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Jennifer M. First

University of Tennessee, College of Social Work, University of Tennessee

Dr. Jennifer First is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee and a Faculty Fellow at the Disaster and Community Crisis Center at the University of Missouri. She studies the human impacts of disaster events and social inequalities that place vulnerable populations at increased risk for adverse outcomes. In particular, her research has focused on the mental health impacts of exposure to collective traumatic events (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, civil unrest, COVID-19). Her recent work has focused on measuring material, social, and psychological resources found to support disaster adaptation and resilience across various natural hazards in the U.S.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Assistant Professor, University of Tennesee

Education

  • 2019 
    University of Missouri, School of Social Work, PhD
  • 2012 
    University of Missouri, School of Social Work, Master of Social Work