Shanna K. Kattari

Shanna K. Kattari is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. They direct the [Sexuality|Relationships|Gender] Research Collective and identify as a white, Jewish, nonbinary, disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent (AuDHD), polyamorous, queer fat Femme academic.

As a board-certified sexologist and social justice activist, their research spans three key areas:

• Disability and ableism (including neurodivergence and disability justice)
• Sexuality and sexual health (reproductive justice, kink/BDSM, non-monogamy)
• Queer and trans-affirming practice in health spaces

Their recent work combines community-based participatory research with arts-based methods to examine health disparities among trans/nonbinary communities across physical, behavioral, and sexual health. They also investigate weight stigma, anti-carceral pedagogy, and institutional ableism in social work education.

Scientific recognition includes:

• 2025: CSWE Disability Manuscript Award
• 2024: AAECT Book Award for their work on trans health

Kattari champions translational research that directly benefits communities and advocates for accessible academic practices. They serve on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities and previously co-chaired the CSWE Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression.