Assist. Prof. Dr. Danna Abraham | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor Danna Abraham at Alliant International University ,United States
Dr. Danna Abraham is a prominent scholar in the field of marriage and family therapy, holding a Ph.D. from Loma Linda University. Her dissertation, “Relationships for Social Change: A Longitudinal Examination of a Promotora-Led Program for Socioeconomic Mobility,” underscores her commitment to addressing social issues through research. She has an impressive publication record, contributing to esteemed journals and exploring themes like microfeminism and structural inequalities. Recognized with the 2020 Academic Research of Excellence Award, Dr. Abraham is an active presenter at national and international conferences, emphasizing her role as a thought leader in systemic therapy. Her work focuses on social justice and community engagement, making her research highly relevant in contemporary discussions. While her research is commendable, opportunities exist for expanding her interdisciplinary collaborations and mentorship roles, which could further enhance her impact in the academic community. Overall, Dr. Abraham is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
EDUCATION
Dr. Danna Abraham holds an impressive educational background that underpins her expertise in the field of marriage and family therapy. She earned her Ph.D. in Families, Systems, and Couples from Loma Linda University in May 2020, where her dissertation, titled “Relationships for Social Change: A Longitudinal Examination of a Promotora-Led Program for Socioeconomic Mobility,” reflects her commitment to addressing social issues through research. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Diego State University in May 2010, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Fortaleza in Brazil, completed in June 2004. This comprehensive educational foundation equips Dr. Abraham with the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to her field and engage in meaningful research and practice.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dr. Danna Abraham possesses extensive professional experience in the fields of marriage and family therapy, academia, and community engagement. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #82031) with a strong clinical background that enhances her research insights. Her role as a researcher and educator at Loma Linda University involves teaching graduate-level courses in behavioral health and family therapy, where she integrates her research findings into the curriculum. Dr. Abraham is actively involved in community initiatives, focusing on social change through her promotora-led programs aimed at enhancing socioeconomic mobility. Her collaboration with organizations, such as the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, reflects her commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting families and communities. Furthermore, her participation in various national and international conferences showcases her dedication to advancing the field of family therapy and fostering dialogue on crucial social issues.

Dr. Danna Abraham’s research interests center around the intersections of families, systemic therapy, and social change. With a strong foundation in marriage and family therapy, she explores how relational dynamics can influence socioeconomic mobility and promote social justice. Her work emphasizes the significance of microfeminism and small acts of resistance, examining how these concepts can challenge systemic inequalities in various contexts, including higher education. Dr. Abraham is particularly focused on the role of community-driven initiatives, such as Promotora-led programs, in fostering resilience and support within marginalized populations. Additionally, she investigates the impact of digital platforms on mental health and well-being, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her innovative research and commitment to diversity, Dr. Abraham aims to contribute to the development of culturally responsive therapeutic practices that empower individuals and communities to navigate and overcome structural barriers.
Dr. Danna Abraham possesses a robust set of research skills that enhance her contributions to the fields of marriage and family therapy. Her doctoral dissertation showcased her ability to conduct longitudinal studies, critically examining the impact of a promotora-led program on socioeconomic mobility. Dr. Abraham’s proficiency in qualitative research methods is evident in her publications that explore complex social issues, such as structural inequalities and microfeminism, allowing her to engage deeply with her subjects. Additionally, her experience in collaborative research, evidenced by co-authored articles, demonstrates her capability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams. Dr. Abraham’s commitment to disseminating knowledge is reflected in her numerous presentations at conferences, where she articulates her findings to diverse audiences. Furthermore, her focus on social justice and systemic change in her research highlights her ability to connect theoretical frameworks with practical applications, making her a valuable asset to the academic community.
AWARD AND RECOGNITION
Dr. Danna Abraham has garnered significant recognition in the field of marriage and family therapy, exemplifying excellence in research and community engagement. She was awarded the 2020 Academic Research of Excellence Award, a testament to her impactful dissertation on socio-economic mobility through the promotora framework. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications in esteemed journals, such as the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, where she explores themes like microfeminism and structural inequalities in education. Additionally, Dr. Abraham has been an invited presenter at various national and international conferences, showcasing her expertise and commitment to advancing social justice in therapeutic practices. Her work not only enriches academic discourse but also empowers communities through innovative, evidence-based approaches to therapy and support systems. This blend of research excellence, advocacy for marginalized voices, and active involvement in professional development highlights Dr. Abraham as a distinguished figure deserving of recognition in her field.
CONCLUSION
Dr. Danna Abraham stands out as a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her substantial contributions to the fields of family therapy and social change. Her innovative dissertation, “Relationships for Social Change,” reflects her commitment to exploring socio-economic mobility through a systemic lens, addressing pressing societal issues. With multiple publications in reputable journals, Dr. Abraham’s research on microfeminism and structural inequalities underscores her relevance in contemporary discourse. Recognized as the 2020 Academic Research of Excellence Awardee, she demonstrates not only academic rigor but also a dedication to community engagement through frequent presentations at national and international conferences. While there are opportunities to broaden her research scope and increase collaboration, her strengths in advocacy for social justice and diversity solidify her impact within the field. Overall, Dr. Abraham’s innovative work, commitment to social change, and strong academic record make her a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

- “Do You Trust Broken Mirrors? Confronting Structural Inequalities in Student Evaluations of Teaching in Higher Education”
- Authors: Danna Abraham, Afarin Rajaei
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Journal of Feminist Family Therapy
- DOI: 10.1080/08952833.2024.2420502
- “Reimagining Resistance: An Invitation for a Systemic Exploration in MFT Supervision”
- Authors: Dr. Danna Abraham
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Family Therapy Magazine
- “The Word Collector”
- Authors: Danna Abraham
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice
- DOI: 10.28963/7.1.10
- Part of ISSN: 2516-0052
- “Towards a Heart-Centred Philosophy: Embracing Poetry as Transformative Practice”
- Authors: Danna Abraham
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice
- DOI: 10.28963/7.1.9
- Part of ISSN: 2516-0052
- “Micro Feminism: Small Acts of Feminism Can Confront Big Biases in Academia”
- Authors: Dr. Danna Abraham
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Family Therapy Magazine
- “The Gifts of Adversity”
- Authors: Dr. Danna Abraham
- Year: 2023
- Publication: San Diego Union Tribune
- “Relationships for Social Change”
- Authors: Dr. Danna Abraham
- Year: 2020