2022: Master of Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, University of Maryland Baltimore Shady Grove (School of Pharmacy)

2008: Ph.D. in Social Work, Howard University, Washington, DC

2002: Master of Social Work (MSW), Howard University, Washington, DC

2000: B.A. in Psychology, Canisius University, Buffalo, NY

Dr. Dawn Thurman, an Associate Professor at Morgan State University's School of Social Work, is a vanguard in the ethical application of AI in social work. Her professional and research interests encompass black families, AI and social work practice, AI and social work education, and clinical social work. She influences university-wide tech policy as Chair of the Technology and Communication Infrastructure Committee. She is an affiliated researcher with Morgan's Center for Equitable AI and Machine Learning Systems, overseeing research on AI’s impact on marginalized communities.

Dr. Thurman is integral to the CHARGE task force, initiated by the university president to shape AI policies and guidelines. Her interdisciplinary contributions through the AIM-LIFT Forum for Theory ensure the thoughtful integration of AI in society, resonating with her mission to align AI with social work's core values.

With substantial experience in research and policy, Dr. Thurman’s work is paving the way for AI to enhance social work education and practice, emphasizing ethical standards and inclusivity. Her insights from leading university and community projects are shaping the future of social work in the digital age.

In addition to her research, Dr. Thurman is a dedicated educator known for her innovative teaching methods and student mentorship. She has been recognized with several teaching awards, including the Educator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, Maryland Chapter, and the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award at Morgan State University.

Academic Degrees:

2022: Master of Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, University of Maryland Baltimore Shady Grove (School of Pharmacy)

2008: Ph.D. in Social Work, Howard University, Washington, DC

2002: Master of Social Work (MSW), Howard University, Washington, DC

2000: B.A. in Psychology, Canisius University, Buffalo, NY

Recent Publications:

Green, K., Dickens, D., Thurman, D., & Van Sluytman, L. G. (2024). The Disproportionate Use of Corporal Punishment on African American Children in US Schools. Journal of African American Studies, 114.

Burley, J. T., Thurman, D., & Brade Stennis, K. (2022). Mothering and Othering: Experiences of African American Professional Women. Journal of Motherhood Initiative, 13(1), 161–176.

Rose, T., Hope, M. O., Thurman, D., Forrester, P., & Rose, R. (2020). Nonorganizational Religious Involvement and Psychosocial Wellbeing Among African American and Caribbean Black Youth. Journal of Black Psychology, 009579842093785. https://doi.org/10.1177/009579842093785

Burley, J. & Thurman, D., (2019) Faith, Family, and Friendship: Experiences of African American Women living in the Margins. Social Work and Christianity, 46(1), 819.

Thurman, D. (2018). Psychosocial Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Preadolescent African American Youth. Urban Social Work, 2(1), 4865. doi:10.1891/24748684.2.1.48.

Estreet, A., Thurman, D., Goodman, S., Tirmazi, M., Carter, T., & Nebbitt, V. (2018). Examining the role of parental factors on depression among Urban African American youth living in public housing, Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2018.1430647

Grants, Research Support, Scholastic Performance:

2023-Present: Principal Investigator SHIELD Fellowship. Increasing workforce development among behavioral health practitioners. SAMSHA, Morgan State University, awarded $983,932.

2023-Present: Affiliated Faculty Ethical Considerations of AI-Driven Decision Making Systems on Marginalized Communities, Center Equitable Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Morgan State University, awarded $150,000.

2023-Present: Affiliated Faculty Exploring the Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Social Work Education, Center Equitable Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Morgan State University, awarded $50,000.

2022-2023: Principal Investigator Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) grant. Fight Blight Baltimore Morgan State University awarded $100,000.

2021-2022: BSW Project Coordinator SHIELD Fellowship. Increasing workforce development among behavioral health practitioners. SAMSHA, Morgan State University.

2021-Present: IGAP Prototype Grant for application development Morgan State University Office of Technology Transfer awarded $30,000.

Presentations and Conferences:

2024: Exploring AI in Social Work Education: Perspectives from an HBCU. Oral Presentation at the Minority Serving Cyberinfrastructure Consortium Annual Conference. Washington, DC. May 2931, 2024.

2024: The Role of Black Social Workers Understanding Ethical and Social Empowerment Challenges Related to AI: Implications for Liberation. Oral Presentation at the National Association of Black Social Workers Program Meeting in New Orleans, LA. March 2630, 2024.

2023: Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Social Work Practice: Opportunities and Challenges. National Association of Black Social Workers DC Chapter. December 20, 2023.

2023: AI in Social Work Field Education. Morgan State University, School of Social Work Field Supervisor Orientation. August 15, 2023.

2023: AI Technology (Chat GPT) & Social Work Education. Morgan State University, School of Social Work Retreat. May 23, 2023.

2018: Honoring the Legacy: Transforming Social Work with African Americans in Urban Environments. Oral Presentation at the National Association of Black Social Workers Program Meeting in San Diego, CA, April 47, 2018.

University Service:

2024-Present: Certificate Program Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2024-Present: CHARGE AI Taskforce committee member, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2023-Present: Chair University Council, Technology & Communication Infrastructure Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2022-Present: University Curriculum Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2022-Present: Chair School of Social Work Curriculum Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2021-Present: Community College Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2021-Present: Faculty Search Committee, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

2021-Present: BSW School of Social Work Transfer Coordinator, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Professional Service:

2024: Phi Alpha Honor Society Induction Ceremony, Keynote Speaker, Morgan State University

2023: Phi Alpha Honor Society Induction Ceremony, Keynote Speaker, Coppin State University

2016Present: ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) Research Advisory

Committee, Educational Consultant, United Way of Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Honors/Awards:

2023-2024: Principal Investigator Advancing Research at Morgan for a Better Future,

Morgan State University

2019: Educator of the Year, National Association of Social Workers, Maryland Chapter

2018: Best AllAround Professor, School of Social Work, Morgan State University

2018: Morgan State University 2018 Summer Grant Award

2018: Morgan State University Faculty Development Travel Support Award

2017: Morgan State University, School of Social Work, Voted Best AllAround Professor by the class of 2017

2017: Morgan State University, Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award