Assistant Professor, School of Social Work Assistant Professor, Latina/Latino Studies Program Professor Piedra received her M.S.W. from Loyola University Chicago and her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago at the School of Social Service Administration, where she received a predoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health. She has over fifteen years experience in human services including providing case management services, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support services in residential programs for homeless adults with serious mental illness. Prior to her appointment at UIUC, she lectured at the University of Chicago and conducted evaluation research at the State of Illinois Office of Mental Health Services. Professor Piedra’s research interests are two-fold. First, she is interested in how race and ethnicity influence the development, delivery, and utilization of health and social services for vulnerable populations. In particular, she is interested in issues of language and acculturation. Second, she is interested in: 1) the role of institutions in mediating access to services, and 2) the enhancement of program efficacy for vulnerable individuals and families, especially immigrants and their children. Selected Publications Piedra, L. M. (2006). Revisiting the language question. In D. W. Engstrom & L. M. Piedra (Eds.), Our Diverse Society: Race and Ethnicity -- Implications for 21st Century American Society. Washington, D. C.: NASW Press. Engstrom, D. W., & Piedra, L. M. (Eds.). (2006b). Our Diverse Society: Race and Ethnicity -- Implications for 21st Century American Society. Washington, D. C.: NASW Press. Engstrom, D. W., & Piedra, L. M. (2005). Central American survivors of political violence: An examination of contextual factors and practice issues. Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Services, 3(1/2), 171-190. Piedra, L. M. (2004). Pathologies of power [book review]. Illinois Child Welfare, 1(1), 131-138. Piedra, L. M. (2003). Social work practice with immigrants and refugees [book review]. Affilia, 18(3), 357-358. | 
