Erick Scherf, MSW, LSW
Erick (he/him) is a licensed social worker and Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Alabama School of Social Work. He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Stavanger in Norway and a Bachelor of International Relations from the University of Vale do Itajai in Brazil. As an early-career researcher, he's been affiliated with the Initiative on Forced Migration at Washington University in St. Louis and the Human Rights Nudge project at the University of Copenhagen. With over a decade of experience navigating higher education and research, his academic pursuits have centered on critical inquiry in Social Work, Health, and Public Policy, with particular attention to international migration. Erick has a strong track record of research experience, publications, and accolades. His doctoral dissertation examines the role of immigrant-serving organizations across the U.S. South in supporting and advocating for immigrant workers from Latin America.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work
Aug. 2023- Aug. 2027 (expected)
The University of Alabama, School of Social Work
Doctoral dissertation: Listening to the voices at the front lines: A case study of advocacy with and for Latine immigrant workers in the U.S. Southeast
Master of Social Work (MSW),
Families and Children specialization
The University of Stavanger, Norway (Erasmus Mundus Mobility Program), Equivalency recognized/granted by CSWE in December 2024
MSW thesis: Challenging the Colorblind Curriculum: Addressing Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity in Social Work Education in Portugal
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations and Politics
The University of Vale do Itajaí, Brazil
BA thesis: Childhoods and Dreams Behind Bars in the “Promised Land”: An Analysis of Human Rights Violations of Migrant Children Imprisoned in Canada Between 2010 and 2016