Blog@Case Topics: Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Mandel School Graduate Students See Work Study Stipends Increase

2009-11-19T18:52:01Z

Students at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences provide some 225,000 hours of community service for approximately 350 community agencies. This service enabled the social work school to become eligible for increased work-study funding from the federal government through special funding.

Field placements are a requirement for social work students enrolled in the master's program.

Mandel School Dean Grover C. Gilmore said full-time students in their first and second years have seen a 25 percent increase in stipends from $6,000 to $7,500.

Inaugural LGBT Alumni Reunion Emphasizes Case Western Reserve's Commitment to Diversity

2009-10-22T17:56:56Z

Alumni Weekend and Homecoming 2009 will feature alumni from different class years, schools and programs as they reminisce about the past, enjoy the present and gain insight into the future direction of Case Western Reserve University.

This year's Alumni Weekend will also mark the beginning of a new alumni gathering: The inaugural LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally) Alumni Reunion.

"It is the first one in the history of the university and we are expanding the concept of 'reunion' to include alumni, faculty, staff, current students and the Case Western Reserve University community to participate," says Nicole Ingram, director of marketing and communications for University Alumni Relations.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Launches Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, Receives $790,000 CDC Grant

2009-10-21T19:55:26Z

Program Linked to Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Research of Urban Health Needs

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine proudly announces the establishment of the CWRU Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods (PRCHN), a collaborative research center to address common health issues faced in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods in and around Greater Cleveland.

The PRCHN will also serve as a regional research and public health data source. It is being developed with an initial $790,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support both the infrastructure of the center and one demonstration research project, with the potential to receive up to $1 million annually for up to five years through additional CDC funding opportunities. The Center's goal is to engage a wide spectrum of disciplines both within the university and the community to foster a unified vision for community-based prevention research.

"The new PRCHN provides a framework for fostering partnerships within urban neighborhoods to develop, test and implement effective strategies and interventions in preventing and reducing the burden of chronic disease," said Elaine Borawski, PhD, Director of the Center for Health Promotion Research at the medical school and the PRCHN's Principal Investigator and Co-Director. "By collaborating with neighborhood residents, leaders and community organizations in Greater Cleveland, we hope to address the significant environmental and lifestyle issues that serve as barriers to good health."

Parents with Autistic Infants to try Responsive Teaching
at Case Western Reserve University in New Study

2009-10-05T17:39:45Z

While infant and toddler brains are rapidly developing, a window of opportunity exists to reduce the impact of autism, which now affects one of every 150 children born in the United States.

Gerald Mahoney, director of the Center on Interventions for Children and Families at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences of Case Western Reserve University, received a three-year, $780,000 grant from the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development.

In a randomized control study, he will evaluate the effectiveness of a new developmental intervention, called Responsive Teaching, for children with autism who are under 3 years of age. Designed to be used by parents and other primary caregivers, Responsive Teaching enhances childrenâ€™s development and social emotional functioning.

Herman Stein Leaves Social Work Legacy for Generations to Come

2009-10-02T19:42:15Z

A long list of accolades describes Dr. Herman D. Stein, former dean of the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and university provost and vice president. He will be remembered for his integrity, dignity, loyalty, friendship, and warmth and caring.

After a long illness and surrounded by family, he died early this morning at his Shaker Heights home. He was 92.

Considered a social work luminary, Dr. Stein's work changed the face of international social welfare, says MSASS Dean Grover "Cleve" Gilmore.

Infants Prenatally Exposed to Cocaine Reach Their Teens

2009-08-18T19:38:27Z

Longitudinal study investigates cocaine's impact on adolescent development

Teen years are for experimenting. Sometimes that means experimenting with drugs and engaging in other risky behaviors.

Nearly 400 teens, half of which were prenatally exposed to cocaine, will be studied in their adolescent years. Researchers will look at the youths' choices when it comes to using drugs, having sex or engaging in delinquent behaviors, and see if there is an association with prenatal cocaine exposure. The study will also closely follow the cognitive development and mental health behavior of the young people.

Sonia Minnes, an assistant professor from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and now the lead researcher in phase four of a long-term study of cocaine exposed children, has received a five-year, nearly $5 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

"This latest funding will help us to continue to tell the story of what happens in the development of prenatally cocaine-exposed children," says Minnes.

With the inception of this new study, "Prenatal Cocaine Exposure in Adolescence," Minnes and her co-investigators will follow the children through age 18.

Mandel School Assistant Professor Testifies on Public Housing Research

2009-07-29T18:38:39Z

Members of the U. S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity heard about "impressive successes" and "deep challenges" faced by Chicago residents as they move from massive low-income housing projects to mixed-income housing developments.

Mark Joseph, assistant professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, received a special invitation from Maxine Waters, the subcommittee's chair, to inform members about what academic research suggests for the future of the nation's approach to public housing.

