Social work research in this area addresses workforce development and organizational effectiveness. It also includes community development and community capacity building in addressing poverty, inequality, and community resilience. 

I am committed to promoting social justice for disadvantaged communities. I do this by investigating how to improve neighborhood conditions, educating students about the impact of the social context, and encouraging social workers to work for neighborhood change.

- Megan Gilster, Associate Professor

Social work has a long tradition of working with communities and organizations to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. To improve culturally competent practice and to benefit vulnerable populations, social change at the community and organizational levels is essential. 

Faculty specializing in this area

Portrait of Miriam Landsman
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Miriam Landsman, PhD, MSW

Director, School of Social Work
Associate Professor
Executive Director, National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice
Co-Director, Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation
Megan Gilster

Megan E. Gilster, PhD, MSW

Associate Director
Associate Professor
Meg Ronnenberg

Megan Ronnenberg, MSW, PhD

Assistant Professor
Nadia Sabbagh

Nadia Sabbagh Steinberg, PhD, MSW, LMSW

Clinical Assistant Professor
Aynsley Scheffert

Aynsley Scheffert, PhD, LICSW

Assistant Professor
Yolanda Spears

Yolanda Spears, MSW, LMSW

Clinical Associate Professor
Coordinator, Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence
Peggy_Tropser

Peggy Trosper, MSW

Clinical Assistant Professor
Practicum Administrator – Des Moines
Yi (April) Wang

Yi (April) Wang, PhD

Assistant Professor