College of Social Work PhD student Julisa Tindall has been named a recipient of the 2024 Grand Challenges Doctoral Award.

The Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW) recently announced its second cohort of doctoral awardees to broaden the pipeline of social workers equipped to tackle societal challenges. The fellowships, funded by a $100,000 grant from The New York Community Trust, include a mentoring program and a $3,000 stipend to support research connecting dissertations with the communities studied.

Tindall received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Coaching and Spanish from the College of Charleston and earned her MSW with a Family Practice Certificate at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.

Before beginning USC’s PhD program, Tindall made significant contributions in the behavioral health and substance use realms. Her professional experience includes roles as an addiction patient navigator and social worker within New Orleans’ Psychiatry Department at Ochsner Health System and as a clinical counselor at the Rock Hill Treatment Center, a methadone clinic in Rock Hill, SC.

Her research centers on addressing the health disparities experienced by African American women and their impact on maternal and mental health. Selection of fellows includes a commitment to advancing to the progression of GCSW objectives. The award is also intended to enhance her professional leadership.

“Receiving the Grand Challenges for Social Work Doctoral Award is an honor that resonates with my commitment to bridging the health gap, especially in maternal care,” said Tindall. “My research addresses the critical issue of racial disparities in maternal health, particularly among Black women in the United States. In addition to helping me with my dissertation research, this award further motivates me to continue to work towards social justice and health equity for all.”

This year's competitive pool of applicants reflected academic strength in doctoral research on the Grand Challenges, leading GCSW to also select six honorable mention awards.

“We are immensely proud of Julisa Tindall for being named a Grand Challenges Doctoral Awardee. Her dedication to addressing health disparities faced by African American women is not only commendable but also aligns with the mission of the Grand Challenges for Social Work,” said Dean Teri Browne. “Julisa’s achievement reflects the caliber of scholars we cultivate at the College of Social Work and her success is a source of inspiration for our entire community.”

Read more on the awards.