Student Research Activities

At the WVU School of Social Work, students at all levels—undergraduate, graduate, and PhD—engage in meaningful research that addresses pressing social challenges in West Virginia and beyond. Through faculty mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and community partnerships, students gain the skills and experience needed to create lasting change.

Our research spans clinical and non-clinical topics at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, preparing students for evidence-based practice, policy development, and community-engaged research that improves lives.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research in Action: John Evans

John Evans, a participant in the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP), has been working with Dr. Gandy on a community-engaged research study examining perceptions of safety and policing in Morgantown. His experience in RAP has provided hands-on training in research methods, data collection, and community-based analysis—skills that will prepare him for graduate studies and a potential career in social sciences research.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) – Students gain faculty-mentored research experience, learning research design, data collection, and scholarly writing.
Summer Un dergraduate Research Experience (SURE) – A paid summer research program that allows students to explore research within their field while preparing for graduate school.
Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review (MURR) – A student-led undergraduate research journal, offering students experience in peer review and academic publishing.
Undergraduate Research Symposia & Conference Funding – Students can present their research at three annual symposia (summer, fall, and spring) and receive funding to present at national and international conferences.

For more information, visit the WVU Undergraduate Research website.

MSW Research

Graduate Research in Action: Gabe Lamb

Gabe Lamb, a Master of Social Work student, is one of four recipients of the prestigious 2024 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship. This award recognizes graduate students who are committed to improving the well-being and quality of life for West Virginians.

A Marietta College psychology graduate from Nitro, WV, Gabe has extensive experience volunteering in food insecurity initiatives, peer-led violence prevention, and faith-based inclusion efforts. His research interests focus on marginalized individuals in religious communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth who are at higher risk for homelessness and substance use due to social exclusion.

“My long-term professional goal is to serve those who have been marginalized by religious institutions in West Virginia. Spirituality plays a key role in community ties throughout Appalachia.” – Gabe Lamb

As a teaching assistant, camp counselor, and peer educator, Gabe contributed over 184 volunteer hours during his undergraduate studies. Now, as an MSW student, his research is aimed at building inclusive communities that foster belonging and resilience.

PhD Research

PhD Research in Action: Our PhD Students

The WVU School of Social Work PhD program prepares scholars to lead innovative research that addresses social injustices, policy gaps, and systemic challenges. Our PhD students are engaged in research that drives social change and informs evidence-based practices.

Through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-engaged projects, PhD students at WVU are contributing to meaningful advancements in social work research.

Advancing Research for West Virginia Communities

WVU School of Social Work alumnus Mike Dooley (BSW, ’74) understands the power of research-driven solutions for West Virginia families and communities. Through his West Virginia Rising Together Fund, the School of Social Work is expanding community-based research on suicide prevention, disaster recovery, child welfare, behavioral health, and addiction prevention.

“We can support our School as it continues our tradition of meaningful collaboration toward solutions for West Virginia and communities like ours.” — Mike Dooley

This initiative supports student mentorship in research projects, ensuring the next generation of social workers gains practical experience in developing, assessing, and enhancing evidence-based practices.

“This opportunity will give students experience in developing, assessing, and enhancing evidence-based practice in a way we may not otherwise have had.” — Molly Gavin, MSW student

The School of Social Work is committed to research that addresses urgent social issues, from the foster care crisis to the opioid epidemic and the needs of an aging population.

“The need for research and statewide outreach to boldly address problems such as the opioid crisis, suicide, mental illness, child welfare, and chronic health problems is urgent, making our commitment to innovative research and education more vital than ever.” — Dr. Deana Morrow, Director of the WVU School of Social Work

Through rigorous research, academic innovation, and public service, the WVU School of Social Work is creating transformative change for West Virginia and beyond.

Read Eberly magazine feature West Virginia Rising Together