UofM SPH Welcomes VCU SPH Dean Dr. Monica Swahn at Dean’s Grand Rounds
September 12, 2025 – The University of Memphis School of Public Health welcomed the Dean of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Dr. Monica Swahn, as a guest speaker at the first Dean’s Grand Rounds session of the semester.
Dr. Swahn presented her research and lessons from the “TOPOWA Study in Uganda: Insights on the Social Drivers of Mental Illness among Young Women in Kampala” which she connected to global health diplomacy in action. She shared her reflections on how the TOPOWA project experience highlights the linkage between research and global health diplomacy, and its potential to build bridges. “We network with our feet” shared Dr. Monica Swahn as she highlighted the importance of aligning with community needs and policy opportunities to create successful diplomacy in the realm of global health.
UofM SPH Dean Dr. Ashish Joshi reflected on Dr. Swahn’s experience, noting the significance of her research in the diplomacy space and emphasized that the SPH would be delighted to partner with Dr. Swahn on her research and provide SPH students the opportunity to work on such an impactful project.
SPH students participated in insightful discussions with Dr. Swahn at the end of the event, sharing their perspectives on her study, inquiring on the public health challenges that Uganda is facing and how she was able to overcome those challenges within the scope of her research.
During Dr. Swahn’s visit to the SPH, she also met with SPH Leadership and division directors.
Photo Gallery
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
SPH Faculty, staff and students - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
SPH Student - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
SPH faculty, staff and students - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
SPH faculty, staff and students - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean and Professor at the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Ashish Josh, Dean and a Distinguished University Professor - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
(Center) Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean and Professor at the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, (R) Dr. Ashish Josh, Dean and a Distinguished University Professor, Dr. Chunrong Jia, Professor of Environmental Health and Urban Health, (L-R) Dr. Dale Sanders, Interim Division Director, MHA Program Director and Professor, Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, Dr. Ricky Leung, Director and Professor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
(Second from Right) Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean and Professor at the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, (R) Dr. Ashish Josh, Dean and a Distinguished University Professor, (L-R) Dr. Satish Kedia, Associate Dean, Administration & Faculty Affairs, Professor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Marian Levy, Associate Dean, Public Health Practice & Community Engagement, Professor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Maryam Karimi, Director of Research and Associate Professor - Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025