Research Interests
Tara Powell received her B.A. from University of Iowa, MSW and MPH from Tulane University in New Orleans and her PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas in Austin. She has had a long career in research and practice on post-disaster behavioral-health working as both a school social worker and researcher in disaster affected communities throughout the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Powell has also led multiple research projects focused on post-trauma recovery and evidence-based interventions, obtained organizational funding for her research, and has co-authored a number of articles in peer reviewed journals and book chapters. She also specializes in curriculum development and co-created the Journey of Hope, a school-based psycho-educational program to help children develop positive coping strategies in response to trauma and stress after a disaster.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Powell is collaborating with the organization, Save the Children, to adapt the Journey of Hope to a virtual model. She also is leading a research project examining frontline healthcare providers experiences working in tent hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in New York City.
Education
BA, Communication Studies, University of Iowa, 2001
MSW, Tulane University, 2006
PhD, Social Work, University of Texas - Austin, 2014
Additional Campus Affiliations
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
Recent Publications
Powell, T. M., Li, S. J., Hsiao, Y., Thompson, M., Farraj, A., Abdoh, M., & Farraj, R. (2021). An integrated physical and mental health awareness education intervention to reduce non-communicable diseases among Syrian refugees and Jordanians in host communities: A natural experiment study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 21, [101310]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101310
Powell, T., Wegmann, K. M., & Backode, E. (2021). Coping and Post-Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents after an Acute Onset Disaster: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094865
Powell, T. M., Shin, O. J., Li, S. J., & Hsiao, Y. (2020). Post-traumatic stress, social, and physical health: A mediation and moderation analysis of Syrian refugees and Jordanians in a border community. PloS one, 15(10 October), [e0241036]. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241036
IGPA COVID-19 Pandemic Task Force, Hewings, G. J. D., Finkin, M. W., Reif, J., Fullerton, D., Jones, F., DeBrock, L. M., Gaines, B. J., Leytham Powell, T., Wilson, R. F., Lawless, R. M., & Powers, E. T. (2020). What Policymakers Should Know About the Fiscal Impact of COVID-19 on Illinois. (Economic & Fiscal Impact Group Report; No. 1). Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois.
Mcdonald, H. G., Asbill, M., Powell, T. L., Billman, S., Ozkan, S., & Faulkner, S. (2019). A Collaborative Study Abroad Model: Inspiring Fiscally Underrepresented Students. In J. Hoffman, P. Blessinger, & M. Makhanya (Eds.), Strategies for Facilitating Inclusive Campuses in Higher Education: International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion (pp. 179-195). (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning; Vol. 17). Emerald. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120190000017013