Pitt Social Work Weekly E-blast May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

New article looks at cognitive enhancement interventions for schizophrenia

Associate Dean for Research Shaun Eack's new publication Cognitive enhancement interventions are effective for schizophrenia: why not provide them early? written with Matcheri S. Keshavan, was published in World Psychiatry (Impact score=79). Read here.

We, the youth, mapped our feelings as we lived our lives in Homewood. The city must do better for our neighborhood

Ny’Jai and Ny’Ela Chapman, both 18, in their neighborhood of Homewood were part of a group of Westinghouse Academy students on the Youth Research Advisory Board of the SPIN (Space and People In Neighborhoods) Project, led by Associate Professor Jaime Booth. The project delves into quality of life in Homewood by exploring the links between violence, support and stress in spaces and later investigating who owns the land. Read their essay in PublicSource.

The future of youth detention hangs in balance of Pittsburgh election

Professors Sara Goodkind and Jeff Shook spoke about youth incarceration in Allegheny County and how the recent Allegheny County executive race will impact the future of juvenile detention. Read more in the Penn Capital Star.

PhD alum wins faculty award

Doctoral alumnus Lewis Lee, now Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work won the Faculty Award for Research, Teaching or Service on May 8, 2023. See more about his work.

Alumna wins UPMC awards

MSW alumna Monica Schirm recently was recognized by UPMC with two awards: 2023 Elizabeth Chaitin Award - UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and ACES Award - UPMC Presbyterian. Read more about the awards and her work.

Mt. Lebanon counselor wins award

MSW alumna Tara Leja is the inaugural recipient of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) High School Counselor of the Year Award, presented by Dunkin’. Read more.

Upcoming Events

May 24, 2023: SWPPA virtual educational session – Building Resiliency for Public Health Emergencies. 10am-11:15am. On Zoom. Register here.

May 24, 2023: Career Workshop: Do Drop-In Resume Reviews - No Appointment Needed. 12-1pm. VanKirk Career Center – Room 2227, 2nd Floor Cathedral of Learning

May 26, 2023: Continuing Education: Managing Systemic Trauma. 9am-12pm. Register here.

June 1, 2023: Changemakers in Conversation featuring Tiffany Cross. 5:30-7:30pm. Alumni Hall. Register here.

For a complete listing of upcoming events please visit the

Pitt School of Social Work website

Please share our e-blast with your contacts and send any story ideas to shm87@pitt.edu.