Michael Gearhart

Dr. Michael Gearhart is an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, affiliated with the School of Social Work. His work bridges academic research and practical applications in community development and criminal justice.

• Ph.D. in Social Work (2017), Case Western Reserve University
• MSSA in Social Work (2012), Case Western Reserve University
• BA in Social Work (2010), Ohio State University

Dr. Gearhart's research focuses on collective actions in communities, criminal justice system interactions, and equity and inclusion. He investigates how social cohesion and efficacy influence civic engagement, juvenile delinquency, and community-police dynamics, particularly in post-Ferguson contexts.

His recent publications analyze collective efficacy in community development, trauma responses in youth-police interactions, and the impact of social cohesion on voting behavior. These works reflect interdisciplinary collaboration between social work, criminology, and behavioral science. Notably, his research emphasizes mental health support for incarcerated individuals and post-reentry models addressing substance use disorders.

Dr. Gearhart has no listed scientific awards but actively contributes to practice through courses like SOCWRK 4300: Social Work Practice with Communities. He currently collects data on Ferguson residents' perceptions of police relationships, aiming to inform policy and community development strategies.

Contact: gearhartm@umsl.edu | Phone: 314-516-5039 | Office: 403-6A Express Scripts Hall