As part of our monthly series, we’re introducing team members from the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health. In each feature, you’ll learn more about their interests, the projects they support, and the work they’re leading across TIEMH.
This month, we’re spotlighting Erib Luby (she/her). Erin serves as a Social Science Humanities Research Associate for the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, supporting the Money Follows the Person (MFP) projects. The MFP grant will be wrapping up this fall, and Erin looks forward to working on additional projects in the near future.
Erin started at TIEMH in 2023 while still in graduate school and worked with the Diversion Technical Assistance team as a Graduate Research Assistant. After graduating, she transitioned to a full-time role with the Money Follows the Person projects.
She earned dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Affairs from UT Austin in May 2024, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado College. Prior to graduate school, Erin worked as a middle school math teacher before pivoting to social work. She worked at LifeWorks Austin for three years serving youth experiencing homelessness, first as a case manager and later as a Program Services Coordinator for the Rapid Rehousing team. Throughout her time in graduate school, Erin took an interest in research as a means for creating change in the intersection between social work and policy.
In her free time, Erin is an avid reader who loves the outdoors and spending time with her puppy, Spider.
Let’s dive into Erin’s interview:
What projects do you work on?
I started at TIEMH in 2023 while I was still in graduate school and worked with the Diversion Technical Assistance team. After graduating, I transitioned to a full-time role with the Money Follows the Person projects. The MFP grant will be wrapping up this fall, and I look forward to working on additional projects in the near future!
What do you enjoy about working at TIEMH?
I love the range of expertise and interests that TIEMH staff bring to the table. I am constantly blown away by the scope of work that falls under the TIEMH umbrella, and I’m always learning about new initiatives and success stories. There is so much meaningful work happening to improve mental health research and access in Texas, and I feel grateful to play a part in those efforts.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am a big reader! I’m usually reading one fiction novel and listening to a non-fiction book simultaneously. I just finished “Alan Opts Out” and “The Many Lives of Mama Love” — very different books, but I’d recommend them both!
What’s your favorite summer activity?
This is my 8th summer in Austin, but the heat catches me off guard every year! I try to swim as often as possible. We live near the Deep Eddy Pool, and I love getting there early on the weekends. My daughter started walking recently too, so I’m excited to explore splash pads across the city with her this summer!
Thanks for sharing, Erin!
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