Patricia J Shannon

Patricia J Shannon is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. Her work focuses on refugee mental health, particularly with populations affected by war and torture, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Shannon's research primarily centers on refugee mental health with specific expertise in:

• Mental health screening and assessment for refugees and asylum seekers
• The impact of torture and war-related trauma on health outcomes
• Culturally appropriate services for Karen refugees from Myanmar
• Intergenerational dynamics within refugee families
• Rapid response models for newly arrived refugee populations
• Primary care integration for refugee communities

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory from studying specific refugee groups to developing broader intervention models. The research shows methodological diversity, incorporating qualitative approaches like focused ethnography alongside quantitative cohort analyses. Her work bridges clinical social work practice with public health perspectives, emphasizing culturally responsive care systems.

Dr. Shannon has secured multiple research grants through collaborations with The Center for Victims of Torture and UCARE Minnesota:

• 'Healing in Partnership - Strengthening Minnesota's Refugee Community' (2010-2013)
• 'Karen Mental Health Screening Questionnaire Validation' (2013-2015)
• 'A Process Evaluation of Rapid Response Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Support for Humanitarian Parolees from Afghanistan'

Her research demonstrates growing impact, with several publications receiving significant citations and policy attention, particularly her work on intergenerational communication in refugee families which has influenced community-based interventions across Minnesota.