Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, United States
Rebecca A. Cole, Ph.D., LCSW-S, has a robust academic and research background in social work, currently affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is an emerging expert on critical social issues, as reflected in her doctoral dissertation on the complex issue of online romance scams and victim experiences. Her professional journey includes extensive research experience, ranging from data analysis and community-based research to collaborative projects with the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, Dr. Cole has demonstrated a commitment to teaching, mentoring graduate students, and advancing social work education, particularly in areas related to mental health, social policy, and clinical intervention.
Professional Profile
Education
Rebecca A. Cole earned her Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, completing a dissertation on online romance scams that employs a mixed-methods approach to explore victimization and lived experiences. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Cole obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Houston, where she developed her foundational knowledge in social work practice, clinical intervention, and policy. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Stephen F. Austin State University. Throughout her education, Dr. Cole has collaborated with esteemed faculty, honing her research skills and building expertise in diverse fields within social work. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation for her research in mental health, community-based interventions, and policy analysis.
Experience
Dr. Rebecca Cole has extensive research experience, having worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she collaborates with researchers on innovative projects, including community-based research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Previously, she served as a Doctoral Researcher and Project Coordinator at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she led studies on moral distress and transportation injustice, coordinated participant recruitment, and managed qualitative data analysis. Dr. Cole has also held roles as a research assistant, contributing to mental health and acupuncture studies at the University of Houston. As an instructor, she teaches graduate courses on social policy, mental health, and micropractice, enriching students’ understanding of psychosocial interventions and clinical frameworks.
Research Focus
Dr. Rebecca Cole’s research centers on social justice, mental health, and the experiences of underserved communities. Her doctoral dissertation investigates online romance scams, utilizing mixed methods to uncover factors influencing victimization and the impact on victims’ mental health. Dr. Cole’s work extends into community-based research, where she collaborates with teams on studies addressing health inequities, transportation justice, and moral distress. She has participated in NIH-funded projects, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive research methods and interventions. Her research focuses on bridging the gap between policy and practice, aiming to create actionable change within social work, policy, and community health.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Rebecca Cole has earned recognition in her academic and professional career for her commitment to social work research and education. She has been awarded research fellowships, including a prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where her work in community-based research has furthered the field of social work. Dr. Cole’s research on transportation justice, moral distress, and online victimization has earned her accolades from her peers and mentors. Throughout her doctoral studies, she received funding and support for her contributions to innovative research, including projects funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her work in social justice and community-focused interventions demonstrates her dedication to addressing critical societal challenges, and her efforts continue to receive appreciation and support from the academic community.
Conclusion
Dr. Rebecca A. Cole is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a strong foundation in social work research and a clear focus on pressing societal issues. Her academic and teaching credentials, coupled with her involvement in high-impact research projects, highlight her potential to make significant contributions to social work and community well-being.
Publications Top Noted
“Confronting moral injury across health systems: Enhancing medical social workers’ resilience and well-being”
Authors: Fantus, S., Cole, R., Thomas, L., Usset, T.J.
Journal: Stress and Health
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
“Multi-professional perspectives to reduce moral distress: A qualitative investigation”
Authors: Fantus, S., Cole, R., Usset, T.J., Hawkins, L.E.
Journal: Nursing Ethics
Year: 2024
Citations: 5
“Designing and evaluating a smartphone app to increase underserved communities’ data representation in transportation policy and planning”
Authors: Cronley, C., O’Dell, A., Fields, N., Cole, R., Kris Stringfellow, M.
Journal: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Year: 2023
Citations: 1
“‘Have They Talked About Us At All?’ The Moral Distress of Healthcare Social Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Investigation in the State of Texas”
Authors: Fantus, S., Cole, R., Hawkins, L., Chakraborty, P.
Journal: British Journal of Social Work
Year: 2023
Citations: 5
“The hierarchy is your constraint: a qualitative investigation of social workers’ moral distress across a U.S. health system”
Authors: Fantus, S., Cole, R., Hawkins, L.
Journal: Social Work in Health Care
Year: 2022
Citations: 9
