Peter Hovmand studies the impact of service systems on male violence and interventions with a particular focus on how the complexity of service systems impact outcomes using system dynamics computer modeling.
"My undergraduate work focused on electrical engineering and math, but it was my experience as a child care volunteer at a rape crisis center that challenged my thinking about what I wanted to do professionally.
My research interest is in system dynamics - creating models of how different systems work and interact. This is a relatively new area of social work research and I enjoy being on the frontier.
"I also teach courses in human diversity, research methods, and a new course called Designing Sustainable Social Policies and Programs. I teach it jointly with a member of the University's electrical engineering faculty.
"These courses are fundamentally about how we see, understand, and act in a social world.
"Joining with students for a semester to learn and explore such topics is thrilling. Each student brings a unique life history and set of goals into the classroom. What I love most is seeing the possibilities that students create individually and collectively."