Kenta Asakura is an Associate Professor at Smith College School for Social Work, focusing on teaching advanced clinical social work practice, especially with marginalized communities. He leads simulation-based research, employing professional actors to create realistic client scenarios that inform clinical competencies in social work. Asakura is currently involved in a multi-year SSHRC-funded project at the University of British Columbia, exploring the integration of simulation into social work education and clinical practice. His previous experience includes directing the SIM Social Work Research Lab in Ottawa, where he conducted pioneering research on video-recorded interactions between social workers and simulated clients. His scholarship centers on clinical education methodology, including significant publications in several prominent social work journals. He advocates for the use of simulation to enhance understanding of social work competencies and has contributed extensively to the literature on clinical supervision and educational theory within the field of social work.
Smith College School for Social Work • Northampton, MA
Teaching advanced clinical social work practice and leading simulation-based research.
SIM Social Work Research Lab • Ottawa, Canada
Directed a research lab focused on social work competencies and simulated client interactions.