Faculty

Professor Richard-Schuster’s research examines the engagement of young people in identifying community issues and developing innovative solutions to create change. Her work has led her to engage with young people across the country around critical poverty-related issues such as educational justice, community well-being, and access to resources, opportunities and leadership for youth. Her research focuses on exploring young people’s issues and ideas, and the impact of youth-driven solutions on community and institutional change. She also explores the characteristics of the environments that promote youth engagement and the impact of engagement and leadership on youth’s outcomes. Through her work she has partnered with youth and adults in some of the nation’s lowest-income communities and is actively engaged in multiple community-based projects. Katie is also the Director of Undergraduate Minor Programs, and leads the Community Action and Social Change minor, an interdisciplinary minor run by the School of Social Work that focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and experiences for community action and social change.

Ph.D. University of Michigan; A.M. University of Chicago; B.A. University of Michigan