Lexington, KY. — In a display of dedication to addressing society’s most pressing social challenges, students from the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW) showcased their research and dedication at the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 70th Annual Program Meeting this October. Among these students, three standout scholars covered an array of critical issues from engaging marginalized groups in therapy to tackling eco-anxiety, illustrated the breadth and depth of student-driven research at CoSW.
Gary Taylor: Advocating for Black Men in Social Work
Gary Taylor, a student who also represents Virginia State University, captivated attendees with his insights on engaging Black men in social work. Taylor’s presentation focused on the need for intentional and strategic efforts to build trust and establish rapport with African-American men in therapeutic settings—a group often overlooked in traditional mental health frameworks. “My experience this year was nothing short of amazing,” Taylor shared. “Having the ability to present on a topic I am passionate about while also representing University of Kentucky CoSW and Virginia State University on a national stage was an honor.”
Taylor’s work emphasized the importance of creating spaces where Black men feel seen, heard, and validated. His presentation aimed to equip clinicians with tools to address implicit biases and fears that may obstruct culturally competent treatment, while advocating for a therapeutic environment that fosters safety and representation.
Karen Magruder: Championing Eco-Resilience and Online Learning
Karen Magruder’s contributions to the meeting included two posters that explored student-centered frameworks and therapeutic interventions for eco-anxiety. Magruder, who collaborates with the University of Texas at Arlington’s Provost’s office, introduced a novel approach to online learning readiness, tailoring support strategies to meet the diverse needs of virtual learners.
Her second presentation, titled “Building Eco-Resilience: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a Clinical Intervention for Eco-Anxiety,” stemmed from a conceptual paper she developed during her studies. It showcased ACT’s potential to help clients confront the growing concern of eco-anxiety, a mental health challenge linked to climate change. “Presenting at CSWE is a great way to ‘walk the walk’ of a scholar-practitioner,” Magruder reflected, “and to engage with like-minded educators about translating research into practical applications.”
Ryan Barney: Navigating Moral Distress in Social Work
Ryan Barney, in collaboration with Dr. Shelby Clark, explored the complex issue of moral distress in social work—a dilemma that arises when policy restrictions prevent social workers from acting in their clients’ best interests. Their presentation, titled “Do No Harm Can Get a Little Muddy: Social Workers’ Experiences with Moral Distress,” delved into the ethical challenges that social workers face when forced to compromise their values due to organizational constraints.
“Attending the CSWE Annual Program Meeting for the first time was an inspiring experience,” Barney noted. “The wealth of knowledge shared reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in social work.”
A Collective Mission
The students’ contributions to the CSWE Annual Program Meeting underscore the College of Social Work’s commitment to fostering meaningful research and dialogue in the field. With topics spanning racial equity, environmental resilience, and ethical dilemmas, each presentation demonstrated the students’ commitment to using social work as a tool for positive change.
As social work faces complex global challenges, students like Taylor, Magruder, and Barney exemplify the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a difference.
