معرفی
Dr. Jennifer Putney serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work within the College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Social Work from Simmons University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. With extensive clinical experience in substance use and mental health, she transitioned to social work education, teaching courses on substance use, clinical practice, interprofessional collaboration, and research methods.
Her research program centers on three interconnected domains: (1) substance use disorders and harm reduction strategies, particularly in educational contexts to reduce stigma; (2) behavioral health disparities and resilience among sexual and gender minority individuals across the lifespan; and (3) the therapeutic role of the human-animal bond, especially for older LGBTQ+ adults. This work employs qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to address critical gaps in social work practice and policy.
Examination of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) shows a consistent emphasis on substance use education for social workers, with multiple studies evaluating training interventions like SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment). Concurrently, she has advanced knowledge on housing needs and mental health of sexual and gender minority older adults, and pioneered research on companion animals as sources of resilience. Her scholarship bridges clinical practice, education, and public health advocacy.
Dr. Putney's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards:
- University Award for Excellence in Research, Simmons University (2020)
- Community Partnership Award from CSWE's Commission for Diversity and Social and Economic Justice (2020)
- Rose Dobrof Award from the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (2019)
She has successfully led eight externally funded projects totaling $5 million, with a substantial portion directly supporting diverse student cohorts through stipends for field training in underserved communities. These initiatives focus on building the behavioral health workforce, particularly in substance use and LGBTQ+ competent care. As a dedicated educator, she mentors students in research and practice, fostering the next generation of social work leaders.
Though not tied to a single named laboratory, Dr. Putney directs collaborative research teams that include graduate students, community partners, and interprofessional colleagues. Her projects often involve community-based participatory methods, engaging stakeholders in the design and implementation of interventions to improve behavioral health outcomes and reduce disparities.
