SSJR’s inaugural virtual research panel highlighted several different examples of interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement currently happening among UAB faculty from a range of departments. Panelists discussed their collaborative activities, and efforts incorporating a social science lens into various disciplines and topics.
Speakers included:
• Laurel Iverson Hitchcock, Ph.D., MPH, LICSW/PIP; Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, who discussed her use of the Poverty Simulation as a teaching tool.
• Olivio J. Clay, Ph.D. FGSA, Professor, Department of Psychology; Director, Community Outreach, Diversity & Inclusion (CODI) Core | UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC); Director, Analysis Core | Deep South Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR). Dr. Clay discussed the multi-university collaborative Deep South Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR).
• Tina Kempin Reuter, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Human Rights | Director, Social Science and Justice Research; Associate Professor, Political Science and Public Administration | Anthropology | Social Work. Dr. Kempin Reuter discussed her collaboration with the School of Engineering in work on smart cities.
• Michael Mugavero, M.D., MHSc, Director, Center for Outcomes Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE) | Co-Director, Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) | Co-Director of the Center For AIDS Research; Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Mugavero discussed a social determinants of health framework guiding the Center for Outcomes Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE).
• Michelle Wooten, Ph.D., Lead, Starry Skies South | Assistant Professor of Astronomy Education, Department of Physics. Dr. Wooten discussed innovative strategies for teaching students about the importance of dark skies and her work with Starry Skies South.
SSJR seeks to be responsive to the core mission of the UWIRC program, which is to catalyze cross cutting research and discovery, and generate new knowledge that is beneficial to society. Our panelists joined us from various disciplines which may seem disconnected, but all illustrate work that recognizes how individuals’ behaviors, experiences, and outcomes are embedded within the complexity of various contexts (families, neighborhoods, schools, cities) within which life unfolds.
