Stephanie Matsumura teaches the Social Welfare Policy course at CUSSW and is a doctoral student with an emphasis in social policy and policy analysis.  She received Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work degrees from Brigham Young University (UT) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Utah.

Ms. Matsumura’s research focuses upon children and the law, particularly critical legal issues that children face in the juvenile justice system.  Her dissertation research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative techniques to examine how race may influence the outcomes in juvenile court cases.  Prior to coming to Columbia, Ms. Matsumura co-authored a study that evaluated the international adoption practices in the Marshall Islands that was later presented at the International Social Work Conference in Montpellier, France.  In addition, she has interned with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services and Utah County Children’s Justice Center, both of which provide crucial services to children and families.

Ms. Matsumura is also an attorney whose practice areas include real estate development, municipal law, and domestic relations.  Other topics of interest include women and the law and health care issues. 

Last updated October 16,2007 .