Michael Wolf-Branigin
Associate Professor
Unit: Dept. of Social Work
Mail Stop: 1F7
Office Location: Truland Building 150E
Phone: 703-993-4229
Email: mwolfbra@gmu.edu
Michael Wolf-Branigin, an associate professor of Social Work at George Mason University, teaches courses in research and evaluation methods, and social policy. His substantive areas include intellectual/developmental disabilities and addictions. His current research interest focuses on applications of complex systems theory in social service delivery. Specifically this involves three phases of systems thinking – general systems theory, cybernetics, and complexity science - across social work issues. His current activities include (1) designing a social program approach within the complexity paradigm, (2) infusing new media digital technology into social work curriculum, and (3) understanding the processes that lead to the emergence of social programs and movements. Dr. wolf-Branigin serves on a variety of editorial boards including the Journal of Social Work Education, Journal of Social Service Research, Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, and Social Work in Public Health. Before coming to GMU, he held a variety of positions in human service administration, governmental and non-governmental consulting and academia.
Recent Publications:
Published or Accepted Peer-Reviewed Articles in Referred Journals
Wolf-Branigin, M. (in press). Measuring complexity: Applications for social work research education. Journal of Teaching in Social Work.
Wolf-Branigin, M. (in press). Applying complexity and emergence in social work education. Social Work Education: The International Journal.
Wolf-Branigin, M. & Wolf-Branigin, K. (in press). The emerging field of travel training services: A systems perspective. Journal of Public Transportation.
Wolf-Branigin, M., Suh, J., Muir, S., Ihara, E. S. (in press). Applying census data for small area estimation in community and social service planning. Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods.
Wolf-Branigin, M., Jensen, K., & Smith, M. (in press). Preparing for the emerging issue of human trafficking. Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies.
Greenfield, L., Wolf-Branigin, M., & Karageorge, K. (in press). Medicaid funding and adolescent interim substance use treatment outcomes. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions.
Wolf-Branigin, M., Schuyler, V., & White, P. (2007). Improving quality of life and career readiness of adolescents with disabilities: Experiences from the Adolescent Employment Readiness Center. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(3), 324-333.
Wolf-Branigin, M. (2007). Supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disability: Will our emerging leaders build on President Kennedy’s legacy? Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly Mental Retardation), 45(6), 412-414.
Wolf-Branigin, M., Wolf-Branigin, K., & Israel, N. (2007). The complexity of attracting and retaining direct support professionals. Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 6(4), 15-30.
Wolf-Branigin, M., & Duke, J. (2007). Spiritual involvement as a predictor to completing a Salvation Army substance abuse treatment program. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(2), 239-245.
Wolf-Branigin, M. (2007). Disability and abuse in relation to substance abuse: A descriptive analysis. Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 7(3), 65-74.
LeRoy, B., Wolf-Branigin, M., Wolf-Branigin, K., Israel, N., & Kulik, N. (2007). Challenges to the systematic adoption of person-centered planning. Best Practices in Mental Health: An International Journal, 3(1), 16-25.
Wolf-Branigin, M. (2006). Self-organization in housing choices of persons with disabilities. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 13(4), 25-35.
Wolf-Branigin, M. (2006). Supporting and preparing future decision-makers with the needed tools. Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods, 5(2), 538-541.
Davis, M., Tompkins, C., & Wolf-Branigin, M. (2006). Using image manipulation skills to teach community problem solving skills. Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems, 20(4), 6-9.
Finigan, M., & Wolf-Branigin, M. (2006) Effects of substance abuse central intake on treatment and criminal justice costs. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 6(4), 115-129.
Book Reviews in Juried Publications
Miller, J. H. & Page, S. E. (in press). [Review of the book: Complex adaptive systems: An introduction to computational models of social life]. Journal of Social Service Research.
Westley, F., Zimmerman, B., & Patton, M. Q. (2007). [Review of the book Getting to maybe: How the world is changed]. Evaluation and Program Planning, 30, 222-223.
Williams, B., & Imam, I. (2007). [Review of the book Systems concepts in evaluation: An expert anthology]. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(5), 641-642.
Page, S. E. (2007). [Review of the book The difference: How the power of diversity creates better groups, firms, schools, and societies]. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(4), 392-394.
Educational Background:
- Ph.D., Wayne State University
- M.S.W. - Univ. of Michigan