Madison Haiman, a second-year doctoral student at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHS), has received the CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship for the academic year 2023-2024.
This fellowship, provided by the Council on Social Work Education, provides awardees with structured curriculum and an experiential learning placement with a congressional office or government relations firm to learn the process of translating research into policy proposals/briefs, and effective communication of research.
“When I saw this fellowship, I saw a way to increase the impact my research has and create lasting change through policy,” Haiman said. “I am excited to have an opportunity to influence policy, especially given the current state of maternal and reproductive health and health policy in the U.S. and in Texas.”
Haiman’s research primarily focuses on social work in women’s healthcare, perinatal mental health/substance use, and interventions for mothers and birthers. With this fellowship, she plans to continue to generating research with the goal to influencing policy and improving the health of women and birthers.
“Madison is a phenomenal student who is passionate about healthcare outcomes and policy, and I am elated for her to receive this fellowship,” said Yessenia Castro, Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at SHS. “This prestigious award is a testament to her potential to be a leader in the social work discipline and reflects the excellence of our Ph.D. students here at the Steve Hicks School.”
Haiman is a second-year Ph.D. student at SHS, and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. Originally from Chandler, Arizona, she completed her BS and MSW at the University of Alabama.