Debra Allwardt, MSW, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Introduction
"I love research and the many ways that it can be applied to social work practice. Although some social work students are apprehensive about learning statistics and research methods, I want to reassure you that research is nothing to fear. My hope is that many of you will come to enjoy research as well.”
Degrees
Ph.D. University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Major: Human Sciences. Specialization: Gerontology. 2008.
M.S.W., University of Nebraska at Omaha. 2003.
B.S.W., University of Nebraska at Omaha. 2001.
Certificate of Specialization in Gerontology, University of Nebraska at Omaha. 2001.
Work Experience
I worked on several research grants, as well as a project to develop and infuse cultural competence materials into geriatric education for health care professionals. I was a geriatric therapist and I also worked with a hospice organization.
Professional Specialties
Research methodology; long-term care workforce retention and recruitment; cultural differences in elder care; cultural competence; elder caregiving.
Currently Teaching
Social Work Research Methodology; Social Work Research Statistics
Recent Publications
José, H., Parreira, P., Thorson, J.A., & Allwardt, D. (2007). A Factor-Analytic Study of the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale with a Portuguese Sample. North American Journal of Psychology, 9(3), 591-606.
Allwardt, D. A., & Anderson, D. K. (2006). Cultural competent health care practice with elders. [8 electronic modules] MedEdPORTAL. Available from: http://www.aamc.org/mededportal, ID = 254
Kosloski, K., Schaefer, J., Allwardt, D., Montgomery, R.J.V., & Karner, T.X.
(2002). "The Role of Cultural Factors on Clients' Attitudes toward Caregiving, Perceptions of Service Delivery and Service Utilization," Home Health Care Services Quarterly 21, 3/4, 65-88.
[Co-published simultaneously in: Montgomery, R.J.V . (2002). A New Look at Community-Based Respite Programs. Hayworth Press, pp 68-88.]
Grant Activities
Allwardt, D. & Zellmann, K.(2008-2011). Curriculum Development Institute Program. Award: $5,000. Grantor: Council on Social Work Education.
Presentations/Workshops
“Trailblazers and History Makers: The History of Social Workers as Advocates”. Co-presented with Kristine Stilwell at the Western Illinois University Department of Social Work, Advocacy: Past, Present, Future conference. 4/07
“Culturally competent healthcare practice.” 31st Annual NAPA Spring Conference, Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants, Kearney NE. 4/06.
“Working with minority elders: Increasing cultural competency among health care professionals.” Paper co-presented with Debra Anderson at Gero-Ed Forum (held in conjunction with the Council on Social Work Education’s Annual Program Meeting), Chicago, IL. 2/06.
“Cultural competence with older refugees.” Co-presented with Debra Anderson at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Cultural Competence Workshop. 1/06.
“Culturally competent healthcare practice with older adults.” Co-presented with Debra Anderson at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Cultural Competence Workshop. 1/06.
“Coping with stressors of caregiving.” Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America, San Diego CA. 11/03.
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers; Gerontological Society of America;
American Society on Aging; Council on Social Work Education; Society for Social Work and Research
Awards and Recognitions
Diversity and Multicultural Leadership Faculty Award. Spring 2007.
Nancy Coney Faculty of the Year Award. Spring 2007.