The University of St. Thomas

School of Social Work

Ande A. Nesmith

Assistant Professor

nesm3326@stthomas.edu
Phone: 651-962-5805
Fax: 651-962-5819

2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105

Office Location: SCB 305
Courses taught in Spring 2013 at UST
GRSW 682-08
20618		 Applied Research Seminar 1920-2145 R SCB 327

0 Credit Hours

Candidates for the MSW degree must satisfactorily conduct a clinical research project, present the findings, and complete a final written and bound report. The purpose of the clinical research project is to provide the student with an opportunity to independently conceptualize a research problem, formulate a research design, implement the research, analyze the data, address ethical and cultural considerations, and disseminate the findings. The project is a logical extension of required research courses (GRSW 580 and GRSW 681) and requires application, integration, and further development of previously acquired skills and knowledge. The research must be relevant to clinical social work practice. The project must demonstrate an original and clear contribution to the body of social work knowledge in the student's selected area of focus. It should demonstrate the student's ability to integrate social work theory with research findings.
Courses taught in Fall 2013 at UST
GRSW 682-09
40846		 Applied Research Seminar 1920-2145 R MCH 108

4 Credit Hours

Candidates for the MSW degree must satisfactorily conduct a clinical research project, present the findings, and complete a final written and bound report. The purpose of the clinical research project is to provide the student with an opportunity to independently conceptualize a research problem, formulate a research design, implement the research, analyze the data, address ethical and cultural considerations, and disseminate the findings. The project is a logical extension of required research courses (GRSW 580 and GRSW 681) and requires application, integration, and further development of previously acquired skills and knowledge. The research must be relevant to clinical social work practice. The project must demonstrate an original and clear contribution to the body of social work knowledge in the student's selected area of focus. It should demonstrate the student's ability to integrate social work theory with research findings.
SOWK 380-01
41495		 Social Work Research 0955-1135 T R SCB 206

4 Credit Hours

This course fosters competence in the research skills needed for generalist social work practice. Students will gain knowledge in the steps of conducting research; practice evaluation; conducting research with vulnerable participants; locating and critically evaluating relevant research to inform practice; and evidence-based practice. They will learn values of ethical research practice, using the Belmont Report and the NASW Code of Ethics as guidelines. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable research participants. Students will also gain skills in writing and presenting a literature review, developing a research proposal, and applying relevant research to practice. Prerequisites: SOWK 281/2810 and junior status or consent of the program director.

Office Hours:

Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 am - Noon or by appointment

Courses Taught:

  • SOWK 340 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • GRSW 625 -  Social Policy & Program Development
  • GRSW 682 -  Applied Research Seminar

Research Interests:

  •  Program evaluation
  • Youth tranisitions from foster care
  • Children on incarcerated parents
  • Foster care outcomes

Academic Experience:

  • Teaching Assistant at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, 5 years
  • 3 years instructor of MSW Research Methods at the University of Minnesota, 3 years
  • Researcher/Senior Researcher at Chapin Hall, University of Chicago, 8 years

 Practice Experience: 

  •  Youth Programs Supervisor, West 7th Community Center
  • Juvenile Rehabilitation Supervisor, Echo Glen Children’s Center
  • Sex Offender Counselor & Case Manager, Onarga Academy   
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor, Gateway Community Services

Publications and Presentations:

Journal Publications:    

·      Nesmith, A. & Ruhland, E. (accepted, in press).  Caregivers of children with incarcerated parents.   Open Family Studies Journal.

·      Nesmith, A. & Ruhland, E. (2008).  Children of incarcerated parents:  Challenges and resiliency, in their own words.  Children and Youth Services Review, 30, 1119-1130.

·      Nesmith, A. (2006).  Factors predicting running away from family foster care, Child Welfare, 85(3), 585-610.

·      Courtney, M.E., Piliavin, I., Grogan-Kaylor, A., & Nesmith, A. (2002).  Foster youth transitions to adulthood:  A longitudinal view of youth leaving care.  Child Welfare,  80(6) 685-717.

·      Nesmith, A., Burton, D., & Cosgrove, T.J. (1999).  Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and young adults:  Social support in their own words.  Journal of Homosexuality, 37(1), 95-108.

·      Burton, D., Nesmith, A., & Badten, L. (1997).  Clinicians’ views on sexually aggressive children and their families:  A theoretical exploration. Child Abuse & Neglect, 21(2), 157-170.

 Reports: 

·      Nesmith, A. (2011).  Creating Ongoing Relationships Effectively:  Supporting Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care.  Implementation Evaluation.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A. & Dworsky, A. (2010).  Maternal Incarceration and Children’s Risk of Juvenile Justice System Involvement.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A. (2010).  Creating Ongoing Relationships Effectively:  Supporting Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care.  Preliminary Findings.   Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A. (2010).  The Family Connect Visiting Guides:  An Innovative Tool to Prepare Foster  Children and Parents for Visits.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Wulczyn, F., Rosenblum, R., & Nesmith, A. (2010).  The Bridge Builders:  To Preserve the Families of Highbridge.  Final Evaluation.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A. & Attong, N. (2009).  Foster Care Visitation:  Factors Influencing the Regularity of Parental Visits, Broward County, Florida.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A. (2009).  Factors predicting running away from family foster care.  In Courtney, M.E., and Thoburn, J. (Eds.),  Children in State Care,  The Library of Essays in Child Welfare and Development.   Oxon, UK:  Ashgate Publishing.

