Global Mental Health: Interdisciplinary Policy and Practice

TitleGlobal Mental Health: Interdisciplinary Policy and Practice
Faculty/College/UnitArts
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2026
Project Summary

This project redevelops a Global Mental Health course (SOWK 440J/517), historically a 4‑week immersive field course in Nairobi, into a 3‑credit, one‑term online offering for students across Social Work, Public Policy and Global Affairs (PPGA), Population and Public Health (PPH), and senior undergraduates from Health and Society (HESO) minors, among others. We will blend asynchronous modules with synchronous engagements featuring recorded and live sessions with global policy and practice leaders. The course will also serve as a pathway for students who wish to access structured applied learning opportunities (ie, for‑credit practicums, research projects, or non‑credit placements) with community organizations in ORICE’s network that operate at regional and global scales. TLEF funding will support guest lecture production, accessible learning design, and interactive online infrastructure (case simulations, moderated forums, reflective practice). The project expands interdisciplinary access, sustains international partnerships, and provides equitable, flexible entry points into global mental health experiential learning opportunities.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2026/2027
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorMohamed Ibrahim
Year 1: Funded Amount27,514
Year 1: Team Members

Mohamed Ibrahim, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Faculty of Arts
Tamara Baldwin, Director, Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE), Faculty of Arts
Lena Kang, Program Manager, Global Health and Strategic Initiatives, Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
Nicole Kelly, Program Manager, Master of Global Health, Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
Andrea Reynolds, Manager, Educational Strategy and Programming, Public Policy and Global Affairs, Faculty of Arts
Hailan Chen, Educational Consultant, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
Krista Knechtle, Advisor, ORICE, Faculty of Arts
Sarah Kwak, Student Communications Assistant / ORICE Scholar, ORICE, Faculty of Arts