ABOUT DR. DANIELS
Bridging Research and Practice for an Inclusive and Socially Just Society
MY PASSION
As a dedicated public policy researcher and education consultant, I am committed to advancing social equity for marginalized communities and cultivating an inclusive society. My diverse experiences working with and for government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations have shaped my belief that impactful public policy research, teaching, and practice must be grounded in a person-centered approach that considers not only the communities we study and serve but also the individuals that make up our teams.
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I strive to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that knowledge sharing and resources are accessible to a broad range of audiences. By collaborating with stakeholders across sectors, I aim to influence meaningful change that improves the quality of life for individuals and families in need.
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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Dr. Jennifer Daniels holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware. As an early career scholar, Dr. Daniels focuses on social equity, poverty, and access to social welfare programs. She is a National Poverty Fellow at the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is in placement as a postdoctoral researcher at the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation in the Administration for Children and Families under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her dissertation research investigated state-level discretionary decision-making in the administration of SNAP and racial inequity in the receipt of benefits for nonelderly nondisabled childless adults.
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Dr. Daniels also holds a Master of Social Work from Delaware State University. As a practitioner, she has overseen diversity and inclusion educational programming and various initiatives at the University of Delaware. She continues to provide professional development training and workshops across state, non-profit, private, and community organizations. She has also worked directly with diverse populations, including mentoring low-income children, providing counseling with those struggling with their mental health, and assisting individuals dealing with discriminatory harassment in the workplace to understand their civil rights and recourse options.
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She has presented at numerous regional and national conferences and has received several awards and fellowships, including the 2022 Biden School of Public Policy and Administration’s Best Dissertation Award and the University of Delaware’s 2017 Louis L. Redding Award. Dr. Daniels is a dedicated professional committed to making a positive impact through applied research, practice, and community engagement.