Jocelyn Leung, a researcher at the School of Public Health (SPH) Center for Public Health Systems, has been awarded a prestigious 10-month fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year. The fellowship, awarded by Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, is designed for health professionals from a variety of disciplines who are concerned about the public health impacts of climate change.

Leung said she plans to use the fellowship to explore climate change’s impact on mental health, and to research the role of public health professionals in alleviating this growing public health challenge.

“I’m thrilled by this opportunity to dig deeper into the connections between climate change and mental health,” Leung says. “Here in Minnesota, we can feel the impacts of climate change – springs are wetter, summers are hotter, winters are shorter and warmer, and rainfall is heavier. All of these factors threaten ecosystems in our natural environment and impact the wellbeing of people across the state. Previous research links higher incidences of anxiety disorders, mood disorders like depression, and trauma-related disorders to climate change. I am looking forward to this opportunity to explore this topic and better understand how public health professionals can address these challenges.”

The Climate and Health Equity Fellowship is open to all practicing and retired health professionals from a range of fields including medicine, nursing, public health, behavioral health, social work, and veterinary medicine. The fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the specific climate health impacts and climate justice issues Minnesotans face, gain advocacy skills about supporting frontline communities and engaging in legislative advocacy, and receive mentorship opportunities from professionals in public policy advocacy, organizing, and strategic communications.

Leung holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Promotion from SPH.