Research Matters
A Message from the Dean
First, I offer warm greetings as the new interim dean of the University of Utah College of Social Work. I am honored to serve the College, the University, and our greater social work community in this new capacity, and look forward to continuing the trajectory of excellence set by our previous leadership team.
I came to the U as director of our Social Research Institute and—like other scholars—with a deep respect and appreciation for the power of evidence. Today, many of our communities are wrestling with conversations about how research functions in the real world—how do we use data and knowledge to inform our decisions, policies, and actions? How should we? What can we do to improve scientific literacy and confidence among the general public? While there are no definitive answers to these questions, as social scientists, we remain committed to solid, high-caliber research and following where the evidence leads.
I invite you to peruse the work of my colleagues who, like you, are putting research into practice.
Philip Osteen, PhD
Interim Dean and Associate Professor
Behind the Research
Creating Change and Promoting Safety for Kids & Families in Utah
“Parents want to be good parents. Kids want to be successful. They’re trying their best. If we can show them a better way, that really increases the chances of such a positive outcome.”
Conversations and Coalitions for Improved Implementation
“We have the data, but we need to be talking to more people across stakeholder groups to understand what works and why.”
From Corkboard to Courtroom: Lessons in Flexible Research Design
Two scholars pivot their study design after encountering complications in the research process.
2021 Research
On the Move in Research
We are pleased to announce the appointment of College of Social Work Research Professor Caren J. Frost, PhD, MPH, as the University of Utah's new associate vice president for research integrity and compliance (AVPRIC), effective December 1, 2021. Dr. Frost previously served as the director of the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance. She is also the research integrity officer (RIO) for the University of Utah. The AVPRIC position will enable her to share her wealth of knowledge and expertise in research integrity and compliance activities with the larger University campus. Congratulations, Dr. Frost!