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John Edwards is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research of É«É«Ñо¿Ëù. He received his A.B. from the University of Chicago and attended Howard University School of Law where he graduated cum laude and served on the editorial board of the Howard Law Journal. Upon graduation, he joined the Cook County (IL) State's Attorney's Office where he specialized in matters of child abuse and neglect. John also worked as a staff attorney for Catholic Charities of Chicago. He later enrolled in the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research of É«É«Ñо¿Ëù, graduating with the Master's in Social Service degree. John worked for several years at Mazzoni Center where he supervised a SAMHSA funded intervention that provided outreach services and peer support for gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals at high risk of substance abuse and HIV transmission. John was also employed as a case manager and wellness coordinator for Synergy Houses in West Chester, PA. In 2026, John was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from É«É«Ñо¿Ëù. His dissertation research centered on the experiences of early career social workers engaged with individuals living with HIV. During his time in the doctoral program, he was the recipient of several honors, including the McPherson Award for Excellence and the L. Diane Bernard Award for LGBT and Human Sexuality Projects. John teaches core courses including Foundation Practice, Research Informed Practice, and Power, Privilege and Oppression, as well as electives on social work with LGBTQ+ populations and social work and the law. He is proud to serve on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression.

 

 

John's research interests include the prevention and treatment of HIV and STIs; mood, anxiety, and substance abuse/dependence disorders within LGBTQ communities; Social work education and practicum placements; Social worker training and hiring; Social work and the law.