Faculty Bios

Dr. Christa C. Gilliam, Ph.D., MSW, brings a wealth of experience from her role as Department Chair in the Department of Social Work at Coppin State University. Her appointment as interim chair in the Spring of 2019 and unanimous election by peers in the Fall of 2020 reflect her leadership skills. With over six years of full-time lecturer experience at California State University, covering master's and bachelor's levels, she possesses in-depth expertise in teaching, curriculum development, and collaboration with social services agencies. Dr. Gilliam's academic journey spans from adjunct roles at Coppin in 2016 to Associate Professor, demonstrating her commitment to student growth and proactive campus engagement.

Dr. Gilliam's dedication to social work education extends to research focusing on workforce development, leadership, and mentoring. Her contributions include published articles, book chapters, and a co-authored book on mentoring women for leadership. Engaging with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), she actively participates in initiatives informed by Black womanist/feminist perspectives, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity. Driven by her passion for students' success, Dr. Gilliam serves as a mentor, offering valuable support beyond academics. Her extensive service involvement within departmental, college, and university committees showcases her adaptability, particularly in the transition to virtual learning during the pandemic. Beyond academia, her active participation in professional organizations and boards further underscores her dedication to fostering positive change through education, leadership, and scholarship.

Dr. Antoine Lovell, Ph.D., MSW, MPA, formerly a provost postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Policy & Practice, has imparted his expertise as a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, specializing in social policy and urban revitalization courses. As a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship, Dr. Lovell is dedicated to scholarly growth and research training. His research revolves around enhancing the well-being of homeless youth and public housing residents, specifically emphasizing macro and mezzo-level impacts. He seeks to explore the intersections of race and racism within these contexts, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practical policy implementation.

Dr. Lovell's accomplishments span funding acquisition and publication, including co-authored works on housing and young adults. Recognized with the 2022 William T. Grant Foundations' Mentoring Grant for Junior Researchers of Color, he is a committed contributor to the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative (EIC), using research to inform decision-making and optimize social investments. Additionally, his practitioner background and policy experience enrich his research perspective. He has crafted legislation for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, overseen a supportive housing division for homeless and justice-involved youth, and held leadership roles in community-based organizations. Driven to make significant contributions, Dr. Lovell envisions conducting mixed-methods research to empower urban communities. Joining Morgan State University's faculty provides the resources for sustainable change in underserved urban areas.

Dr. Martin Jones, DSW, LMSW, joins us this year as a new Assistant Professor with the School of Social Work. With a background as a licensed Social Worker and a passionate advocate for family, youth, and community matters, her skill set is well-suited for roles encompassing teaching, mentoring, collaboration, and advancing research endeavors within the Morgan State community.

Having accumulated over six years of experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in engagement with children, adolescents, and families from historically marginalized backgrounds, Dr. Jones places a central emphasis on weaving anti-racist and intersectional perspectives into her work. This steadfast dedication empowers her to excel in diverse academic contexts.

Dr. Jones establishes meaningful connections with students, colleagues, children, youth, and families with a skillful strength-based approach. She offers essential psychosocial support to these groups through a social justice perspective, and her expertise extends to designing innovative programs and curricula focused on adolescent development and overall well-being. Dr. Jones is dedicated to providing comprehensive feedback, guidance, and supervision to undergraduate and graduate students. Moreover, she leads initiatives to decolonize developmental models, theories, and frameworks, ensuring the incorporation of culturally responsive strategies in exploring human behavior. Morgan State's mission and values resonate deeply with Dr. Jones's personal and professional convictions, underscoring her commitment to cultivating an inclusive and value-driven environment.

Dr. Von Eugene Nebbitt, MSW, Ph.D., joins us as Associate Dean of Research and the inaugural Director of the  Center and is a dedicated researcher and educator whose passion for promoting scholarly endeavors and advancing the well-being of urban African American youth has positioned him as a prominent figure in the field. With a comprehensive background in research, practice, and administration, Dr. Nebbitt is well-prepared to be Associate Dean for Research at Morgan State University's School of Social Work.

