By Samantha Wirth

Sara Kintzle, PhD, MSW, always knew that she wanted to make a positive impact on the world around her. At the School of Social Work in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kintzle discovered a passion for social work and a pathway to creating meaningful change in the lives of others.

Social work felt like the right fit early on. Kintzle connected with the major’s approach to problem solving and decided to seek a bachelor's degree in both social work and psychology by the end of her freshman year.

After graduating with a BA from Iowa in 2006, she stayed at the university to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Iowa City location, which she received in 2008. She later earned a PhD from the University of Georgia and currently works as a full research professor at the University of Southern California.

A foundation built on mentorship and hands-on experience

During her MSW program, Kintzle was surrounded by a strong peer network and mission-driven classmates. She completed her practicum with the Medical Examiner’s Office, supporting families that were experiencing sudden loss.

This unique and innovative placement was created for Kintzle by Sara Sanders, PhD, MSW, professor in the School of Social Work and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Sanders was a pivotal figure in Kintzle’s journey and provided her with research opportunities, teaching assistantship, and career guidance—which set the foundation for her to pursue a PhD.

“She was an incredible mentor and role model for what kind of social worker, researcher, and professor that I wanted to be,” Kintzle said. “The experiences she provided were no doubt a factor in my success.”

Kintzle’s time at Iowa helped her learn how to view individuals within broader systems through multi-level and systems-based thinking. By analyzing complex, interconnected factors, she gained a holistic perspective on social work. Additionally, the MSW program prepares students for flexible career paths across the discipline.

From personal connection to professional purpose

At Iowa, Kintzle developed a deep interest in post-trauma work. As the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts unfolded, she saw the real-world consequences of war reflected throughout the news and society. After having a close friend enter the military, she saw firsthand the gaps in understanding and support for service members – and felt compelled to help close them.

Kintzle’s research largely focuses on military transition and setting veterans up to have successful post-service lives, with an emphasis on holistic well-being. Some of her specialized areas of research include mental health, physical health, reconnecting with the civilian world, social connection, and suicide prevention. She also studies special populations such as women and National Guard members, as well as groups that are under-represented in research.

Research that reaches beyond the classroom

Within the field of military social work, Kintzle has been the Principal Investigator on grants totaling $12 million, which she uses to conduct research that impacts education, community, and governmental policy. On the national and international levels, she works with congress to inform policy-making decisions and represents the United States on international panels. In 2025, Kintzle was appointed to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on the Assessment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physical and Mental Health Examinations.

For Kintzle, that real-world reach is what matters most. “It’s really important to me that my research doesn’t just live in academia,” Kintzle said. “It’s an honor to do research that creates visible changes in veterans’ lives.”

Reflecting her time at Iowa, Kintzle recommends the Iowa MSW program to those interested in improving communities through research and impact. She encourages prospective students to reach out to alumni, researchers, and professors, to learn more about the opportunities available through the School of Social Work.

“I had incredible colleagues in my MSW program who continue to amaze me with the wonderful work they’re doing,” Kintzle said. “The people at the University of Iowa and in my MSW program were a highlight of my academic experience.”