Barbara Klimek

Barbara Klimek is a Clinical Associate Professor and Master's of Social Work Program Coordinator at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work. She also serves as Director of the Office of Global Social Work, a Senior Sustainability Scientist at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability (GIOS), and an Affiliate Faculty Member in ASU’s Master’s of Social Justice and Human Rights Program. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Warsaw.

• Education: Ph.D. in Economics (University of Warsaw), M.A. in Economics (Warsaw School of Economics), M.S.W. in Social Work (ASU)

Her research focuses on cultural diversity, refugee and immigrant integration, international social work, and social entrepreneurship. She has led numerous community-based projects addressing refugee health, education, and empowerment, including grants from the U.S. Department of State and Dignity Health.

Her publications highlight refugee resilience, case management frameworks, and school-based integration models. She has presented her work globally, including in Poland, China, Senegal, and Washington DC.

• Scientific Awards: Nominated for ASU’s President’s Medal for Social Embeddedness, multiple Certificates of Appreciation (2012–2015), and early career awards in Poland.

She mentors graduate students in social work, economics, and human rights, advising theses on refugee self-sufficiency, social entrepreneurship, and educational equity. Her service includes roles in sustainability consulting, international education networks, and advisory boards.