Dianne Ciro

Dr. Dianne Ciro is an Assistant Professor at the San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Social Work, part of the College of Health and Human Services. She holds a PhD in Social Welfare from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Social Welfare (2018), Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
• MS in Social Work (2001), Columbia University
• BA in Social Science (1999), SUNY Binghamton

Research Focus: Dr. Ciro specializes in trauma-informed mental health, focusing on marginalized populations such as Latino communities, disaster responders, and immigrant/refugee groups. Key interests include:
- PTSD in first responders (e.g., 9/11 workers)
- Acculturation stress and resilience among Hispanics
- Child welfare and family separation impacts
- Substance use and behavioral health in farmworkers
- Community-based interventions for trauma recovery

Professional Contributions:

• Recipient of NIH, CDC, and foundation grants (e.g., $50K HealthLINK Center Pilot Project Lead)
• Published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychological Trauma
• Co-PI for outreach programs addressing mental health in farmworker communities

Awards:

• 2021 ASSET Fellowship ($11,250)
• 2019 GREW Fellowship ($3,000)
• 2017 SSWR Travel Award

Teaching and Mentorship:

• Teaches courses on social work practice and trauma-informed care
• Mentored 13+ graduate students (PhD, MSW, and undergraduate researchers)

Service:

• Member of the California Binational Border Health Advisory Group
• Reviewer for journals like Child Development and Annals of Behavioral Medicine
• Advisor for community programs like the Academia de Cultura Latina Para Padres