Inaugural Ph.D. Scholar Shares Trauma-Informed Education Research in Nairobi

As social workers, educators and researchers from around the world gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 2026 Joint Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development, Alabama A&M University doctoral student Keisha Pickens represented both her research and the growing global reach of the University’s Ph.D. in Social Work program.

A member of Alabama A&M’s inaugural 2024 Ph.D. in Social Work cohort, Pickens earned a spot on the conference program after her proposal was selected through a competitive international peer-review process. The conference brought together scholars, practitioners and students from across the globe to explore solutions to some of society’s most pressing social work challenges. Pickens described the experience as one of the highlights of her doctoral journey.

“I had the opportunity to share my research on an international stage while strengthening my public speaking skills,” said Pickens. “Presenting to an audience of social workers and scholars from around the world was both an honor and a rewarding professional milestone.”

Her presentation focused on developing a trauma-informed pedagogy model for higher education, exploring how those principles can be integrated into teaching practices to foster student engagement, well-being, resilience and academic success. Drawing on social work values and trauma research, she shared practical strategies educators can use to create learning environments centered on safety, empowerment and positive educational outcomes.

Pickens said Alabama A&M’s fully online doctoral program and the opportunity to help build a new doctoral program drew her to the University.

“I chose Alabama A&M because of the flexibility of its fully online Ph.D. in Social Work program and because I value the unique educational experience and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” she said. “The faculty’s commitment to scholarship, leadership and service has challenged me to grow as both a researcher and educator.”

Tonya Perry, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, said Pickens’ accomplishments highlight the quality of scholarship emerging from Alabama A&M’s doctoral program.

“Keisha’s selection to present her research on an international stage reflects the excellence, dedication and leadership we strive to cultivate in every doctoral student,” said Perry. “We are incredibly proud of the way she is representing Alabama A&M while advancing research that has the potential to improve lives and strengthen communities.”

Pickens was the only Alabama A&M doctoral student in social work to present at the conference the first student from the University’s Ph.D. in Social Work program to present at an international event.

The experience also opened doors for future collaboration. While in Nairobi, Pickens connected with faculty members, researchers and doctoral students from universities around the world, including several HBCUs, creating opportunities for future research partnerships and scholarly publications.

“Beyond presenting my work, I built meaningful connections that may lead to future research collaborations and scholarly writing opportunities,” she said. “I was also invited to participate in a future conference focused on continuing critical discussions about dismantling systems that have negatively impacted the African diaspora.”

Pickens said the opportunity to present internationally was made possible in part by faculty who encouraged her to pursue professional and scholarly opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Their mentorship inspired me to become actively involved in professional organizations,” she said. “This experience allowed me to engage with global social work leaders while proudly representing the Alabama A&M University Department of Social Work.”

Born in Marion, Ohio, Pickens earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Miles College and a Master of Social Work from The University of Alabama before beginning her career in child welfare in 2012. She has worked in public and nonprofit child welfare settings, developing expertise in trauma-informed practice, resilience and social work education. Her research focuses on placement stability and resilience among adults who experienced childhood trauma.

In addition to her work as an educator and researcher, Pickens is the author of the children’s book “Trash: A Foster Care Journey,” which helps children and families better understand the foster care experience. She is also developing a textbook on trauma-informed practice for social workers and other helping professionals.

Pickens, who lives in Calera, Alabama, plans to graduate in December 2027. After graduation, she plans to continue teaching, conducting research, publishing scholarly work and expanding international collaborations.

“The conference reinforced the importance of advancing trauma-informed education and demonstrated the value of social work scholarship in addressing global challenges,” said Pickens.

This fall, Alabama A&M will welcome the third cohort of students into its Ph.D. in Social Work program, continuing its mission of preparing social work scholars to address complex challenges in communities around the world.