Research

My scholarship is dedicated to strengthening social policies, health systems, and human rights organizations through evidence-informed research and global collaboration. My work bridges policy design and frontline practice, focusing on health systems strengthening, policy advocacy, and international social work education. I have published on integrated care systems, mental health services, and refugee resettlement, and I regularly deliver international workshops on social entrepreneurship, child welfare supervision, AI innovation for nonprofits, and resource mobilization. My current projects explore cultural competency in study abroad programs, child safety in Michigan, mental health service delivery by international NGOs in low- and middle-income countries, and advocacy capacity among human rights organizations. Through this work, I aim to generate actionable insights that improve social service systems and prepare students and practitioners to lead with equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Evaluating International Learning Experiences: A Framework for Enhancing Cultural Competency in Study Abroad Programs

This research project aims to develop a framework to build cultural competency among student by offering quality international learning experiences through study abroad program. In today’s interconnected world, where racial discrimination, cultural insensitivity, and ethnocentrism continue to exist, it is more important than ever to equip students with the cultural competence needed to engage meaningfully in diverse environments. Study abroad programs offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, broaden their perspectives, and develop essential skills for navigating a globalized society.

Through this qualitative study, we seek to understand participants’ experiences and the lessons they have gained from studying abroad. Additionally, we aim to explore the challenges and strategies involved in organizing these programs and identify ways to enhance their effectiveness. By gathering insights from students, faculty, and staff who have been directly or indirectly involved in study abroad programs, we hope to create a framework that strengthens the design and impact of these experiences, ensuring they better prepare students for cross-cultural engagement and global citizenship

Reducing Child Offense and Increase Child Safety In Michigan

The aim of this project is to examine behavioral models used to aid youth at high risk of exhibiting delinquent behaviors. The proposed qualitative study will help to determine potential barriers and successes to services provided in this population, utilizing data from semi-structured interviews.

International NGOs and Mental Health Service Delivery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Insights from India

The project’s goal is to investigate the role of international NGOs in providing mental health services in low- and middle-income countries, particularly focusing on India. This project aims to understand the models and strategies used by international NGOs to provide mental health services, particularly through the use of partnerships; assess the impact of these services on the target populations; identify the barriers and successes in implementing and expanding mental health programs in low- to middle-class countries; provide insights that can inform future social service delivery, teacher training, and policy-making in the mental health sector.

Empowering Human Rights Organizations: Identifying and Addressing Skills Gaps in Policy Advocacy Across Diverse Geographical Contexts

The research project aims to uncover skills gaps in policy advocacy for human rights organizations. Policy advocacy is about advancing human rights and influencing social policies. However, a significant number of organizations cannot effectively execute this because of a lack of capacity or knowledge. This project focuses on understanding these gaps by talking to people working in human rights groups in Bihar, India, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the USA. The findings will help create better training programs and strategies to support these organizations in their advocacy efforts. The project will also contribute to social work education, helping future students learn about policy practice

Developing a framework for policy practice for social workers involved in direct practices

This research project aims to develop a new potential policy practice framework for social workers by examining current social work practice in non-profit organizations. Involvement in policy practice has been considered as a key competency for social workers. Social workers work with individual and families and have deeper knowledge and understanding about problems people encounters in their everyday life. They are expected to influence development of social policies that promote social and economic justice for underrepresented and vulnerable groups. Studies have shown that direct practice social workers working in local government social service agencies, general hospitals, and nonprofit human service organizations remain less engage in policy practice compare to community social workers. The findings that result from this project will help to empower more social workers to advocate for social policies that improve the living conditions of marginalized population groups.

Certificate Course on Social Audit

Social audit training plays a crucial role in equipping social workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the improvement of government welfare programs. In Western societies, where transparency and accountability are highly valued, social audit enables individuals and organizations to scrutinize the effectiveness and efficiency of public policies and programs. In partnership with Delhi School of Social Work and Institute for Life Long Learning, we develop training programs on social audit/ Social audit training plays a crucial role in equipping social workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the improvement of government welfare programs. In Western societies, where transparency and accountability are highly valued, social audit enables individuals and organizations to scrutinize the effectiveness and efficiency of public policies and programs. In partnership with Delhi School of Social Work and Institute for Life Long Learning, we develop training programs on social audit.

Skills: Project Management · Educational Leadership · Curriculum Innovation · International Relations