Brian D. Graves is a doctoral candidate in the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia (UGA). His research focus is on the intersection of the criminal justice system and social work involving marginalized populations, particularly among those with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. In undergrad, he double majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice at UGA. Following graduation, Brian worked for a sheriff’s department in the jail division as a detention officer. It was there where he realized his passion for examining the growing impact of the criminal justice system within the context of social change.
Brian obtained his MSW at the University of South Carolina (UofSC). While there, Brian worked for a nonprofit that aids children and families involved in the state foster care system. As a rehabilitative behavioral health specialist, he assisted children and teens who were at risk for involvement with the juvenile justice system. He also worked with the Substance Abuse Prevention and Education department at UofSC. Brian then returned home to UGA to pursue his PhD in Social Work in 2020. He hopes to contribute to the social work literature by exploring issues related to the criminal justice system including substance use, mental health, treatment, policy, and the reentry process.
