Faculty Profile

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Annahita Ball

NEAR Faculty Director
Associate Professor
School of Social Work
annahita@buffalo.edu

Education:

  • PhD, Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2012
  • MSW, Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2008
  • BA, English and Psychology, The Ohio State University, 2005

Professional experience:

  • School Social Worker, Reynoldsburg City Schools
  • Education Leader and Field Instructor, LiFE Sports (The Ohio State University)
  • Social Worker, Communities in Schools Detroit

What mentoring means to me:

I have found mentoring invaluable as I've moved through my education and career. I needed someone to see me for who I was in a large university, someone to push me and identify ways for me to grow as a student, scholar and individual. I hope to pass that on now that I'm in a position to do so. As a woman, I also think it's critical to support other women (and those who may feel marginalized in other ways) to navigate a system that is designed for only a small and select group of people.

Topics I am willing to discuss with students:

Academic Culture

  • Considering a non-academic path after grad school.
  • Dealing with politics and conflict with faculty or peers.
  • Decoding and demystifying academic culture and norms.
  • Taking a non-traditional path to grad school.
  • Uncertainty about staying in grad school.

Other Topics

  • Balancing life and school/work.
  • Self-care.
  • Finding your own path.

Personal Experiences

  • Experiences related to being a woman.
  • Experiences related to mental health and/or abilities.
  • Financial stress and strain.