At the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, we dig in. Whether we are training trauma-informed social workers in the classroom or making critical discoveries through research, UB students and faculty are passionate changemakers who propel progress in our local and global communities. Explore a few ways we are making a difference.
Social work is vital because we know human interactions matter. Pinpointing and resolving obstacles that stand in the way of vulnerable populations helps to improve lives. It is vital that social work research and practice identify resources to help every individual, family, group and community progress in a forward direction. Social work is always in motion, and our quest to uplift humankind can never be understated. Yes, our vital efforts are making a positive difference.”
— Keith A. Alford, Dean and Professor
The University at Buffalo has been changing the world through research for decades and continues to innovate every day for a safer, healthier and brighter future. Learn more from our faculty about how their research is vital.
Michael Applegarth, Assistant Professor
Amanda Aykanian, Assistant Professor
Social work is vital to me because it transforms empathy into action. It allows me to stand beside those whose voices are unheard and help create pathways to healing, justice and hope. Social work is not just a profession — it’s a calling to uphold human dignity, confront injustice and remind the world that every life has value and purpose.”
— Tonya Myles-Day, Clinical Assistant Professor and Faculty Support Liaison for Racially Underrepresented Students
Annahita Ball, Associate Professor
Clara Bradizza, Professor
I became a social worker because it was a long-term path to helping others. Social work is a tangible way to involve yourself in causes you are passionate about and provide meaningful, effective strategies of advocating. This is also the reason I’ve stayed a social worker for 24 years! Since joining the faculty at UB, I am even further committed to continuing the work by preparing the current and next generation of social workers for this vital profession!”
— Robyn Wiktorski-Reynolds, Clinical Assistant Professor
Susan A. Green, Clincal Professor
Wooksoo Kim, Professor
Social work research is vital because it bridges the gap between what we know and what we do. It transforms our core values and perspectives into action that enhances human well-being and promotes social justice.
I became a social work researcher because I believe research and practice must inform one another. This reciprocal relationship embodies praxis — a continual process of reflection and action that ensures our reflection guides what we do, and our action deepens what we know.”
— Jangmin Kim, Assistant Professor
Patricia Logan-Greene, Associate Professor
Mickey Sperlich, Associate Professor
Social work is vital because it provides a source of healing and hope by promoting justice, encouraging resilience and initiating advocacy. Social work has the power to strengthen communities and advance social change by translating empathy into action.”
— Brenda McQuillan, Clinical Associate Professor
Christopher St. Vil, Associate Professor
Social work is always vital and all the more so during difficult times such as these.”
— Lisa Butler, Associate Professor