Dr. Susan Cheng named the inaugural Murphy Science Policy and Communication Professor

Congratulations to Dr. Susan Cheng on being named the inaugural Murphy Science Policy and Communication Professor! With the goal of training future leaders in science and engineering policy, advocacy, and communication, this program intends to develop specific skills that Science Policy and Communication Graduate Fellows can use to effectively bridge the communication gap between scientists and various societal stakeholders (the public, lawmakers, industry, etc.). 

Dr. Cheng will lead the design, development, and implementation of a core course on key aspects of science policy, communication, and political economy. This course will be open to interested graduate students and senior undergraduate students at Tulane. The leadership and Advisory Board of ASPECT will aid, as needed, in brainstorming and the development of the course.

As the Associate Dean of Public Health Practice for the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropic Medicine, Dr. Cheng is a trained infectious disease epidemiologist, with a diverse background in STI research, pandemic preparedness, mental health, health disparities, and maternal and child health. Her current research has focused on the effects of social determinants of health on anxiety and depression, maternal mortality, and childhood wellness, including nutrition and dietary allergies. Dr. Cheng brings years of public health practice, policy, communications, and advocacy work in diverse settings and communities, including among BIPOC communities, with American Indian tribes and reservations, and with populations experiencing homelessness. She is also an Associate Professor in the departments of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences as well as Epidemiology

With a wealth of research into many areas, including mental health impact from natural and manmade disasters, to studying social determinants of health, anxiety and depression, Dr. Cheng has many options on where to focus her attention. With a background in maternal and child health, childhood wellness and nutrition, and health disparities and social justice, she is poised to affect change over the next two years of this inaugural role where she is sure to pave the way for generations to come.