Michael Lynch
Clinical Associate Professor, Field Education
"Quality field education is crucial to the learning environment and the development of social workers. It adds clarity and meaning to classroom learning and provides an opportunity to expand the students' skill-set. I’m committed to evolving field education by infusing technology and data into its process so that social workers can meet the demands of the twenty-first century."
Education
- MSW, SUNY, University at Buffalo (2010)
- BA Sociology, SUNY, University at Geneseo (2008)
Professional/Research Interests
Field education; social work services in schools; data and technology in social work; community organizing and development; social innovation
Biography
Michael Lynch, LMSW, is an associate clinical professor for field education at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. He works with the field department, placing students with relevant agencies so they will have both a meaningful impact and experience. His focus stems from his belief that field work is a bridge to connect both students and the school with people, agencies and community—to work being done on the ground; giving students the opportunity to offer real help directly to those who need it, and to apply their classroom learning in real-life situations.
Before assuming his current position, Lynch spent a number of years working with the field department in various capacities, including as a faculty liaison and a field educator. Additionally, he brings experience working in a variety of social work settings including urban education, program development, child welfare and community collaborations.