Social Work Seniors Present Capstone Research at Paul Shane Social Welfare Policy Symposium

On March 27, senior Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students from Seton Hall traveled to Georgian Court University to present at the annual Paul Shane Social Welfare Policy Symposium. The symposium brought together social work students and emerging professionals across various areas of social policy to generate novel ideas on social justice and share their persistent hope for the future. Sponsored by Georgian Court University and the New Jersey Baccalaureate Social Work Association, the event served as a powerful reminder to students and professionals alike of the aspirational nature of social work and called all in attendance to urgent action in their respective fields.

Students from across the state shared research on a range of social welfare policies, offering suggestions to improve programs, protect human rights and integrate new technologies into social work practice. Seton Hall University’s BSW students raised awareness about important policy issues that require attention within the profession and society at large. Seniors participating were Seraiyah Brown, Isabelle Bubrowiecki, Madison Cook, Jillian Daly, Khiya Diaz, Yazlin Dickson, Michelle Escobar, Valentina Guenther, Angeles Luque, Trinity Middlebrooks, Aurora Marin, Erick Morey, Zorya Morgan, Lauren Patunas, Raquel Saharig Sava, Alexiss Salimbene, Simone Taylor and Breyanna Williams.

Seton Hall faculty were also part of the program. Anthony Nicotera, J.D., DSW, LCSW, C-SSWS, associate professor of Social Work, invited attendees to participate in a guided meditation to help them center and ground themselves in the present moment. Nicotera encouraged students to remain strong through hardship and to feel connected to a larger humanity. Another faculty member, Jared Israel Best, PhD, assistant professor of Social Work, led a panel of social work students in honest and thoughtful conversations about the role of the profession in shaping policies and institutions in society.

Students will present their research as part of the Petersheim Academic Exposition from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, in the McNulty Hall Atrium. This session, entitled "Social Work Advocacy: Fighting Back and Building Bridges," will highlight the critical role social workers play in shaping, challenging and advancing public policy. All are welcome to attend.

Categories: Research