Paula Nurius, Grace Beals-Ferguson Scholar, Professor, and Associate Dean at the University of Washington School of Social Work brings a long history examining processes and effects of stress, with special interest in combined and distinct contributions of adverse or traumatic experiences and chronic stress associated with social disadvantage. In addition to adult and youth general population data, focus has included special populations such as victims of violence and youth within child welfare as well as juvenile justice settings. This work integrates structural, social psychological, and physiological theoretical foundations for ways that stress is experienced and becomes embodied, carrying effects through lifespan development. Increasingly, her work aims to expand multi-level analysis to include environmental contributors.
Dr. Nurius received her joint doctorate in social work and psychology from the University of Michigan where she also received her MA in psychology. She received her MSW from the University of Hawaii. During her graduate training she was awarded an NIMH traineeship award and the Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship and Dissertation Grant Awards. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare and of the Society for Social Work & Research. She has a long record of mentoring and advancing innovative models of interdisciplinary and team science training.