
Maya Meinert
Putting her USC master’s degree in journalism to good use, Maya Meinert serves as communications manager at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She writes about the school’s student, alumni, donor, research and community outreach activities, in addition to managing the school’s social media efforts.
Stories by Maya Meinert:
Addressing the unique mental health challenges of bisexual veterans
USC doctoral student and Air Force Capt. Katie McNamara studies bisexual service members and veterans, who may be at higher risk for mental health issues such as PTSD and depression than their gay, lesbian or heterosexual peers.

Pantry project aims to help USC students with fresh food
Trojan Food Pantry helps students in need with meals and more.

Trojan transforms lives of South Dakota’s Native American youth
Simone Webster’s trip to a reservation allows the master’s student to help the historically underserved.

Suicide among men — and the myth of impulsive acts
USC social worker talks about the cultural stigma that may be tied to a higher suicide rate among males, offering techniques for helping at-risk individuals.

How ‘empathy gap’ among social workers can affect services for people of color
USC researcher Terence Fitzgerald reports that people aren’t as empathetic as they’d like to think they are.

Seniors will soon outnumber children, but the U.S. isn’t ready
Too few professionals are trained to work with older adults. A USC social work expert explains the demographic shift’s huge impact.

USC social work students help offer mental health services at Mexican consulate in L.A.
The master’s degree students join a program developed as a response to growing concern about the mental health of Latino immigrants.

USC school challenges status quo on poverty
‘How Poverty Affects Human Rights’ was the theme of this year’s All School Day event at USC.

Social work academy taps Trojan to lead national effort against homelessness
Ben Henwood is among nine professors to accept the challenge.

USC social work student helps people affected by Flint water crisis
Michigan resident develops program to address the effects of life with polluted water.

Professor’s project takes on climate change with clean technology
The Sustainable Earth Decathlon showcases young innovators with solutions to environmental issues.

Experts target gun violence as public health issue
Annual educational forum brings people together to discuss how society can improve communication.

USC sets out to build social work program in China
School teams with Beijing Normal University to enhance its Master of Social Work program.
Master of Social Work online program gets bigger and better
Five years after its inception, USC’s Web-based degree curriculum is stronger than ever.

For immigrant minors, student projects could make adjusting to U.S. easier
Social Work classes take a business approach, using technology and a ‘fast pitch’ competition to help unaccompanied kids.
With Tree of Life, student branches out to redefine nursing homes
Inspired by his experience and USC education, Montgomery Ostrander opens a therapeutic facility.
Things to think about before you form a partnership
Running a new business boils down to conversation and communication, alumna writes in her new book.
Watt gift to support houses for the homeless strategies
The funding proposal could boost the success of future grant applications.
Social Work honors faculty with endowed chair, professorships
Dean Marilyn Flynn, Ron Avi Astor, William Vega and Suzanne Wenzel share a special occasion.
School of Social Work devotes daylong event to race relations
Annual All School Day focuses on ‘Race Relations in the 21st Century: Is It Just a Black and White Issue?’

Healing through therapy — and tattoos
USC psychologist served as therapist on Ink Shrinks, a reality show that helps troubled clients heal and find closure.
McCroskey, Smith named to County Commission on Children and Families
The USC professors will strive to enhance the well-being of people in Los Angeles

Battered but not broken in the Philippines
Using the latest in disaster recovery research, a USC team trains educators to support students in the aftermath of a recent typhoon.
A veteran supplies support for military families
Chuck Spielman and his wife devote themselves to bolstering the transition of vets into communities.