Annah Bender

Annah Bender is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). She earned a BA from Missouri State University, an MSW from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and a PhD from Washington University in St. Louis. Her substantive research focuses on intimate partner violence, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the intersection of trauma with substance use disorders. Methodologically, she specializes in person-centered analyses and mixed/multiple method designs.

Education:

• BA, Missouri State University
• MSW, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• PhD, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis

Her work explores advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, particularly in trauma research and social work practice. Recent publications address topics such as police-initiated trauma, pandemic impacts on recovery programs, and human trafficking among marginalized gender identities.

Scientific Awards:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Washington University's Department of Psychiatry (Alcohol Research Lab) in 2016

Annah Bender serves as Principal Investigator for projects like Rural Primary Healthcare Providers' Response to Intimate Partner Violence (2014–2015, funded by AHRQ). Her research output (33 total) demonstrates expertise in trauma-informed social work interventions, mixed-methods research, and substance use disorder analysis.