Society for Social Work and Research

This invited session featuring four mid-career faculty is organized to address the needs of early to mid career SSWR members in their efforts to develop successful research and academic careers that make an impact on the profession in which we work and the society in which we live. The four invited panelists represent diverse and successful career trajectories built upon the use of a wide range of research methodologies, and divergent research careers built on federal funding or non-federal funding, and their tenure in institutions with varying degrees of emphasis and support for research. They share a common goal of conducting research that strives to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. The panelists will answer a series of questions on their careers and career strategies, including making transitions in career (e.g. from doctoral student to academic job, tenure and post-tenure and changing institutions), seeking support for research (e.g. mentors, collaboration, network, and institutional support), and balancing (e.g. academic research – publishing and grant writing, work and life (and/or family) and establishing an independent line of research that makes significant contributions to our field.