James Ellis

James Ellis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work, with a courtesy appointment in the Marsal Family School of Education. His research focuses on racial equity in education, college student mental health, and community-based interventions. He holds a joint role across social work and education disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key research interests include exploring microaggressions/microaffirmations affecting Black male students, trauma-informed school programs, and STEM college readiness for marginalized youth. His work often employs qualitative methods like phenomenological studies and participatory action research, particularly with refugee communities and older adults.

Recent studies highlight systemic barriers faced by first-generation students and Black college men, as well as the role of church-based support systems for older African Americans. He has developed models combining CRT frameworks with institutional policy reforms to improve outcomes for racially minoritized students.

James Ellis has collaborated with organizations like the GEAR UP program and the YBMen project, focusing on program efficacy and community-driven solutions. His work bridges social work practice with educational policy, aiming to address structural inequities through evidence-based interventions.