LEXINGTON, Ky. – Over three days, more than 200 doctoral candidates in the University of Kentucky’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will present their capstone research during the 5th Annual Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, held April 27–29, 2026. Registration is free and opens April 20.
Among them, Carmetra Grant-Johnson will present research exploring how menopause experiences for Black women have been overlooked in health and helping professions.
Her capstone project offers a responsive framework and intervention designed to better support women navigating this stage of life, with a focus on the full scope of their mental, emotional and relational well-being.
Grant-Johnson’s work is shaped by both personal and professional experience.
“As I began experiencing my own perimenopausal challenges, I realized how difficult it could be to find support that recognized menopause as more than a biomedical issue,” Grant-Johnson shared.
In her private practice, she saw similar patterns among women, prompting her to examine what guidance existed to address menopause more holistically. What she found was a clear gap.
Despite its widespread impact, menopause remains underexamined in clinical social work and healthcare settings. Grant-Johnson’s work highlights how the absence of culturally grounded approaches can limit how women are supported during this transition.
Her research centers the lived experiences of Black women while also offering practical guidance for clinicians and systems seeking to better understand and respond to their needs.
The capstone process has strengthened Grant-Johnson’s approach to clinical social work, reinforcing the importance of connecting research, theory and practice in meaningful ways.
“Social workers have the ability to not only respond to overlooked challenges, but to create new frameworks and conversations that move the profession forward,” Grant-Johnson said.
After graduation, Grant-Johnson plans to continue integrating research, clinical practice and teaching, while growing her private practice and mentoring future social workers.
At the heart of her work is a simple message:
“Equitable care begins with listening,” she said. “When we truly hear the experiences of those who have been overlooked, we can begin to create care that affirms dignity, voice and agency.”
The Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars will feature more than 200 presentations and is open to the public, with continuing education credits available for attendees. Registration will open on April 20th. Registration information and showcase news will be shared via email. Those interested in staying informed can subscribe to the College’s email list at https://ukcosw.com/subscribe and select “DSW Showcase and News.”
Note: The perspectives presented in this research are those of the individual scholar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Kentucky.