Itunu Ilesanmi, MSW, MPA, Ph.D.

She/Her/Hers/Herself

Assistant Professor

Itunu Ilesanmi
Location

Sabin 257

Phone
(319) 273-5639

Directory Contact

Itunu Ilesanmi, MSW, MPA, Ph.D.

She/Her/Hers/Herself

Assistant Professor

Itunu Ilesanmi earned her BSW in Social Work from Babcock University, an MSW and MPA degree from Savannah State University, and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs (with a Social Work concentration) from the University of Central Florida. 
 
Dr. Ilesanmi's research area examines the process of reintegration and resettlement processes from the experiences of conflict-affected/natural disaster returnees and migrants. Her research explores the barriers this affected group faces during reintegration and resettlement and emphasizes the need for a holistic, long-term approach to the interventions and programs serving this group during reintegration and resettlement. Through this research, Dr. Ilesanmi's research hopes to promote an approach that ensures that programs and interventions serving this population consider not just the economic facet of reintegration but the totality of the dimensions that impact the individual (economic, social, and psychosocial facets).
 
Socially, Dr. Ilesanmi enjoys dancing and baking pastries in her leisure time. 
 
Teaching Interests
  • Research methods (social work research)
  • Generalist practice in social work
  • Social work practice with communities and organizations
  • Global social work
  • Diversity in social work
Research Interests
  • Refugee resettlement
  • Forced migration (conflict-related and natural disaster-related)
  • Refugee Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Culturally Competent Practice
  • Program Development and Evaluation
  • Reintegration of Returnees and Other Displaced Groups
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Culturally Informed Practice
  • Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Disaster Management for Vulnerable Groups