·      Nesmith, A. (2008).  Perceptions of  Foster Care Visiting Philosophies, Preparation, Goals, and Expectations Among Social Workers, Foster Parents, Birth Parents, and Foster Children.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Wulczyn, F., Rosenblum, R., Monahan-Price,K, & Nesmith, A. (2008).  Improved Outcomes for Children:  Implementation Study.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Wulczyn, F., Rosenblum, R., Rowe, M, & Nesmith, A. (2008).  The Bridge Builders: To Preserve the Families of Highbridge.  Program Year Five Evaluation.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Wulczyn, F., Feldman, S., & Nesmith, A. (2007).  The Bridge Builders: To Preserve the Families of Highbridge.  Program Year Four Evaluation.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Wulczyn, F., Feldman, S., & Nesmith, A. (2006).  The Bridge Builders:  To Preserve the Families of Highbridge.  Program Year Three Evaluation.  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Nesmith, A., Ruhland, E., & Krueger, S. (2005).  Children of Incarcerated Parents:  A Qualitative Study of the Children Left Behind.  Minneapolis, MN: The Council on Crime and Justice.

·      Nesmith, A., Krueger, S., & Ruhland, E. (2005).  Serious Juvenile Offenders Who do not Re-offend in Early Adulthood.  Minneapolis, MN: The Council on Crime and Justice.

·      Daro, D., Budde, S., Baker, S., Nesmith, A., & Harden, A. (2005).  Creating Community Responsibility for Child Protection: Findings and Implications from the Evaluation of the Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Initiative.  Chicago, IL:  Chapin Hall Discussion Paper.

·      Wulczyn, F., Feldman, S., & Nesmith, A. (2005).  The Bridge Builders:  To Preserve the Families of Highbridge.  Program Year Two Evaluation.  Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

·      Wells, S., Nesmith, A., & Cowan, S.  (2002). Predictors of Reentry to Foster Care in Hennepin County, Minnesota.  St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota.

·      Nesmith, A. & Robertson, J. (2000).  Social Work Ph.D. Admissions Data: Report on Comparisons of University of Wisconsin-Madison and National CSWE GRE Scores.  Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison.

·      Nesmith, A. (1999).  Runaway and Homeless Youth Centers in Wisconsin:  A Portrait of Youth Served, 1996 and 1997.  Comprehensive report of all state runaway data.  Madison, WI: Wisconsin Association for Runaway Youth Services.

·      Nesmith, A. & Hohs, S. (1998).  The Role of the School of Social Work in the Local, National, and Global Economy: Findings from the Student Survey.  Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison.

   

Conference Presentations: 

·      Eliminating Health Disparities: Employing an Integrated Health Care Model.  Poster Presentation.  University of Minnesota School of Public Health Roundtable, Accelerating the Future: The Changing Face of Health in America.  With Windy Fredkove.  April, 2011.

·      Family Connect: Promising Practices to Prepare For Family Visits that Build and Sustain Relationships.  17th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.  April, 2009.

·      FamilyConnect: Making Family Visits work for Children in Foster Care: Pilot Project Research Findings.  Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, University of Minnesota.  Presented with Wendy Negaard.  October, 2008. 

·      Children of Incarcerated Parents and Their Caregivers: Challenges and Resiliency.  Summer Series on Enhancing Parental Involvement in Child Protective Proceedings.  Michigan State Court Administrative Office, Child Welfare Services.  July, 2008.

·      Recurrence of Maltreatment: Beyond the National Standard. National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics.  Annual Workshop.  August, 2004.

·      Running Away from Treatment Foster Care: Longitudinal Practice-Based Research.  Foster Family-Based Treatment Association.  Annual Conference.  July, 2002.

·      Youth in Foster Care: Predictors of Running Away.  Society for Social Work and Research.  Annual Conference.  January, 2002.

·      Predicting Stable Outcomes for Runaways: An Ecological Perspective.  Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.  February, 2000.

·      Predicting Stable Outcomes for Runaways: An Ecological Perspective. Society for Social Work and Research.  Annual Conference.  January, 2000.

·      Evaluating Wisconsin Works: Why Eligible Individuals May Choose not to Enroll in W-2.  Kellogg Foundation Conference with the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. Panel presentation and workshop with Gina Miranda.  February, 1999. 

·      Creating a Positive Classroom Environment in the Face of Highly Sensitive Topics:  Encouraging and Maintaining Active Student Participation.  Annual College of Letters and Science Teaching Assistant Training Workshops.  August, 1998.

·      Foster Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study: Outcomes One Year After Discharge.  Annual Wisconsin Independent Living Conference.  Presented with Andrew Grogan-Kaylor.  June, 1998.

-     Teaching Welfare Reform: Critical Issues and Related Resources.  Biennial Midwest Social Work Education Conference.  June, 1998, with Maria Cancian & David Pate.

Consultation Experience: 

  • ·      Research Consultant.  Wisconsin Association of Runaway Youth Services.   

Association Memberships & Affiliations:

  • NASW        

Other Activities:

  • Peer-review referee of book and article manuscripts for:
  • Child and Family Social Work
  • Children and Youth Services Review
  • Columbia University Press
  • Institutional Review Board Member, 2003-2005.  Council on Crime and Justice, reviewed community-based research proposals for ethics in using human subjects for research.
  •  Expert Panel Member, 2004.  Child Welfare League of America.  Advised for the development of an issue brief on Children Missing from Care.