New Faculty Focus: Lynette Studer

Title: Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Social Work

Hometown: Monroe, Wisconsin

Background: I am licensed as a clinical social worker in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.  I have worked primarily in the community with individuals with severe mental illnesses in a model called Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). I have also worked as a social worker in an Emergency Department of a hospital, and my most recent position as been as an Agency Policy Specialist in the Mental Health Division at the Department of Human Services for the State of Minnesota. During those four years, I also was an adjunct lecturer for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Social Work.

Education: Bachelor’s in psychology and social work with a minor in women’s studies; master’s in social work;  Ph.D. in social welfare, all from UW–Madison.

How did you get into your field of research? My previous clinical work with individuals with severe mental illness in an ACT program spurred my desire and research practice of helping bring evidence-based practices and treatment to the clients more efficiently and with better quality.

What attracted you to UW–Madison? So many things, but I would say the current faculty at the School of Social Work and their emphasis on field internships to complement the classroom experience. I am a firm believer this is the optimal way to teach future social workers.

What was your first visit to campus like? I first came to campus as a student, and I love the energy on campus, especially during a crisp fall day!  But each time I have returned, I seem to find new things to appreciate about UW Madison.

Favorite place on campus? Memorial Union, Ebling Library, Discovery Town Center

Does your work relate to the Wisconsin Idea? Absolutely! I feel the work we do in the School of Social embodies the Wisconsin idea. We focus on how to teach social workers in a way that will influence their practice in the world. Emphasis on social justice issues and identifying and advocating for change with inequality is how we live the Wisconsin idea. Don’t just learn about it, go out and change the world!

What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter at parties? People with mental illnesses are some of the most courageous and resilient people you will ever meet. They get a really bad rap.

Hobbies, other interests: Reading, binging on Netflix, Harley rider.