Michelle Ballan
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Columbia University
Dr. Ballan's research, teaching and service is dedicated to individuals with disabilities. Her research focuses on prevention and treatment interventions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Columbia University Presidential Teaching Award. She has received the Texas Excellence Teaching Award, the Services for Students with Disabilities Faculty Award and twice, Columbia students bestowed her with the excellence in teaching award. Dr. Ballan is a mentor for international human rights disability advocates affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Human Rights. She convenes the Columbia University Seminar on Disability Studies and is the Faculty Advisor for the Disability Caucus. Dr. Ballan is the recipient of the 2010 Association on Higher Education and Disability Recognition Award for her outstanding contributions to campus programs for students with disabilities. She is the 2011 recipient of the Early Career Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Dr. Ballan serves on the editorial board of Social Work and is an ad-hoc reviewer for journals in the fields of disability studies and sexuality. She is a board member for Services for the Underserved and has held positions on the Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities through the Council of Social Work Education. Dr. Ballan has worked as a practitioner and educator in various community settings with individuals with disabilities including the New Jersey Brain Injury Association, Women Helping Women, Safeplace and schools.
