Welcoming new faculty members: Meet Brenda McQuillan

By Sarah J. Watson

The UB School of Social Work welcomed two new faculty members this fall, Clinical Associate Professor Brenda McQuillan, PhD, and Assistant Professor Enoch Azasu, PhD. In introductory interviews, both share their most recent research, areas of expertise, passions and self-care practices. Meet Brenda McQuillan.

Tell us about your research. What are you working on now?

I am currently partnering with Miss Julie's School of Beauty, a therapeutic cosmetology school for survivors of sex trafficking in Rochester, New York. My research will explore the impact of school participation on each student’s career readiness, symptoms of PTSD and sense of hope. The school is planned to launch in the fall of 2025.

What would you consider yourself to be an expert on?

My clinical area of expertise is trauma, specifically sexual abuse, among adolescents, young adults and children. I am trained in numerous trauma therapy modalities, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). I also have extensive experience addressing cyberbullying and Internet safety among youth.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about many things, all of which revolve around the dignity and worth of youth. Clinically, my experience has focused on the prevention of and intervention with child abuse and neglect, developmental trauma, sexual abuse and sex trafficking of youth. In terms of policy and procedures, I am an advocate for trauma-informed criminal and family court proceedings, especially where youth are involved. Personally, as a foster and adoptive mother, I care deeply about foster care and adoption.

What do you like to do for fun or self-care?

I enjoy spending time with family, traveling and being immersed in nature.