Katie A. Schultz

Katie A. Schultz is a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, focusing on health equity, violence, and culturally-grounded interventions among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. As a Choctaw Nation citizen, her research prioritizes Indigenous knowledges and sustainable solutions for Native communities.

• Principal Investigator on NIDA-funded studies examining risk pathways (R21DA050518) and social network theories (R21DA053789) in AI/AN communities.
• Faculty affiliate with the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training, co-leading collaborations with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence in Michigan.
• Researcher in social network analysis, substance use prevention, and adaptation of evidence-based practices for Indigenous contexts, including the Thiwáhe Gluwáš’akapi (Sacred Home) program.

Education:

• PhD in Social Work (2016) and MSW (2002) from the University of Washington.
• BA in Sociology (1998) from Western Washington University.

Research Interests: American Indian/Alaska Native health equity; violence and substance misuse outcomes; historical trauma; community/cultural connectedness as protective factors; culturally-centered interventions; community-based participatory and mixed methods research.

Grants & Collaborations: Funded by NIDA (R21DA050518, R21DA053789) and NIAAA (T32AA014125). Collaborates with tribal communities in Alaska, Northern Plains, and Michigan, integrating Indigenous methodologies.

Teaching: Instructs courses like Community Engaged Research with Indigenous Communities and Qualitative Methodologies for Socially Just Inquiry at the University of Michigan School of Social Work through Fall 2025.

Scientific Awards:

• NIDA R21DA050518 Grant
• NIDA R21DA053789 Grant

Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training and research teams studying AI/AN youth networks, justice-involved health outcomes, and family-based prevention programs.