Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced the appointment of Dr Melinda Gushwa as the new Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences.
A native of the United States, Dr Gushwa joins TUS from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts where she held the role of Associate Professor and Director of the School of Social Work. Prior to her work at Simmons University, Dr Gushwa has worked with University of Wisconsin Green Bay, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Rhode Island College.
Dr Gushwa brings with her over 25-years’ experience in the areas of juvenile justice, residential treatment, child protection, employee assistance, crisis intervention counselling, paediatric medical social work, child welfare training, clinical practice (individual, couples, children and families), and clinical supervision. Dr Gushwa’s research focuses on challenges faced by the child welfare workforce, child maltreatment fatalities and workforce development in the social service and mental health sector. Dr Gushwa has been awarded more than $4 million in external funding that supports trauma-informed child welfare and mental health practice.
Speaking about her move to TUS, Dr Gushwa said, “I am delighted to join TUS at such an exciting time of growth and possibilities. As a first-generation university student, the mission and values of TUS resonate with me. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Department of Applied Social Science to ensure that we offer the best possible educational experience to our students.”
Welcoming Dr Gushwa to TUS, Dr Maura Clancy, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology said, “TUS, a new name that reflects new beginnings, so too is it a new beginning for Dr Melinda Gushwa! We extend a very warm welcome to Dr Gushwa, we are delighted to have her join our faculty at an exciting time in our development. Dr Gushwa brings a wealth of experience, both academically and professionally, she is joining a dynamic and ambitious team, and we are happy to announce that work is already underway on some exciting projects that reflect our collective ambition. We look forward to working with Dr Gushwa to ensure that the Department of Applied Social Sciences responds to the needs of students, region and country. Ádh mór ort, Dr Gushwa.”
The Department of Applied Social Sciences at TUS offers undergraduate programmes in social care work, community and addiction studies, and applied psychology, together with a number of postgraduate and flexible learning offerings such as: MA in Social Care Management and a Level 9 Special Purpose Award (10 credits) Working Positively with Behaviour that Challenge to name but two.