Uche L. Nwatu is a PhD candidate in Social Work at the University of Alabama whose research explores the intersection of aging, climate change, disasters, and social well-being. Drawing on perspectives from environmental gerontology, her work examines how environmental and social conditions shape the lives of older adults and other vulnerable populations. She is particularly interested in understanding how climate-related challenges, such as extreme heat, flooding, and other disasters, affect mental health, resilience, and the ability of older adults to age in place.
Uche’s broader research interests include child welfare, social work education, and qualitative research methods. Across these areas, she seeks to understand how individuals, families, and communities navigate vulnerability and adapt to changing social and environmental conditions. Her work is grounded in a commitment to advancing evidence-based and culturally responsive social work practice and policy.
Currently, Uche is conducting qualitative interviews with older adults in Alabama’s Black Belt region to explore how extreme heat affects their mental health and daily lives. Through this research, she hopes to contribute to the development of interventions, policies, and community supports that promote health, resilience, and well-being among vulnerable populations.