Ms Amber Alaníz, University of Iowa, United States
Amber Alaníz is a Ph.D. student in Social Work at the University of Iowa, focusing on Public Health, with an expected graduation in 2026. She holds an LMSW and a B.A. in Social Work, both from the University of Iowa. Amber’s research includes studying the intersection of race, disability, mental health, and education, with publications addressing exclusionary practices in schools. She has received numerous honors, including the 2023 Society on Social Work Research Travel Grant and the 2022 Underrepresented Minority Pre-Comprehensive Mentored Summer Research Fellowship. Amber is an active member of various professional organizations and contributes to teaching and community advocacy. 📚🎓💡🧑🏫
Publication Profile
Scopus
Education
Amber Alaníz is a Ph.D. student in Social Work at the University of Iowa, with a concentration in Public Health, projected to graduate in Spring 2026. She holds an LMSW in Social Work (2021) and a B.A. in Social Work (2016) from the same institution. Amber has held various academic and research roles, including Graduate Research Assistant for projects on neighborhood disorder and dementia, mental health in social work graduate students, and adverse childhood experiences. She has also co-facilitated interdisciplinary projects and collaborated on intellectual and developmental disability sexuality education. Amber is dedicated to exploring the intersections of race, disability, and exclusionary practices. 🎓📚💡
Honors and Awards
Amber Alaníz has received several prestigious awards throughout her academic career. In 2023, she earned the Society on Social Work Research Travel Grant ($500). In 2022, she was awarded the Underrepresented Minority Pre-Comprehensive Mentored Summer Research Fellowship ($5,000) from the University of Iowa Graduate College. Other honors include the Emerging Leader recognition by AUCD in 2021, and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program. In 2020, she received the John Craft Excellence in Research Award, Lola Moeller Zook and Leslie G. Moeller Community Service Award, and a Graduate Diversity Scholarship ($10,000). 🏅🎓🌟
Memberships
Amber Alaníz is an active advocate and leader in social justice and disability rights. Since 2016, she has been part of the Mental Health, Special Education, and Disability Advocacy Group in Iowa City. Her commitment extends to roles in several influential organizations, including the Coalition to Abolish Prison Slavery at Iowa (2024–Present), the Abolitionist Social Change Collective (2023–Present), and the Society on Social Work Research (2023–Present). She is also involved with the Latinx Graduate Student Association (2023–Present), Council on Social Work Education (2022–Present), and Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Committee (2022–Present). 💪🌱📚🧑🤝🧑🦽
Research Focus
Amber Alaníz’s research focuses on the intersection of disability studies, education, and social justice, specifically examining how youth of color with mental disabilities face exclusion in educational settings. Her work utilizes Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) and statistical methods like logistic regression to analyze the systemic barriers these students encounter. She advocates for inclusive educational practices and aims to highlight the racial and disability-related disparities in educational experiences. Her research emphasizes understanding the structural factors contributing to exclusion, providing critical insights for policy and practice aimed at creating equitable educational environments. 📚💡💪🏽
Professional Engagement and Impact
Ms. Amber Alaníz is deeply committed to impactful research, engaging in interdisciplinary projects like the Neighborhood Disorder and Dementia Study and the Social Work Graduate Students’ Precarity and Mental Health project. These initiatives highlight her dedication to understanding complex societal issues. Additionally, her collaborative work on intellectual and developmental disabilities and sexuality education showcases her passion for improving knowledge and support for marginalized groups. Through her research, she aims to create positive change and advocate for the well-being of those often overlooked. 🌍🔬💡📚💪
Publication Top Notes
Conclusion
Amber Alaníz’s research and leadership in social work and public health have made a significant impact, especially in addressing societal challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her unwavering dedication to improving public health outcomes reflects her passion for creating meaningful change. Through her innovative research, Amber has contributed valuable insights that guide social work practices and policies. Her work not only highlights pressing issues but also proposes solutions that empower communities. Amber’s commitment to making a positive difference makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🌍💡📚💪🏽🩺