PhD Student Channel Lowery Wins Seashore Graduate Fellowship
School of Social Work PhD student Channel Lowery was named the recipient of the CEHD Seashore Graduate Fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Congratulations Channel!
"It has been a privilege to work with Channel as she grows into such a thoughtful and skilled scholar," said Lowery's faculty advisor Ceema Samimi, PhD, MPA, MSSW. "She brings an incredible level of care, focus, and integrity to everything she does. A a new doctoral student, Channel engaged the youth and families throughout our research project, and now her current work on self care among Black women social workers reflects that same dedication. Her ability to build authentic relationships, along with her commitment to racial and gender justice, makes her work both impactful and deeply grounded. I can't imagine a more deserving recipient of the Seashore Fellowship."
Each year, the award goes to a CEHD graduate student whose research interests focus on issues of broad social inquiry problems, social and cultural change, or social justice.
Lowery explains her dissertation research, goals for the future, and her advice for people who want to earn a PhD in Social Work.
Q: What is your dissertation topic?
A: My dissertation topic is exploring how the self-care ideas and practices of women social workers, with special attention to Black women social workers, are influenced by sociocultural scripts (i.e., Superwomen/Strong Black Women schemas) and organizational dynamics.
Q: How do you hope that your research will affect change in the social work community?
A: I hope my research will provide nuance and depth to the ongoing dialogue around the critical importance of self-care for social workers across teaching, research, and practice. Additionally, I aim for my work to help bridge the gap between individual and organizational responsibility in fostering sustainable self-care practices.
With my research, I want to highlight both personal strategies and systemic supports that can promote a more holistic and actionable approach to well-being within the profession.
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to pursue a PhD in Social work?
A: My advice for people who want to pursue a PhD in social work is to take care of yourself during the process. There are so many rewarding moments that you feel yourself growing and gaining knowledge; there are also difficult parts that require a commitment to caring for yourself. It is a marathon, not a race, and go at the right pace for you. I also would say stay connected to your support system during the process and add to it (i.e., find your tribe!), which helps so much!
Read more about the CEHD Seashore Graduate Fellowship.