David Robertson

David D. RobertsonDavid D. Robertson MA, MSSW LMSW  
PhD Student, Social Work
University of Maryland, Baltimore 

David D. Robertson is a PhD student in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on grief and trauma-informed care, technology, and social impact. His research explores the intersection of cultural humility, palliative care, and digital tools to enhance patient and caregiver experiences, particularly within BIPOC communities. 

David is a 2024–2025 President’s Fellow, contributing to the Generative AI White Paper, which examines the role of artificial intelligence on the UMB campus. He is also a 2025 Provost’s Global Scholar, furthering his work on grief-informed approaches through a global lens. 

Beyond academia, David leads Hope is Foundation, a technology nonprofit dedicated to elevating voices and stories through advocacy, research, technology, and storytelling. His interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge research, policy, and practice to create more inclusive and accessible care systems. 

 

Education info 

Master of Science in Social Work 
Columbia University of New York City 
Concentration: Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice 

Master of Arts  
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Illinois 
Concentration: Teachers and Community Leaders 

Bachelor of Arts 
Northeastern Illinois University
Major: Community Health 

 

Research Interests 

  • Grief and trauma-informed care
  • Palliative care and cultural humility
  • Technology and social impact
  • AI and policy in social work
  • Global perspectives on grief and colonialism

Interested in our PhD Program?