Directory

Dr. Tompkins, Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs and Professor, teaches human behavior, research, and gerontology courses in the Social Work Department. She is interested in developing new programs for undergraduate students and developing innovations in distance education.

Dr. Villodas joined the faculty of the Department of Social Work in the fall of 2022 and teaches the direct practice course. Her research interests are on understanding how the places people live impact mental health outcomes and the role of connectedness in promoting health and wellness across marginalized groups (e.g., system involved youth and young adults and young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods).

Dr. Waithaka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. His research focuses on intergenerational social and economic mobility during young adults’ transitions to adulthood, with a particular focus on the role of family capital (resources & processes) and public policies influence on young adults’ life outcomes.

Michael Wolf-Branigin, MSW, Ph.D., PStat® is a Professor of Social Work. His research focuses on complex adaptive systems and their application to social work practice specifically with disabilities and behavioral health populations.