Daniel K. Abusuampeh is a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, bringing a rich international perspective shaped by his academic and professional journey across Ghana and the United States. Holding a BA, MPA, and MSW from the University of Ghana, Daniel is a passionate social justice advocate committed to dismantling systemic discrimination and fostering community empowerment through education and innovative interventions.
Before beginning his doctoral studies, Daniel served as Country Director and co-founder of a pioneering educational non-profit in Ghana, West Africa, where he led efforts to expand equitable educational opportunities and combat discrimination. This experience galvanized his belief in education as a transformative force for social change.
Currently, Daniel’s research explores how tribalism (Us vs. Them) and systemic biases shape mental health and social dynamics. He is developing structured cognitive behavioral approaches to cultivate equity consciousness within divided communities. His work is deeply collaborative, including leadership (founder) of the African Tribe Bridge Institute (ATBI), where he partners with experts from the Center on Race and Social Problems and the Center for African Studies at the University of Pittsburgh to advance locally grounded and globally relevant social justice initiatives.
Daniel’s interdisciplinary and international focus, covering consciousness development, mixed-methods research, and community-based participatory approaches, positions him as a forward-thinking scholar dedicated to creating inclusive, resilient communities. Outside academia, he is also a documentary filmmaker, leveraging storytelling to amplify marginalized voices and social issues.
Research Interests
- Tribal (Us vs. Them) Equity Consciousness Development
- Transformative Educational Practice
- Mental Health Disparities and Social Determinants
- Poverty, Inequality, and Global Social Work
- Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
- Documentary Filmmaking for Social Justice Advocacy
Publications
VanHook, C., Abusuampeh, D.K., & Pollard, J. (2025). Leveraging AI for mental health care. Frontiers in Health Services, 5, Article 1654106.
Blair, S. C., Schaefer, K. E., Abusuampeh, D. K., & Idoko, R. O. (2025). Learning from the next generation: Exploring engagement and insights from the racial equity consciousness institute. The Urban Review, 1–24.
Conner, K. O., Abusuampeh, D. K., Kosyluk, K., Tran, J. T., Davis-Cotton, D., Hill, A. M., & Brown, A. P. (2024). Mitigating the stigma of mental illness: The impact of storytelling in the Black community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(11), 1473.
