Explore excellence in research
We are dedicated to advancing research in social work and family science, and our work is collaborative, participatory and grounded.
About the University of Louisville
Founded in 1798 as one of the nation’s first city-owned, public universities, the University of Louisville (UofL) is a vital ecosystem that creates thriving futures for our students, community and society. As one of only 13 universities in the United States to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research 1, Opportunity College and Community Engaged university, we impact lives in areas of student success and research and innovation, while our dynamic connection with our local and global communities provides unparalleled opportunities for students and citizens alike.
Our research by the numbers
Our research portfolio for fiscal year 2024-25 includes collaborative research with faculty and our Center for Family and Community Well-Being.
Faculty fellowships include Association for Oncology Social Work, Gerontological Society of America and Society for Social Work and Research.
Our research has been disseminated in more than 90 presentations at local, state and national conferences.
Faculty have published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles in 2024-25.
A commitment to research is a commitment to improving the lives of others
The University of Louisville is a Research 1 institution and holds the Carnegie Community Engaged designation, which recognizes institutions that work with community partners to exchange knowledge and resources for public benefit. UofL is one of 100 U.S. institutions to hold both designations.
Kent faculty engage in local and national research. They collaborate with other institutions, researchers from various professional areas and community partners to address diverse social problems. We strive to help others and promote positive institutional changes.
Our research is grounded in real-world, complex social problems that have no easy solutions. We focus on understanding why individuals, groups and communities struggle with these problems, what contributes to them and how we can best respond.
Students benefit from our research
We forge pathways to develop new knowledge through research that provides tools to aid individuals, groups and communities. We bring our expertise in our areas of study and research into the classroom and our students benefit from the curriculum and educational experiences we prepare for them.
Students directly engage with our faculty and have opportunities for research collaboration.
Kent research publications
- “Trends and associations in patient ratings using the American Society of Addiction medicine criteria, 2013–2022”
- “Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and homelessness: A critical examination of the association between specific ACEs and sex trafficking among homeless youth in Kentuckiana,” Journal of Human Trafficking, 10(1), 121-134
- “Acculturation and negative relationships as determinants of well-being: Using the convoy model for understanding the influence of social relationships among Latinx young adults,” Journal of Latinx Psychology
- “Revamping advocacy for the digital age: Approaches for nurturing survivor-centered digital resiliency,” Journal of Family Violence
- “Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and mental health symptoms among young adults,” Children and Youth Services Review, 161. Article 107680
- “Geographic access to registered behavior technicians among children with autism spectrum disorder”
Heehyul Moon, 2025 Ascending Star Fellow
Heehyul Moon, professor, was selected for the UofL Ascending Star Fellowship program which will provide the opportunity to advance her research and scholarship. Moon’s research areas include dementia caregiving, the study of health disparities and service utilization by marginalized older adults.
Center for Family and Community Well-Being (CFCWB)
The CFCWB is a unique hub for the translation of research into practice and partnership into synergy with a focus on research and program evaluation, training and education and product development.
Research is the stimulant for change
“Our collaborative, interdisciplinary and action-focused scholarship aims to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, families, organizations, communities and society. Our faculty are developing evidence-based solutions that transform lives across the life span from childhood to late life.”
