University of Michigan
Research Study #4: Project Empower and Employ (EMP2): An Intervention Development Study for Youth with Disabilities At-risk for Justice Involvement
Led by: Dr. Connie Sung at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Research Team: Alyssa Hernandez, Sagun Sharma
Consultant: Sean Hankins, Noah Johnston
Agency Partner: Southeast Michigan School Districts
Connie Sung Ph.D., Professor
Dr. Connie Sung is a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Dr. Sung’s research focuses on the role of biopsychosocial factors and community-based interventions in improving individuals with disabilities in transition, career development, and psychosocial adjustment. She has authored over 90 publications in disability and rehabilitation and received multiple prestigious research awards. As a key investigator, Dr. Sung has secured over USD$20 million in research funding from state and federal agencies, leading/co-leading multiple projects emphasizing a holistic, strengths-based approach, and developing community-based interventions for improving the quality of life and career development of individuals with disabilities. This involves interdisciplinary, interagency, and international collaborations, extending to countries like Hong Kong, China, Ireland, the UK, Slovakia, Ghana, Botswana, and Mali. Her commitment to disability and inclusion worldwide is underscored by her invited presentations at the United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit.
Alyssa Hernandez, Program Manager
Alyssa Hernandez is a proud, queer, Latina from Detroit, Michigan. She finds passion and sense of purpose when her work leads people and communities to access opportunities that help them prosper. Alyssa received a Bachelor’s in Family Community Services with a specialization in Adolescent Development and a Master’s in Business Administration from Michigan State University. She specializes in integrative staff management, employment advancement skills, and community building. Her previous work experiences include helping people to advocate for themselves, managing issue-based and local leadership campaigns, guiding robust Career Coaching programs, and leading data management systems. She is currently the Program Manager for Project Empower and Employ (EMP2) at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Social Work.
Sagun Sharma, Research Coordinator
Sagun/सगुन (pronounced Sha-goon) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Dickinson College. She has contributed to research and outreach efforts for various grant-funded projects at University of Michigan School of Social Work and Michigan State University.
Sagun’s work is deeply shaped by her experiences working for and with diverse communities, focusing on developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based interventions to improve academic, career, employment, mental health, and justice-related outcomes for individuals facing significant social isolation and discrimination. Sagun has worked in various capacities with marginalized college students, families affected by substance use, incarcerated youth and adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of relationship and sexual violence.
Sagun’s research explores the historical, socio-political, and intergenerational determinants of well-being to better contextualize and address contemporary social inequities. A queer, community-based researcher from Nepal, Sagun is passionate about bridging equity gaps in support services and advocating for inclusive, systemic change.