SSW members to present research

A team from the SSW will be presenting their research at the 12th Annual Aging Institute Research Day Thursday, December 6, 2018, at the University Club. Research Assistant Professor Mary Beth Rauktis' poster-"Impacts of companion animals on food security for older adults"- was funded by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work's Florence Stier Research Development Fund. The poster reports the results of a study of older adults with companion animals who use food pantries and banks.  The results found that older adults with pets were more food secure than older adults without pets, and that pets provided emotional support and were builders of social capital for elders.Research Assistant Professor Mary Beth Rauktis received the initial grant, and other authors include: Laura Bickel, MSW student;Hyunji Lee MSW alum;Holly Giovengo MSW alum;Maddy Nagel MSW alum;Qi Chen MSW alum;and Helen Cahalane, Principal Investigator, Child Welfare Education and Research Programs and Clinical Associate Professor