Introducing Our New Interim Dean, Dr. Naelys Luna

Prior to her appointment as Interim Dean of the College for Design and Social Inquiry (CDSI) on July 1, 2019, Dr. Naelys Luna served for three years as professor and director of the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, which is one of the five schools within CDSI.

“I am so honored to be in this role,” Dr. Luna said. “I am already enjoying working with our team of incredible faculty and staff and outstanding students, as well as seeing the innerworkings of the college from an entirely new perspective.”

Dr. Luna earned her MSW and Ph.D. in Social Work from Fordham University in New York and her BA from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. As a licensed Social Worker (NY and NJ), she helped develop ADHD and PTSD programs in a child and adolescent outpatient psychiatric hospital. She has also provided clinical social work services to children, adolescents and their families in outpatient units, partial care programs and private practice.

Dr. Luna’s research interests and multiple publications in national and international journals are in the areas of substance use disorders, mood disorders, spirituality, parental roles, mental health outcomes in minorities (especially Hispanics) and psychosocial functioning.

“From our faculty’s research into some of society’s most pressing challenges, to our high student achievement, the upward growth trend of our academic programs, and our ever-increasing offerings for our community and beyond – there are so many wonderful things happening at CDSI, and I am privileged to be a part of its rich history and bright future,” Dr. Luna said.