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
SPH Gallery - Dean's Grand Rounds 202509100100false101ef5d0-b6ad-41fc-8e54-e7a6cba8e6ee.jpg20250912-dgr-4.jpg10066Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
4632f631-2679-460b-9452-7ba8cc11e290.jpg20250912-dgr-5.jpg10066SPH Faculty, staff and students
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
7cc83268-1597-4ed2-8051-d7db65778d14.jpg20250912-dgr-1.jpg10066Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
00695353-aa6e-4b96-b2c0-1f95682c5930.jpg20250912-dgr-2.jpg10066Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
874c7bd6-f276-4bc8-9022-9c68a3a6283c.jpg20250912-dgr-3.jpg10066Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
a33df456-ffce-44c6-9bba-1899c5ffa048.jpg20250912-dgr-7.jpg10066SPH faculty, staff and students
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
468c6933-45e5-42a1-915f-3f2638166f2e.jpg20250912-dgr-8.jpg10066SPH faculty, staff and students
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
3733fb0c-7158-496f-98b6-8024fc876efc.jpg20250912-dgr-9.jpg10066Dr. Monica Swahn, Dean of the School of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dean's Grand Rounds, Sept 12, 2025
f12090f2-e934-4425-8d70-d5e7fa96a2c4.jpg20250912-dgr-10.jpg10066Dr. 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
98356b97-9402-40c9-aab7-62957a786eaf.jpg20250912-dgr-11.jpg10066(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
5ea28870-681c-4a27-933b-09016a8876de.jpg20250912-dgr-12.jpg10066(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
