FSOS PhD alumni honored

Damir Utržan, a 2017 PhD alumni in the Family Social Science Couple and Family Therapy specialization, was honored as a CEHD Rising Alumni at a ceremony and reception in April.

Currently, he is manager of mental health services at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (HBFF) and an adjunct assistant professor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies.

His doctoral dissertation, “Syrian Resettlement Practices and Experiences in the United States: A Nationwide Survey and Phenomenological Study,” explored how refugees and resettlement organizations are impacted by the sociopolitical climate.

Dr. Utržan has gained a well-earned reputation for conducting sensitive and thorough evaluations of children seeking asylum in the U.S. The Advocates for Human Rights (AHR), UMN Law School, and Children’s Law Center of California (CA) are among the organizations for whom he has served as an expert witness.