Field Education Coordinator Rebecca Christopher, LMSW, has been selected as a Field Research Scholar for the 2020-2021 academic year through the Transforming Field Education Landscape project. The program, in partnership with the University of Calgary, is intended for education, networking and collaboration among the social work field education community.

“As social workers, I believe that we have an ethical responsibility to further the profession through research, continuing education and scholarship,” Christopher says. “The TFEL Program is an exciting opportunity to further explore and enhance the practice of field education. I hope to incorporate everything I learn into my work at the College of Social Work Field Education Office.”

The TFEL project gives participants the opportunity to enhance knowledge, skills, and experience in field education research. It also provides new paths for professional development, relationship building, and exposure to other innovative field research projects. Field Research Scholars will present their field research project/initiative during the academic year and attend virtual seminars every two weeks from now until May 2021.

“This program will allow me to enhance my research skill set, further the knowledge base of the profession, and shine a light on field education,” Christopher says. “It will also enable me to network with field educators on an international stage. I look forward to delving further into my research interests and sharing and applying my research as it evolves.”

In addition to her role as field education coordinator, Christopher also manages the Field Educator Series, which provides a series of trainings during the academic year for field educators. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of South Carolina College of Social Work.