Kenta Asakura

Kenta Asakura is an Associate Professor at Smith College School for Social Work and an Honorary Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Social Work (Faculty of Arts). His research focuses on simulation-based methods to advance clinical social work competencies, particularly in serving marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ youth, immigrants, refugees, and families in care. He leads the SSHRC-funded Bridging Critical Social Work Education and Clinical Practice project and previously directed Carleton University’s SIM Social Work Research Lab, funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. His work emphasizes ethical practice, social justice integration, and innovative educational technologies like AI-driven simulations.

Asakura’s scholarship spans clinical supervision, mental health practice, and culturally responsive teaching. His research methodologies include observational studies, participatory action research, and technology-enhanced simulations. He collaborates internationally on projects addressing simulation’s role in professional development, online pedagogy, and AI applications in social work education.

His articles highlight trends in applying simulation to assess clinical decision-making, cultural competency, and resilience among vulnerable groups. Recent work explores adapting simulations for remote learning and leveraging NLP for skill analysis. Asakura’s contributions bridge academic research and practical training, advocating for socially just frameworks in both education and clinical practice.

Asakura has secured major grants like SSHRC funding and led the first North American social work simulation lab. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, integrating innovative methods such as community development and group work pedagogies. Current projects emphasize decolonizing social work education and addressing student mental health in professional training.