BUSSW Graduates Largest PhD Class to Date
April 19, 2019
This May, seven doctoral candidates will graduate from the BUSSW PhD program, a highly individualized curriculum offering hands-on research, teaching experience and rigorous coursework, designed to prepare the next generation of social work and social welfare scholars and leaders.
Program Director Ellen DeVoe stated, “We are extremely excited to announce our largest group of PhD graduates in the history of the SSW program. We’re very proud of their accomplishments throughout the doctoral program and wish them well as they launch their post-BUSSW careers!”
Get to Know Our 2019 PhD Graduates
PhD in Social Work
Grace Marilyn Gowdy’s dissertation “Does Informal Mentoring Contribute to Upward Mobility for Low-Income Adolescents?” is the culmination of a mixed-methods study on nontraditional mentoring relationships with low-income youth. Dr. Gowdy, who previously ran a university retention program for alumni from foster care, seeks to remove the barriers caused by adolescents’ economic background. Dr. Gowdy has accepted a tenure-track faculty position at North Carolina A&T State University.
Yeonjung “Jane” Lee specializes in gerontological teaching and research. Her dissertation, “The Impact of Productive and Leisure Activities on Cognitive Health in Later Life,” explores ways to improve the well-being of vulnerable older adults. Dr. Lee is currently a Graduate Fellow at the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future. After completing her fellowship and earning her PhD, Dr. Lee will assume a tenure-track faculty position at the University of Hawaii.
Millan Alexander AbiNader is dedicated to preventing and intervening in sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking. AbiNader’s interest in community and systemic responses to interpersonal violence inspired her dissertation, titled “An Intimate Partner Homicide in Rural Areas: An Exploration in Three Parts.” Dr. AbiNader will begin a post-doctoral fellowship at Arizona State University after receiving her doctoral degree.
PhD in Sociology & Social Work
Taylor Lynn Hall is a full-time lecturer in Sociology at Emmanuel College and a member of the National Organization of Forensic Social Workers. Hall’s dissertation on the role of post-incarceration policy in accessing physical health, mental health, and substance use services stems from an interest in incarceration, reentry and a history of activism for social justice reform. After graduating, Dr. Hall will begin a tenure-track faculty position at Bridgewater State University.
Saida Mohamed Abdi entered BUSSW through the School’s BRIDGE Program, a unique MSW-prep program designed for 1st and 2nd-generation immigrants and refugees. After graduating from BRIDGE, Abdi enrolled in the MSW program, graduated, and began her PhD in Sociology & Social Work. Her dissertation is titled “A Test of General Strain Theory with Somali Refugee Youth: A Consideration of Police, Teacher, and Family Strains.” Dr. Abdi has accepted a Tenure Track faculty position at the University of Minnesota.
Anna Louise Herriott, a graduate of BUSSW’s MSW program, completed her PhD with the dissertation, “Prenatal Care for Women with Substance Abuse Disorders: Perspectives of Women and Health Care Providers.” Dr. Herriott’s research focuses on the health needs of women and young children affected by addiction.
Alison Lynne Drew’s dissertation, “Understanding Mentors’ Experiences in Order to Improve Mentor Retention,” draws from her work experience at Big Brother Big Sister, Mass Mentoring Partnership and from her education in Psychology and Risk & Prevention from Harvard University. Following graduation, Dr. Drew will begin a post-doctoral fellowship in military family and mentoring research at BU.