The Obama administration is beginning its design of the Choice Neighborhoods urban revitalization initiative.

"I believe the timing is excellent for this hearing on this topic," Joseph told committee members. He has studied the transition during the past five years.

White Paper Examines Homelessness and Risks for Homelessness Among Cuyahoga County's Families

2009-07-22T18:33:30Z

An estimated 15 percent (11,799) of Cuyahoga County's children are living one step away from homelessness, according to a new report released by Case Western Reserve University's Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. These children live with a grandparent or someone else and about 75 percent of the children without their parents.

The 70-page white paper, "Family Homelessness in Cuyahoga County," looks at new factors in determining homelessness by considering the numbers of people living in doubled-up housing situations with family and nonfamily members and the impact it has on them. It is one of the first comprehensive assessments of homelessness for families in Cuyahoga County.

The paper, written with support from the Sisters of Charity Foundation, can be found online.

"We need to better understand the extent to which people are doubled up in the county," said Cyleste C. Collins, the lead author on paper.

Recent Graduate Wants to Make Her Mark in Cleveland, Contribute to Region

2009-07-02T18:23:47Z

Emily Fox has no plans to leave Cleveland now that she has graduated from Case Western Reserve University. After three years, she left campus with the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Science in Social Administration (M.S.S.A.), and a certificate in nonprofit management.

Fox has lived in the area since the age of 13 when her family moved to Shaker Heights from San Francisco. The recent social work graduate wants to be part of the solution to rebuild the city instead of taking flight to other places.

"Cleveland is a place that needs people. I like the challenges it offers," she says.

Who Should Women Lean on for Support in Their Recovery from Addiction

2009-05-26T18:19:01Z

NIDA grant supports Case Western Reserve University's research on supports for women

The words from Lean on Me ring true for those recovering from substance abuse problems. Elizabeth M. Tracy, professor from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, wants to examine exactly who are in those networks and how they either help or hinder recovery.

Tracy and a team of researchers will follow 420 women who are receiving help from three local social service agencies over their first year in recovery to understand what kinds of individual social networks women need to build to support a healthy recovery.

Tracy, chair of the Mandel School's doctoral program, is the lead investigator on a three-year, $1.1 million grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

What makes this study unique is that it focuses on the supports women already have. Most prior research has focused on substance abusing men.

East Cleveland Partnership for Community and School Engagement Earns Community Outreach Grant

2009-04-29T18:04:59Z

When the Center for Community Partnerships invited Case Western Reserve University departments and groups seeking charitable funding to apply for its new Community Outreach Program grants, they received dozens of applications. Ten campus affiliates were selected to receive $1,000 each for the 2008-2009 academic year to continue their outreach work in the areas of PreK-12, senior citizens, health, social service, community and economic development, and lifelong learning.

Each of the winning groups will be featured in an ongoing series. Learn more about the East Cleveland Partnership for Community and School Engagement:

Case Western Reserve University Health Graduate Programs Ranked Among the Nation's Best in U.S. News & World Report

2009-04-23T15:24:45Z

School of Medicine named to nation's top 25, best in Ohio

Several of Case Western Reserve University's programs once again have been recognized among the nation's best.

In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report "America's Best Graduate Schools" rankings, two health programs placed within the top 10 in their specialties: the School of Law's health law program is rated fifth in the country, while the School of Medicine's family medicine specialty came in ninth.

"Human health is one of the top priorities we identified in our strategic plan," Case Western Reserve President Barbara R. Snyder said. "These results highlight the significant strengths of our programs, and the opportunities that exist for even greater gains."

Of the 126 national medical schools surveyed by the magazine, Case Western Reserve's School of Medicine ranked 25th in research—and overall. This ranking once again placed it highest among Ohio medical schools. The school's primary care specialty improved from 51st in 2009 to 37th in 2010, also making it best in Ohio.

Several other Case Western Reserve University schools saw improvements in their graduate rankings. The School of Law climbed eight spots to 55th this year, and the Case School of Engineering improved to 46th, from 49th last year.

Intersections Symposium to Feature Research of More than 400 Undergraduates

2009-04-16T18:30:25Z

More than 400 Case Western Reserve University undergraduates are participating in the annual Intersections: SOURCE Undergraduate Symposium and Poster Session from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 17, in Thwing Center. The campus community is invited to stop by to view some of the innovative and creative research being conducted by undergraduates. The projects represent numerous academic disciplines.

"The purpose of Intersections is to provide an opportunity for the campus community to see and learn about the work of our undergraduate students involved in faculty mentored research and creative projects. I appreciate these students showing their work and their faculty mentors who have worked closely with them," said Sheila Pedigo, director of the Support of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE) office at Case Western Reserve University.

