Alexis Kuerbis is currently a doctoral candidate at New York University's School of Social Work. For the past 12 years, she has worked in public health research, with two primary emphases: family caregivers for the chronically and terminally ill and addiction. Alexis obtained her MSW at NYU where she focused her clinical practice and research on substance abusers and their families, particularly those with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. She has directed both quantitative and qualitative research projects looking at the effectiveness of evidence-supported practices, and she has developed programs and treatment protocols for the those with co-occurring disorders, as well as for harm reduction. Alexis' direct clinical practice has included individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Her other research interests also include social justice, empowerment, step-parenting, bi- and multi-racial identity, and organizational change.
"Each month the Graduate Forum meets, we have a literal and metaphorical feast of food, discussion, ideas, and testing the limits of our ability to communicate with others in the context of having become accustomed to advancing our knowledge in our own narrow fields. Witnessing the depth of intellect and passion in my fellow graduate forum members, as well as the faculty that lead it, has been a true gift.
I have yet to find a group of people or experience that has been as intellectually fulfilling as the Graduate Forum. For many, graduate school is a series of successes and set backs, and it can be somewhat of a lonely hazing process intended to train us for future success. The relief from this isolation that I have received from the Graduate Forum has been instrumental in inspiring me to stay focused on and dedicated to my work. Throughout my doctoral studies, the Graduate Forum has been a solid foundation of support and inspiration. It is a consistent and steady reminder of what I love about learning and academia.
Every month I leave our meetings inspired in both heart and mind, the passion for my own work reignited. The dedication and self examination of one's own work required to participate in the graduate forum has prompted a level of growth and maturity in my work that I had not anticipated achieving. While the goal of the Forum is to prompt interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, I have found that it has also increased my ability to communicate and collaborate within my own field of social work.
There is no proper or sufficient way to express the gratitude I feel towards the Graduate Forum, its leaders, or the members I am so grateful to have met. Suffice it to say that the Graduate Forum has left an indelible and ever cherished mark on my mind, my heart, and my work. Thank you all."