Having obtained his MSW with a concentration in Social & Economic Development and specialization in Research and a Ph.D. from The Brown School of Social Work, Public Health and Social Policy at Washington University, Dr. Nebbitt has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and expertise. His research focuses on the health and well-being of youth living in urban public housing, exploring factors such as community violence exposure, mental health symptoms, substance use, and positive youth development. Dr. Nebbitt's work has significantly contributed to bridging gaps in knowledge surrounding African American adolescents in public housing, challenging stereotypes and myths perpetuated by mass media. His dedication to data-driven research and collaboration with diverse disciplines has enabled him to establish an extensive publication record and provide essential insights into health disparities among marginalized populations.

Dr. Nebbitt has demonstrated his ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners throughout his career. He has engaged in leadership roles within various research centers and has a proven track record in leveraging resources and fostering collaborative relationships to advance research agendas. With experience in academia, Dr. Nebbitt has also honed his skills as an educator, equipping students with the tools to make meaningful contributions to the field. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in his experiences working with diverse populations and within diverse academic environments. Dr. Nebbitt's expertise aligns seamlessly with the mission and vision of the School of Social Work, offering valuable contributions to research, community engagement, and the advancement of knowledge in the realm of social work.

Dr. Lujie Peng, Ph.D., MSW, completed his Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2023. He also possesses an MSW from Nanjing University. With a proactive stance as both a policy researcher and practitioner, Peng is dedicated to addressing the needs of underrepresented and underserved communities. His genuine interest lies in applying advanced psychometric, econometric, and statistical methodologies to drive evidence-based policymaking and socially equitable research.

Dr. Peng's primary research centers on gauging Americans' backing for social and healthcare policies, particularly enhancing their conceptualization and measurement and scrutinizing their longitudinal shifts. As a global academic, he is equally captivated by cross-national comparative analyses of social policies and the politics of welfare states. His focus here is on identifying variations and establishing typologies. A keen concern for the social determinants of health and health disparities steers his investigations. Presently, he is engaged in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiative that employs Bayesian multi-level modeling to explore the connections between methamphetamine use, psychosis, and overdose fatalities. Additionally, Peng has plans to create an American Welfare Attitudes Scale (AWAS) through a multidimensional computerized adaptive testing approach.

Dr. Belinda D. Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, is a distinguished social work educator renowned for her multifaceted contributions to undergraduate and graduate social work programs. Her unwavering dedication to enhancing social work education and practice is evident throughout her illustrious career. Notably, she held a significant role at Jackson State University's College of Health Sciences as an Associate Professor within the Graduate Program of the School of Social Work. Her responsibilities spanned course development, teaching both asynchronous and synchronous classes, advising students, and guiding capstone projects. Active involvement in committees and community outreach further characterized her engagement.

Dr. Smith's impact extends beyond her institution. Her leadership within the Jackson State University School of Social Work's Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference (MCWI) Planning Committee from 2016 to 2022, including four years as Chair of the Abstract Review Committee, stands out. Additionally, her service to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) showcased her commitment to the Role of Women in Social Work Education. Her extensive practical experience in various realms of social work, from child welfare to school social work, community-based mental health, and long-term care, underscores her dedication across government, non-profit, and private sectors. Dr. Smith's lifelong commitment to elevating the social work profession through teaching, service, and scholarship resonates as she continues to make meaningful contributions that enrich communities and the field.

Dr. Jocelyn Taliaferro, MSW, Ph.D., is a distinguished leader, scholar, and educator with a rich history of social work and urban affairs contributions. Since joining NC State University in 2003, she has held various leadership roles within the School of Social Work, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to excellence. Notably, she has served as a Faculty Scholar for the NC State Park Scholarship program, as Director of the Graduate Program, as Director of Field Instruction, and recently, Director of the Undergraduate Program, where her innovative approach drove progress.

Dr. Taliaferro's impact extends beyond administrative roles. Her research and teaching emphasize community-engaged initiatives that focus on capacity-building in social work, urban affairs, and public policy. Her strong track record of co-authoring influential books and securing grants exemplifies her dedication to addressing critical social issues. Currently exploring the mental health and well-being of Black women in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Black racism, her commitment to generating insights for positive change is evident. Her aspirations include contributing to the Morgan State University School of Social Work program, where her dedication to students of color and her ability to foster outstanding faculty and student work will flourish. Dr. Jocelyn Taliaferro's leadership, scholarship, and community engagement set her on a trajectory to elevate social work and urban affairs.