The work of the Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice exemplifies the society’s mission, advancing and translating research that shapes social work practice and policy.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) proudly congratulates Corey Shdaimah, PhD, LLM, LLB, on being named to the 2026 class of Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). This prestigious recognition honors SSWR members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing the society’s mission of promoting research that addresses critical issues in social work practice and policy while fostering a diverse, equitable, and just society.
Established by SSWR to recognize distinguished contributions to the field, the SSWR Fellowship celebrates individuals whose scholarship and service have significantly shaped the social work research community. Fellows are expected to continue advancing the society’s mission by mentoring emerging scholars and serving as role models for excellence in research, teaching, and practice.
Shdaimah’s work powerfully reflects the mission of the SSWR, which honors fellows who have served with distinction to advance, disseminate, and translate research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy while promoting a diverse, equitable, and just society. As the Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice and academic coordinator for UMSSW’s MSW/JD and MSW/MPP dual degrees, she examines how policies are implemented on the ground — particularly in areas such as child welfare, child care, dependency courts, and street-based sex work — centering the voices of those most affected through participatory and community-engaged research methods.
Through this body of scholarship and her leadership as an editor, mentor, and collaborator, Shdaimah has helped shape how empirical evidence informs social welfare policy and professional ethics, with a sustained focus on equity and the lived realities of marginalized communities. Her contributions exemplify the role of SSWR Fellows as leaders who not only produce rigorous research but also use it to strengthen communities, challenge injustice, and guide the next generation of social work researchers.
Eligibility for SSWR Fellowship status is determined through a rigorous point system reflecting scholarly accomplishments, service, and contributions to the society. The 2026 SSWR Fellows represent approximately 1 percent of SSWR’s membership, highlighting the distinct honor of this recognition.
The 2026 class of fellows will be formally announced by SSWR President Ramona Denby‑Brinson during the Fellows and Awards Presentations session at the SSWR Annual Conference on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from 2-2:30 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
To learn more about the SSWR Fellowship program and view the full list of 2026 Fellows, visit the SSWR website.