Michael Sherraden is the founding director of the Center for Social Development at the Brown School. Working with colleagues at CSD and many partners, Sherraden creates and tests innovations to improve social and economic well-being.

He has defined and informed a growing body of applied research and policy to promote inclusion in asset building. This work has influenced asset-based policies and programs in the U.S. and many other countries. His research results have also informed inclusive and progressive child development accounts (CDAs) in St. Louis, other U.S. cities and states, and internationally. In addition, Sherraden’s research on Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s contributed to the creation of AmeriCorps, and he was in attendance for the signing of the bill at the White House.

Sherraden was elected to the inaugural class of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, served on the board, and has provided leadership in the national initiative Grand Challenges in Social Work. Among other awards, he has been a Fulbright Scholar and listed by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Sherraden’s teaching currently focuses on social policy, social innovation, and effective strategies in applied social science.

Vetta Sanders Thompson’s research focuses on the health and well-being of diverse communities, particularly the African-American community. Her scholarship addresses racial identity and socialization, implications of experiences of discrimination and socio-cultural determinants of disparities. Her goal is to empower members of the community to improve their health and well-being through education and opportunities for action. Her funded research addresses promotion of cancer screening among African Americans and community engagement.

Sanders Thompson currently leads the School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, as well as co-directs the Center for Community Health Partnership and Research at the Institute for Public Health at Washington University. She is also is an associate member of the Siteman Cancer Center and a faculty affiliate of the Department of African and African-American Studies. She teaches courses in human diversity, disparities and mental health.

A licensed clinical psychologist, Sanders Thompson is active in professional associations. She served as an associate editor for the APA journal PsycCritiques, a past Chair of the State Committee of Psychologist, past President of the Missouri Psychological Association and has been honored by the St. Louis community, as well as her peers in the profession.