Earlier this spring, Wamwari Waichungo, PhD, Vice President of Global Safety Assessment and Regulatory Affairs at SC Johnson, joined the esteemed SPH-B Dean’s Alliance as its 28th member.
“Dr. Waichungo brings unique global perspectives to the Alliance, enabling us to create even bigger, bolder initiatives for SPH-B as we fulfill our vision for the school’s growth,” said Dean David Allison, PhD. “I respect Dr. Waichungo for her passion and commitment to inspiring young women and emerging scientists. She is a true leader who not only creates visionary concepts, but who also dedicates her time and personal resources to bringing those dreams to life, with her philanthropy around the world and multiple advisory roles, including her new position with us.”
Dr. Waichungo currently leads a team of over 140 regulatory and safety experts at SC Johnson. A well-recognized international food systems and regulatory expert, Dr. Waichungo is a Distinguished Fellow of the Monticello Society at University of Missouri-Columbia, and she serves on the advisory board of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Recourses. She is a sought-after advisor and has supported numerous groups, such as the national board of Community Health Charities, an organization that has been raising awareness and empowering people to take action to improve their health outcomes for over 60 years.
She established the W. Waichungo Study Abroad Scholarship endowment that enables international learning opportunities for food science students, and through her work, philanthropy, and travel to over 90 countries, Dr. Waichungo advocates for training the next generation of scientists, and closing capacity gaps, so that all communities can have access to safe, abundant food and economic opportunity. Born and raised in Kenya, Dr. Waichungo credits her STEM education to the diverse and innovative opportunities in her career, which have led to ground-breaking advancements in food safety.
“I was compelled to join the Dean’s Alliance because the charter particularly resonated with me, including the focus on creating new educational opportunities for students,” says Dr. Waichungo. “Continuous education is very much aligned with my passions and mission. I also appreciate the Alliance’s emphasis on the application and sharing of current research for the wellbeing of populations. I look forward to working with the Dean’s Alliance and the School of Public Health to advance these values and other important opportunities.”
To learn more about the Dean’s Alliance, including its goals, initiatives, and highly accomplished members, please visit go.iu.edu/40L9. For more information about the School of Public Health, visit publichealth.indiana.edu.