![Headshots, clockwise from upper left: Bridgette Thom, Assistant Professor; Tess Thompson, Assistant Professor; and Hsun-Ta Hsu, Associate Professor.](https://ssw.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/509/2023/11/23-0125-COMM-Social-Rising-Stars-1Web-800x800.jpg)
Three celebrated research professors have joined the team of social scientists powering the collaborative research engine behind more than $33.5 million in awards this year (Jan. 1–Oct. 30, 2023) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work.