Assistant Prof. Sophia Sarantakos focuses their research, writing and organizing on how professionalized social-change work — including social work — can be shaped to serve an abolitionist horizon.

Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development Jenn Bellamy teaches research and theory courses at GSSW and has been working to advance social and racial justice in social work practice and in social work education and research — both within the school and in the broader academy. This requires addressing racism and oppression at structural levels in higher education and that all scholars adopt antiracist and antioppressive research practices. Bellamy’s own research centers on the engagement of fathers in child and family services and evidence-based practice.

University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Assistant Professor Erin Harrop works to increase awareness of weight stigma in social work.

Associate Professor Ramona Beltrán highlights the role of storytelling in articulating creative responses to pressing issues, including historical trauma and healing.

Graduate School of Social Work Research Professor Kevin Morris discusses how the Institute for Human–Animal Connection advances social justice through research.

GSSW Professor Emeritus John Kayser discusses the role of historical consciousness and imagination in reckoning with our past, repairing harms, and improving how we teach and practice social work.

Associate Professor Shannon Sliva shares her ideas on restorative justice and how we can create conditions for justice and healing, creating a world that focuses on collective care as an alternative to the criminal legal system.

Professor Deb Ortega discusses key concepts of critical race theory, how it can improve understanding of social problems and development of interventions, and how it can be used to cultivate compassion.

Professor Daniel Brisson discusses recent innovations in housing and homelessness, including trauma-informed design and the Denver Basic Income Project.