Ashley Austin, PhD

Assistant Professor

Contact Information

(305) 899 - 3936
E-mail: Austin@ barry.edu

Education

  • PhD, Florida International University, 2007.
  • MSW, Florida International University, 1996.
  • BS, University of Florida, 1990.

Ashley Austin joined the faculty in 2008 and primarily teaches social work research and clinical practice courses.  Her emphasis is on facilitating students’ integration of (1) research and practice-based knowledge, as well as (2) personal and professional values in order to enhance competence to engage in effective social justice-driven social work practice.

Her research and practice interests generally revolve around reducing disparities in health and treatment for vulnerable subgroups of youth and young adults.  Dr. Austin’s publications and presentations focus on the following topics: effective interventions for LGBTQ youth and young adults, as well as racial/ethnic minority youth, adolescent substance abuse, and evidenced-based interventions including motivational interviewing, guided self change, and cognitive behavior therapy. 

Memberships

  • Miami-Dade County Addiction Services Board
  • Society for Social Work Research

Research Interests

  • Improving services for LGBTQ youth and young adults
  • Promoting social work research with the transgender community
  • Adolescent substance use and mental health

Dr. Austin is currently engaged in two community-based research collaborations with the LGBTQ community: Developing an affirmative Intervention for Sexual Minority Youth: A participatory research approach and Experiences of Gender Non Conforming Young Adults: In Their Words, which are  aimed at gathering knowledge about the specific needs of  diverse LGBTQ youth and young adults in order to improve services.

Awards

  • Creative Activity Grant, GLS, Barry University: Experiences of Gender Non Conforming Young Adults: In Their Words (2012).
  • Faculty Incentive Grant, Barry University: Developing an affirmative intervention for sexual minority youth: A participatory research approach (2012).
  • Early Career Social Work Research Mentoring Initiative Award, National Institute of Drug Abuse (2008).