Allison Gibson, MSW, PhD
Bridging aging, health, crisis response and social justice
859.257.6650
Teaching Experience
In addition to her research, Dr. Gibson incorporates her work into the courses she teaches at the University of Kentucky in both her foundational social work courses (Introduction to Social Welfare, Research Methods) as well as through advanced coursework (Poverty and Inequality, Clinical Practice).
Dr. Gibson has taught for the University of Kentucky's College of Social Work, Winthrop University's Department of Social Work, Ashland University's Department of Social Work and Family Studies, The Ohio State University's College of Medicine, and The Ohio State University's College of Social Work.
Courses Taught
University of Kentucky's College of Social Work
Fall 2022
Working with Older Adults (MSW)
This course will identify issues related to social work practice with an older adult population. Students will explore the problems and needs of older adults and the role of the social worker in assessment, planning and providing services. Students will analyze existing programs and identify gaps in current services and supports provided to older adults.
Fall 2022, Spring 2022
Independent Study: Research (PhD)
Provides the doctoral student opportunity to conduct social work research under the supervision of a chosen faculty member. This experience is expected to result in one or more reports suitable for submission to a scholarly journal at conclusion of the practicum.
Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Social Work Research (UG)
SW 450 offers an introductory study and application of the process of research in building social work knowledge and developing effective social work practices.
Fall 2021
Statistics for Social Workers (DSW)
Advanced social work practice requires knowledge and skills related to competent data analysis. This course is grounded in the conceptual understanding of how data informs social work practice. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to: descriptive analysis, correlations, ANOVA, and regression. Students will gain familiarity with cleaning data, interpreting results and applying critical thinking to help them make sense of statistical presentations in published manuscripts, popular media, and other sources. Students will also become proficient in the use of Excel for data analysis and creating visual models of data representation.
Summer 2021, Summer 2020
Introduction to Doctoral Studies (DSW)
This course provides an overview of the doctoral program, introduces students to expectations related to doctoral education, and addresses writing for academic and professional social work practitioners. Topics that will be covered in SW 852 include but are not limited to: orientation to the program, curriculum, and capstone project; academic writing for publication; and professional documentation across practice settings (e.g., case notes, editorials, research manuscripts, etc.).
Spring 2020
Education Abroad: Restorative Justice and Social Reconciliation in Ireland & Northern Ireland
This course (SW 580) explores the legacy of religious injustice in Ireland and Northern Ireland through understanding the cultural and historical implications of religious difference. Reconciliation attempts and the roles of communities and agencies in those attempts are identified as are the lasting influences of oppression on individuals, families, communities and the social welfare agencies that serve them.
Students will visit historical cultural sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland that provide a context for understanding the divisive as well as supportive roles that religion has played in the Irish culture.
Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018
Development of Social Welfare (UG)
SW 222 introduces the philosophies and value base of social welfare policy within the United States and examines the cultural traditions and political and economic forces that have contributed to the emergence of present social welfare policies and systems. Specific attention is paid to those most vulnerable due to age, ability, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and the subsequent policies designed to address those specific needs.
Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
Poverty and Inequality (GR)
Poverty and inequality are among the most pervasive social problems of our time. According to the NASW code of ethics, tackling poverty is a primary goal for social workers. SW 721 aims to unmask the complexities of poverty and inequality by introducing students to the nature and characteristics of poverty, examining the predominant explanations of poverty and inequality, exploring the consequences of poverty and inequality, and surveying historical and contemporary approaches to poverty reduction. Diverse persectives will be presented through the course. Special attention will be given to issues related to values and ethics including social justice, human rights and well-being.
Spring 2019
Senior Seminar (UG)
SW 470 is an integrative professional seminar for senior majors in social work, usually taken in the last semester of course work. Social work issues of an educational, professional and practice nature are examined.
Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018
Independent Study: Research (GR)
SW 780 is an organized study, reserach and/or tutorial focused on special issues or problems.
Spring 2018
Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work (GR)
SW 730 offers an intensive study of three evidence-based practices - one for adult, one for children and one group intervention. It is designed to increase the social worker's familiarity with evidence-based practices for social work treatment of mental health disorders.
Research Mentorship
Areas of Interest for Mentoring Students
Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Aging and family caregiving
Death/dying, end of life issues, and grief
First responders, crisis response and social work
Issues pertaining to housing and social justice
Expressive arts and clinical social work practice
Rural social work practice
Program evaluation of social service programs