Ryan Santens
- Contact
- 1700 SW College AveSchool of Applied StudiesRoom 309B
Topeka, KS 66621785.670.2126
- Degrees & Certifications
- Washington Univ in St Louis, Bachelor of Science
- Washington Univ in St Louis, Master of Public Health
- Washington Univ in St Louis, Master of Social Work
- Univ of IL-Urbana Champaign, Doctor of Philosophy
- Academic History
Ryan Santens earned his BA in Psychology, Master of Social Work, and Master of Public Health degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. Following administrative leadership roles as Assistant Director of Psychological Services Center, a research and training clinic in the Division of Clinical/ Community Psychology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and as Provider Relations Director of Choices, a nonprofit care-coordination entity leading systems-level change for youth and families involved in the child welfare system in Illinois, Dr. Santens earned his PhD in Community Health at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Course List
- SW 325 – Person in Environment I: Individuals and Families
- SW 326 – Person in Environment II: Groups, Organizations and Communities
- SW 362 – Generalist Quantitative Research
- SW 621 – Quantitative Social Work Research
- Scholarly Interests/Activities
Research Areas
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Human flourishing
- Health disparities
- Healthy masculinities
- Critical social philosophy
- Translational research (e.g., operationalizing aspects of the humanities)
- Implementation science
- Qualitative and mixed methods
- Community-based participatory research
Recent Conference Paper & Poster Presentations
Santens, R. L. (2026). Human flourishing amidst uneven social conditions: A mixed-methods feasibility and pilot testing of mindfulness-based eudaimonic wellbeing delivered in a community-based setting with disadvantaged adults. [Poster Presentation.] Mind & Life Europe. Theme: “Power and Care: Enactive Approaches and Critical Social Philosophy”. Barcelona, Spain.
Santens, R. L. & Rogers, W. A. (2026). Reworlding Ontologies through Transdisciplinary Contemplative Practice. [Paper Presentation.] 9th European Congress of Qualitative Inquiry 2026. Theme: “Global Flows, Connections, Dialogues and Collaborative Practices in Challenging Times”. Athens, Greece.
Santens, R. L. (2026). A phenomenological entry to the masculine grief-body: toward a healthy masculinity. [Paper Presentation.] 9th European Congress of Qualitative Inquiry 2026. Theme: “Global Flows, Connections, Dialogues and Collaborative Practices in Challenging Times”. Athens, Greece.
Ellison Keeler, C., Lydon, E. A., Santens, R. L., Mudar, R. A., & Rogers, W. A. (2024). Navigating Cognitive Challenges: Insights from the Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks (ENACT) study in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. [Paper Presentation.] Alzheimer’s Association International Conference: Neuroscience Next. Chicago, IL.
Recent Manuscripts Under Review/ In Revision/ In Preparation
Santens, R. L. & Rogers, W. A. (in prep). A mixed-methods feasibility and pilot testing of a new mindfulness-based intervention implemented in a community-based setting with disadvantaged adults: Mindfulness-Based Eudaimonic Wellbeing.
Lydon, E. A., Ellison Keeler, C., Santens, R. L., Mudar, R. A., Czaja, S.J., Boot, W.R., Charness, N., & Rogers, W. A. (submitted 6/26/26). Navigating daily activities with mild cognitive impairment: Characterizing cognitive challenges and response strategies.
