant from the provost’s office in 2015. They were selected for Mason’s National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Site Program in 2018, where they conducted interviews and gathered preliminary feedback on the concept.

Since then, Matto and Seshaiyer have also received a National Institutes of Health Small Business Technology Transfer sub-award to further test some of their recovery cue ideas. Bryce Dunn, PhD student in bioengineering, worked with the team on the grant to examine the regulating impact of recovery cues after exposure to substance-related cues in a virtual reality simulation. College of Engineering and Computing faculty member Nathalia Peixoto, a member of this interdisciplinary research team, offered expertise in measuring physiological and neural responses in the VR simulation, to help test the theory that personalized recovery cues help regulate reactivity to drug-stimuli exposures.

Topics

public health research

Research

Tomaszewski co-Authors eco-social policy for the International Federation of Social Work United Nation’s Commission

Mary Cunningham — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:59:22 +0000

Tomaszewski co-Authors eco-social policy for the International Federation of Social Work United Nation’s Commission Mary Cunningham Sun, 08/28/2022 - 16:59

In This Story

Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW, ACSW

Assistant Professor of Social Work Evelyn Tomaszewski outlines social workers’ key role in creating and building partnerships that commit to a sustainable and just approach to battling global issues.

Assistant Professor of Social Work Evelyn Tomaszewski

Social workers can play a vital role in addressing growing global inequities resulting from public health crises such as climate change, pandemics, natural and purposeful environmental destruction, and conflict. These inequities diminish human and environmental rights. Assistant Professor of Social Work Evelyn Tomaszewski co-authored the International Federation of Social Work (ISFW) United Nation’s (UN) Commission’s Eco-Social World Policy in her role as a North American UN Commissioner for IFSW.

An eco-social world is where countries, communities, and people work together to create sustainable and just communities and environments for all people, across the globe.

“This paper is a call to action for social workers and all persons to commit to building relationships and partnerships across communities and governance, including access to and equitable distribution of resources, as critical to ensuring success of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Tomaszewski. Only through co-building a new eco-social world can we ensure a sustainable and fairer world for all of us and future generations, the paper states.

This is an emerging approach to global social work practice that aligns with the social work values of the dignity and respect for each person and honoring the diversity of individuals and communities.

“The social, economic, and environmental crises experienced worldwide have a profound impact on clients and communities, creating fewer resources and great human need,” said Tomaszewski. “We are in dire need of a transformation of the political and economic systems. As both rights holders and duty bearers, we each have a role in creating and supporting policies and practices to take action to build sustainable development and create well-being for all people.”

“The Role of Social Workers in Advancing a New Eco-Social World” was written by Tomaszewski and her fellow IFSW United Nation Commission members Anne Deepak; and Shenae Osborn; and Sebastian Cordoba.

Topics

CHHS

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

Online Program Coordinator King Shares Expert Advice with Master of Social Work Online

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:49:59 +0000

Online Program Coordinator King Shares Expert Advice with Master of Social Work Online Mary Cunningham Mon, 08/15/2022 - 15:49

In This Story

Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Assistant Professor of Social Work and MSW Online Program Coordinator Daphne King provides tips for prospective Master of Social Work (MSW) students considering online programs.

King’s original interview was a part of MSW Online’s Ask An Expert segment.

Daphne King, assistant professor of Social Work and MSW online program coordinator

What are the most important factors for students to consider when choosing an online MSW program?

I think when choosing an online MSW program, applicants should understand the difference between an asynchronous and synchronous program, as well as what their learning style is so that they can choose a program that best fits their needs. Asynchronous learning is self-directed by the student at their pace with professors posting pre-recorded lecture videos in the course and using outlets like zoom to host virtual office hours. Synchronous learning could also be self-directed but there is a component where students will have to attend class sessions online at a certain day and time each week via platforms, such as Zoom. Whether asynchronous or synchronous, I think applicants should understand if they need more in-person face time for their learning before choosing an online MSW program.

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of an online MSW program?

I think the most challenging aspect involves part of my answer in the previous question, building a connection between faculty and students in a virtual environment. It takes effort on the part of the professor and student to engage in activities to build that connection and engagement. This is especially challenging in asynchronous formats where you would not have in-person lectures or class time.

How do the fieldwork components of an online MSW program work?

In the program where I am the MSW Program Online Coordinator, field work or practicum works the same as it does for on-campus students. Students in the online program are required to complete the same hours as on-campus students based on requirements from CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) and complete their field practicum in person at the hosting agency within the business hours of the agency.

Can students take electives, or customize their online MSW experience?

In our 60-credit hour program, 12 credits are electives that students can take based on their interest or population they want to serve as social workers.

What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding?

From my experience, MSW graduates are finding jobs as school social workers, therapists, working in social services or child welfare agencies, policy work to shape the legislation and laws that govern our work, and hospital social work to name a very few. There are too numerous jobs to list that MSW graduates find themselves employed in.

If you had to choose one or two books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, etc. to be included on a required reading list for social work students, what would it be?

I would recommend the NASW Podcast Social Work Speaks and Savage Inequalities by Johnathan Kozol. I read this book over 20 years ago when I earned my MSW and many of the social problems and challenges discussed in that book are still relevant today.

Learn more about Mason’s online Master of Social Work here.

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Social Work Faculty

George Mason students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

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Songs from adolescence and early adulthood enhance mood and social engagement among people with dementia, according to new study

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More from Mason Spirit Magazine

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

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Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence

Denise Hines seeks to reduce stereotypes and bias of men from racial and ethnic minority communities who experience intimate partner violence

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‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

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10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

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Innovate for Good: Social Work case simulation goes virtual

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College of Public Health

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Social Work associate professor registers U.S. patent to reduce substance use relapse, the department’s first patent

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Tomaszewski co-Authors eco-social policy for the International Federation of Social Work United Nation’s Commission

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Assistant Professor of Social Work Evelyn Tomaszewski outlines social workers’ key role in creating and building partnerships that commit to a sustainable and just approach to battling global issues.

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Online Program Coordinator King Shares Expert Advice with Master of Social Work Online

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Assistant Professor of Social Work and MSW Online Program Coordinator Daphne King provides tips for prospective Master of Social Work (MSW) students considering online programs.

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