Associate Professor | School of Social Work, McMaster University | Canada
Based on Tara La Rose’s extensive and varied background, she appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Best Innovation Award. Here’s an analysis of her strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion on her suitability for the award:
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Research Expertise: Tara La Rose has a strong research foundation in critical perspectives, including post-structuralism, post-colonialism, feminist, and queer theories. Her work in multi-modal discourse analysis and narrative analysis aligns with innovative research methodologies. Her involvement in reviewing grants and journals demonstrates her deep engagement with current research trends and quality control.
- Leadership and Administrative Roles: Her current roles as Associate Professor, Associate Program Chair, and Chair of the McMaster Research Ethics Board indicate a high level of leadership and responsibility. These positions require her to be at the forefront of research ethics and academic program development, showcasing her leadership in advancing research practices and educational standards.
- Contributions to Pedagogy and Curriculum Development: La Rose has demonstrated significant innovation in educational practice. Her development of digital lectures and learning modules, particularly those addressing LGBTQ communities and social policy, highlights her ability to integrate technology and address critical issues in social work education. This ability to innovate in teaching methods and curriculum design is a notable strength.
- Recognition and Grants: The awards and grants she has received, such as the Marie Weil Award for Outstanding Scholarship, reflect her recognized contributions to the field. Her role in reviewing grants for SSHRC and the European Research Council further underscores her expertise and standing in the research community.
- Teaching Excellence: Her extensive teaching experience across undergraduate and graduate levels, including course development and curriculum redesign, demonstrates her commitment to high-quality education and her influence on the next generation of social workers.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Impact and Dissemination: While La Rose has made significant contributions within her field, expanding the dissemination of her research findings to broader, interdisciplinary audiences could enhance the impact of her work. Engaging more with non-academic stakeholders or public platforms might increase the visibility and application of her research.
- Publication and Research Output: Although she has been involved in various journal reviews and has received numerous accolades, increasing the number of published articles in high-impact journals could further solidify her reputation as an innovator. More visibility in top-tier publications could help amplify her research’s reach and influence.
- Collaborative Research Projects: Expanding her network for collaborative research projects with other institutions or fields might bring new perspectives and foster innovative approaches. While she has experience in grant reviews and research ethics, engaging in more collaborative and multi-disciplinary projects could enhance the scope and impact of her research.
Short Bio
Dr. Tara La Rose is an Associate Professor at McMaster University’s School of Social Work, where she also serves as the Associate Program Chair for the MSW/CL program and Chair of the McMaster Research Ethics Board. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans leadership in the social service sector, social media technologies in social work, and critical theoretical frameworks. Dr. La Rose is renowned for her innovative approach to social work education and research, with a focus on integrating digital technologies and critical perspectives into her work.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Dr. La Rose earned her PhD in Leadership, Higher Education, and Adult Education from the University of Toronto, specializing in Adult Education and Community Development with collaborative programs in Workplace Learning and Social Change and Women and Gender Studies (2013). She completed her MSW at the Maritime School of Social Work, Dalhousie University (2002), and her BSW at the School of Social Work, Toronto Metropolitan University (1997).
Experience
Dr. La Rose’s career includes roles as an Assistant Professor (2016-2021) and currently as an Associate Professor (2021-present) at McMaster University. She has been integral to various grant and personnel committees and has held executive positions on boards such as the HusiTa: Human Service Information Technology Association and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Her experience also encompasses extensive journal refereeing and external grant reviews, highlighting her active engagement in shaping research and academic standards.
Research Interests
Dr. La Rose’s research focuses on critical perspectives in social work, including post-structuralism, post-colonialism, and feminist and queer theories. Her methodological interests include multi-modal discourse analysis, narrative analysis, and grounded theory. She explores topics such as leadership in the social service sector, the impact of social media and internet technologies on social work, and the professionalization of social work.
Awards
Dr. La Rose has received notable awards including the Marie Weil Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Community and Organizational Practice (2011), and the Ontario Graduate Scholarships (2010, 2011), recognizing her significant contributions to social work research and education.
Publications
La Rose, T. (2020). Definitions of Leadership. Digital Lecture SW741.
La Rose, T. (2020). Authentic Leadership. Digital Lecture SW742.
La Rose, T. (2020). True Colours and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator in Leadership. Digital Lecture SW742.
La Rose, T. (2020). British Poor Law Social Policy History and its Effect on Contemporary Policy Contexts. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T. (2020). The Great Depression and Contemporary Social Policy. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T. (2020). The Golden Era of Social Policy. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T. (2020). Classical and Social Liberalism. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T. (2020). Neoliberalism and Inclusive Liberalism. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T. (2020). Post-liberalism. Digital Lecture SW701.
La Rose, T., & Veltman, A. (2017). Queer Queering and Questioning: Digital Narratives for Healthcare Education – Module 1: Patient-Centered Care with LGBTQ Communities. Digital Module.
La Rose, T., & Veltman, A. (2017). Queer Queering and Questioning: Project Overview. Digital Module.
La Rose, T., & Veltman, A. (2017). Queer Queering and Questioning: Finding Resources and Supports for LGBTQ Healthcare. Digital Module.
La Rose, T. (2015). Video Lectures for Introduction to Social Welfare (SOWK 1001). Video Modules.
Conclusion
Tara La Rose is highly suitable for the Research for Best Innovation Award. Her strong research background, leadership in academia, contributions to pedagogy, and recognition in her field make her a compelling candidate. To enhance her candidacy, focusing on broader impact strategies, increasing her research publications, and engaging in collaborative projects could further strengthen her profile. Overall, her achievements and ongoing contributions position her well for this prestigious award.