Research ShowCASE to Feature Dozens of Interactive Displays

2009-04-10T19:04:15Z

Although Research ShowCASE is known for its hundreds of poster displays, the event also features interactive displays. The Case Western Reserve and local communities are invited to check them out during this year's event, which takes place Thursday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Veale Convocation Center.

Go online for a full schedule of events.

"A record-number of researchersâ€”more than 600â€”from Case Western Reserve University and its affiliates will celebrate a broad range of ground-breaking studies," says Cindy Barker, director of Research ShowCASE 2009, which is expected to draw several thousand people during the daylong event.

Of those hundreds, dozens will be interactive projects. Below are just a few that will be on display:

Senior Class Gift Leaves Sustainable Legacy

2009-04-08T18:36:43Z

The 2009 Senior Class Gift Campaign officially kicked off its fundraising effort during Grad Fair, launching a series of events that will allow the class of 2009 to leave an enduring legacy on campus and express its appreciation for Case Western Reserve University. The campaign strives to show seniors the impact that private gifts have on the university and to increase participation in the tradition of giving at Case Western Reserve.

In the spirit of sustainability, gifts to the 2009 Senior Class Gift Campaign will help beautify the Case Western Reserve campus by purchasing trees to adorn the Binary Walkway. The committee also hopes to purchase benches made of recycled plastic to provide seating around the Michelson-Morley Fountain in front of Yost Hall.

"I'm beginning to comprehend the relationship between the university and its alums, and how that change will affect us for years to come," says Beth Bai, a member of the 2009 Senior Class Gift Committee. "College is supposed to be the best four years of one's life, filled with memories of friends and adventures. It seems natural to want to give back to a place that was the setting for many of our stories."

While the committee took advantage of the St. Patrick's Day holiday to begin raising awareness of the "green" theme during a Cupcake Kickoff that featured green-frosted treats, Grad Fair provided an opportunity to formally launch the campaign to all graduating seniors. Between the two events, campaign has gotten off to a great start, and has already raised $900.

Undergraduate Students Encouraged to Submit Abstracts for Intersections Symposium

2009-03-16T18:01:51Z

Some people might think that groundbreaking, thought provoking or even artistic research primarily takes place at the graduate level. However, Sheila Pedigo, director of the Support of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE) office at Case Western Reserve University, has more than enough proof that stimulating ideas and research begin to take shape during the undergraduate years.

Her office is encouraging undergraduates to present their research during the annual Intersections: SOURCE Undergraduate Symposium and Poster Session. Students have until Friday, March 20, to submit abstracts for this year's event, which will take place Friday, April 17, in Thwing Center. Learn more about the abstract guidelines.

Case Western Reserve Student Earns U.N. Internship

2009-03-12T16:50:29Z

The month of March is designated as Women's History Month, and a Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences student is devoting several months to working for the betterment of women worldwide.

Moon Choi, a doctoral degree candidate, began interning through the United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters Internship Programme in February. Based in New York, she works for the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Her assignments involve analyzing the gender distribution data in the UN system and preparing for a session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which is being observed through Friday, March 13.

Case Western Reserve Students Contribute to Rebuilding Efforts in New Orleans

2009-03-06T18:12:30Z

Have survivors of Hurricane Katrina been forgotten?

Not by 20 students from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Weatherhead School of Management, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. They plan to pick up hammers and nails—and a few shovels and hoes—over spring break, March 8-15, when they return to New Orleans to continue efforts to rebuild the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The students will volunteer for New Orleans City Park.

"Change" Has Special Meaning for 105-year-old Alumna

2009-01-20T16:19:52Z

The year Ella Mae Johnson was born, Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States, the New York City subway system had been open only a few months, and the first Buick automobile was purchased.

American life was evolving and modernizing, but not everyone was experiencing such progress. Johnson, who is African American, was born into a time of racial segregation, but over the last century, she has lived to see change. The Civil Rights Act passed in 1964; an African American was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967; and today, just a few days after Johnson's 105th birthday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th—and first African American—U.S. president.

New Initiative Helps Women Staff Develop Leadership Skills

2008-12-12T18:25:07Z

Although Women in Leadership Week recently wrapped up at Case Western Reserve University, eight women who were accepted into the new Women Staff Leadership Development Initiative (WSLDI) will spend the rest of the academic year gaining first-hand knowledge about becoming future leaders on campus.

The WSLDI's inaugural class consists of Deborah Fatica, Case School of Engineering; Maya Gilbert, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences; Katie Hanna, Flora Stone Mather Center for Women; Rebecca Kahl, School of Medicine; Jennifer Nye, Weatherhead School of Management; Julie Petek, Office of Undergraduate Studies; Olivia Seifert, Weatherhead School of Management; and Tracy Wilson-Holden, Office of Research Compliance.