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.

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