Dr. Antonia R.G. Alvarez Earns the PSU Early Career Research Award

The Portland State University School of Social Work is proud to congratulate Dr. Antonia R.G. Alvarez, who has been awarded the PSU Early Career Research Award! This award recognizes professors who produce outstanding and original scholarship at an impressive rate while engaging students in rigorous research activity.

Much of Dr. Alvarez's work focuses on the impacts of culture and cultural identity on health and well-being, with particular attention to suicidality, but also in connection to broader health behaviors, including substance use, land and food access, and use of traditional medicines. She uses qualitative, arts-based, and participatory research to expose disparities and structural harms and to uplift practices of healing and resistance.

"As a queer, pilipinx mamascholar I am struck by the complexity of receiving this recognition during a time when research (words, bodies, identities, movements, truths!) is being halted, erased, and misconstrued. AND I know that community-engaged, liberatory research is ALWAYS impacted by the state of the world-- it is meant to shift, push, move, and build in the directions of great need, of great hope. I am hopeful for these celebrations, these continuances, these ripples moving us towards liberation. I am grateful for the profound mentorship I have received throughout my time here at PSU from scholars, students, and friends, and especially Dr. Stéphanie Wahab, Dr. Tom Keller, Dr. Stephanie Bryson, Dr. Alma Trinidad, and Dr. Gita Mehrotra." — Dr. Antonia R.G. Alvarez

Congratulations, Dr. Alvarez!

Learn more about Dr. Alvarez's recent scholarship below.