Media Contact
Sam Fahmy
Director of Communications
School of Public Health
[email protected]
Victoria Helmly, Limited Term Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, brings a multidisciplinary perspective to research that explores how policies impact health outcomes for older adults, people with dementia and their care partners.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public health?
I have been interested in how policies impact health outcomes for older adults, people with dementia and their care partners for most of my academic career; however, my research and training experience has been multidisciplinary, with a background in gerontology, social work and criminal justice. Public health feels like a great fit for my current research agenda, and it allows me to build on what I know while expanding my knowledge using a public health lens.
What attracted you to the GSU SPH?
There is no doubt that GSU has been a special place for me for many years—all three of my degrees are from GSU! I was initially drawn to SPH because it allowed me to work with my mentor, Jalayne Arias, on our shared research interests as a postdoctoral fellow on her team. Quickly, I realized how special this department is—I am excited to be in an environment that supports growth and has welcomed me into my new role with open arms. I am also so happy to see the support this department has given to aging and dementia, acknowledging their public health significance.
How do you describe your research to people outside of your discipline?Broadly, my research aims to understand the experiences of older adults, people with dementia and their care partners as they interact with complex systems that are not equipped to meet their needs, including how policies shape these experiences. More specifically, my research examines what happens when a person with dementia interacts with the criminal legal system due to symptoms of their disease, including the challenges and barriers that their families face in these situations. Ultimately, I aim to understand how policy can better respond to the needs of this unique population.
What do you want students to gain from your instruction and mentorship?When I have the opportunity to work with students, I hope that my interdisciplinary background can be useful to their academic journeys as they explore their interests and find their niche. And perhaps I can inspire them to study aging! I followed a path that aligned with my values and found mentors who supported me and helped me grow, and I hope to pass that advice along to others. I want students to see the care and passion behind my research and work.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, close friends and my cat. I love going to restaurants, seeing concerts and finding new TV series to watch. When I can, I enjoy volunteering with organizations that are close to my heart, including the Parkinson's Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association, where I contribute to community education and advocacy. And I enjoy adding movement to most of my days—sometimes that is a walk or a YouTube dance workout, but I have recently fallen in love with reformer Pilates classes!