Crown Family School Scholars Shape National Conversations at the 2026 SSWR Conference
By Crown Family School
Faculty, doctoral students, and alumni from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice had a significant presence at the 2026 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference, held in Washington, DC. Across the conference, Crown scholars contributed to more than 40 sessions, underscoring the School’s leadership in advancing rigorous, policy-relevant research that addresses pressing social challenges.
SSWR is the premier annual convening for social work researchers, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share evidence that informs social welfare policy and practice. Crown Family School’s broad participation reflected its commitment to producing scholarship that advances equity, strengthens systems, and informs decision-making at local, national, and global levels.
Faculty and Doctoral Leadership Across the Program
Crown Family School faculty served as presenters, panelists, and conveners across a wide range of sessions, engaging audiences on topics including labor and employment policy, child and family well-being, mental health, education, nonprofit governance, racial and economic inequality, and global social development.
Faculty presenters and conveners included Alida M. Bouris, PhD, MSW; Yoonsun Choi, PhD; Jessica H. Darrow, PhD; Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD; Deborah Gorman-Smith, PhD; Aaron Gottlieb, PhD; Julia R. Henly, PhD; Aimee Hilado, PhD, LCSW; Leyla Ismayilova, PhD; Susan J. Lambert, PhD; Nicole P. Marwell, PhD; Jennifer E. Mosley, PhD; Shipra Parikh, MSW, PhD; Harold Pollack, PhD; and Margaret M. C. Thomas, PhD.
Doctoral students from the Crown Family School also played a prominent role in the conference, presenting original research and contributing to scholarly dialogue alongside senior researchers. Their participation highlights the School’s strength in doctoral education and its investment in preparing the next generation of social work scholars.
National Recognition and Scholarly Distinction
In addition to its extensive scholarly presence, members of the Crown Family School community received notable national recognition during the conference, reflecting excellence across career stages.
- Jennifer E. Mosley, PhD, Professor, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, one of the field's highest honors. Election to the Academy recognizes sustained and influential contributions to social work research, policy, and leadership.
- Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor, received the Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award, which honors early-career scholars whose innovative and rigorous research is shaping the future of social work scholarship and advancing equity in the profession.
- Durrell Washington, a recent Crown Family School PhD alum, was honored with the Outstanding Dissertation Award, recognizing exceptional doctoral research with significant implications for social work research and practice.
Together, these recognitions underscore the depth of Crown Family School scholarship—from established national leaders to emerging scholars whose work is shaping the field's future.