Professor Dr. Gita Krishnaswamy

Biography

Gita Krishnaswamy is the Acting Director and Associate Director of the Community-Oriented Public Health Practice program. She is also the Deputy Director of the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group based in Chicago, where she is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day operations and works closely with program directors and staff to ensure alignment with the mission and vision of the organization. In addition, Gita manages the implementation of strategic plans and staff development initiatives. She began her professional career as a K-12 classroom teacher before transitioning to a public health professional, where she has continued to work with school districts and nonprofit organizations to advocate for policy changes that promote health equity and lifelong health for students. Gita has taught courses on social determinants of health, community health assessment, participatory evaluation, and practicum capstone courses. She is passionate about building equitable community partnerships and believes that fostering a strong anti-racist organizational culture is essential to the work in public health.

Research Interests