VCU School of Public Health
Annual Report 2024-2025
Welcome to the School of Public Health.
July 1, 2025, marked two years since the establishment of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Public Health, and my first day as its inaugural dean. It is a privilege to lead this vibrant and growing school as we build on our early successes and set a course for lasting impact.
Our faculty, staff, and students bring exceptional energy, creativity, and purpose to everything they do. Together, we are building a School of Public Health defined by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to advancing health and well-being, here in Richmond, Virginia, across the nation, and around the world. As our momentum grows, we are also expanding our team. We have recently welcomed new faculty and staff to support our expanding programs.
We also proudly debuted at #34 among public universities and colleges on the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s 2024 rankings—a strong first showing and a benchmark for growth.
In the sections that follow you will find examples of our impressive faculty, showcasing their unrivaled research and teaching. Our students are recognized for their unending passion and perseverance, and our alumni demonstrate unwavering support for their successors.
I hope you'll join us in celebrating these milestones.
Monica Swahn, Ph.D.
Dean
School of Public Health
Virginia Commonwealth University
-706x706.png)
Leadership
As our School continues to grow, we welcome new leaders across the Dean's Office and our departments.
See the full team here.
VCU appoints Monica Swahn, Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Public Health
Samar R. El Khoudary, Ph.D., appointed chair of the Department of Epidemiology
300x300.png)
Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., appointed chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Awards and Recognitions
Our faculty, staff and students are unequalled. From leading international associations, board appointments, national awards and recognition right here at the University, they are leaders in their unique fields and paving the way for the public health leaders of the future.
- Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D. 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Richard Brown, Ph.D. elected President of EACH, the International Association for Communication in Healthcare
- Sharyn Doughtery, Ph.D. 2025 Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences Teacher of the Year
- Dina Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed. 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Mentor Award, VCU State of the Research Address
- Dina Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed. selected for the inaugural Public Health Academy in the National Academies of Practice
- Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D. 2025 David Wheeler Award for Translational Team Science, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Juan Lu, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. 2025 School of Public Health Teacher of the Year
- Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D. appointed Vice Provost for Community Engagement, VCU Division of Community Engagement
- Robert Perera, Ph.D. 2025 Department of Biostatistics Teacher of the Year
- Robert Perera, Ph.D., joined the Biopharmaceutical Applied Statistics Symposium (BASS) Board of Directors
- Katherine Peterman, M.P.H. 2025 School of Public Health Staff of the Year
- Elizabeth Prom-Wormley, Ph.D., M.P.H. 2025 Department of Epidemiology Teacher of the Year
- Maria Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc. 2025 Social and Behavioral Sciences Department Service Award
- Nolan Wages, Ph.D. 2024 VCU National/International Recognition Award (NIRA)
- Lauryn Walker, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N. 2025 Department of Health Policy Teacher of the Year
- Marcie Wright, Ph.D., M.P.H. 2024 Outstanding Term Faculty Award, VCU's Annual Faculty Convocation
Emily Edwards named ‘This Is Public Health’ Ambassador
David Zhu named Top 40 Under 40 in Minority Health
Vimbai Dihwa recognized for excellence with Black History in the Making award
Notable Grants and Publications
Our faculty, students and alum lead unparalleled research and discovery at VCU.
Jessica LaRose, Ph.D., is co-PI on a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Cancer Institute establishing the Virginia Advancing Cancer Control Engagement Research Center (VA-ACCERT). It aims to enhance the dissemination and implementation of health promotion and cancer prevention services for individuals and families residing in Virginia’s Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-administered income-based housing communities in the Greater Richmond region and Hampton Roads.
James Burch, Ph.D., is co-PI on The HERO Study, a four-year, DOD-funded grant to test HRV Biofeedback as a way to improve symptoms like poor sleep, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble with memory or concentration–common problems that make life difficult for people who have had a concussion.
M.D./Ph.D. student Hannah Shadowen, Ph.D., co-led a study that found primary care shortage impacts 44% of Virginia's neighborhood, and almost 3.8 million residents. Among the team on researchers included Ph.D. student Adam Funk; Roy T. Sabo, Ph.D., professor; Andrew J. Barnes, Ph.D., professor, and Lauryn S. Walker, Ph.D., instructor.
Alumni Engagement
Our alumni share their success and support the next generation of public health leaders in various ways throughout the year.
Four alumni of the Department of Biostatistics returned to campus for a panel discussion on their pathways to success. The lively conversation provided clear examples as well as valuable encouragement for pursuing various careers in the biostatistics field after graduation.
The school’s bold vision of working toward a healthier world for all by understanding and breaking down barriers and disparities was inspiring to alumna Angela Middleton, M.D., who earned her Master of Public Health and a medical degree from VCU. She and her husband, Ryan Mitchell, recently gave to support the new school. For Dr. Middleton, it was an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and impactful as it is being built. She recently joined the school’s advisory council as well.
Jordyn Wallenborn, Ph.D.'17, M.P.H., was recognized with VCU Alumni's 10 Under 10 Award for her global research on breastfeeding. As a project leader for the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Wallenborn spends much of her time traveling to communities around the world.
Community Impact
Our work goes beyond our School and the University. Here are some ways we're collaborating across the campus and the Commonwealth.
VCU faculty, including Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., attended the annual Rally for Medical Research in D.C., meeting with policymakers to advocate for NIH funding and continued support for public health research.
The VCU-Bolashak International Scholars Program is back in action, welcoming two clinicians from Kazakhstan to study at the Schools of Public Health and Medicine for ten months to enhance their clinical experience, practical skills and research expertise. 
The Public Health Student Association expanded their annual National Public Health Week celebration with networking, education and service activities throughout the week.
The Department of Biostatistics hosted the inaugural Dr. David Wheeler Memorial Lecture in Spatial and Cancer Statistics in April 2025 to commemorate Dr. Wheeler's life and contributions to the field. The inaugural speaker was renowned biostatistician Lance Waller, Ph.D., from Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, who was Dr. Wheeler's postdoctoral mentor.