Dr. Sara Spowart鈥檚 journey to USF's (COPH) from international development to mental health championing is one shaped by experience, resilience and a commitment to improving well-being.
Originally born in Connecticut, but raised in Monterey, Calif., Spowart鈥檚 academic path began with a bachelor's degree in global studies, focusing on social and economic development at the University of California Santa Barbara, where she completed her studies in three years through the honors program. She then pursued a master's degree at the nearby Middlebury Institute of International Studies in 2010 before earning her from the COPH in 2014.
Originally interested in food security and humanitarian work, Spowart鈥檚 focus shifted after observing what she termed 鈥渆motional poverty.鈥�
鈥淚 realized that many issues tied to poverty stemmed from mental health struggles,鈥� she said. She later pursued a master鈥檚 and doctorate in marriage and family therapy.
Her international work reinforced the connection between health and poverty. While in Tanzania in 2008, she contracted typhoid after drinking contaminated water, an experience that nearly cost her life.
Street children in Hanang, Tanzania, receive education and basic needs through an initiative Spowart co-created with Janeth Wema. (Photo courtesy of Spowart)
鈥淚 was misdiagnosed with malaria, given the wrong medication and became critically ill,鈥� Spowart recalled. That turning point led her to public health. 鈥淚 realized through that experience that if people had better health, poverty and hunger would be significantly reduced.鈥�
Although she was initially accepted into Tulane University, she felt it wasn鈥檛 the right fit and followed her instincts to visit USF. She was drawn to its strong international development program, abundant teaching and research opportunities and the welcoming atmosphere of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Spowart said the generous scholarship she received also played a key role in her decision, but ultimately, it was the sense that the COPH was the right place for her academic and professional growth that solidified her choice.
鈥淚 always follow my gut feelings,鈥� she said.
A non-profit program Spowart supports in Afghanistan offers secret schooling for girls, using cooking oil incentives to encourage attendance. (Photo courtesy of Spowart)
At the COPH, Spowart explored the long-term benefits of mindfulness in reducing anxiety, depression, pain and stress. She described it as a fundamental component of 鈥渕ental health hygiene,鈥� comparing it to daily practices like brushing teeth or washing hands.
鈥淲e know we need healthy relationships, proper nutrition and sleep, but we rarely think about mental health hygiene,鈥� Spowart said. 鈥淚f we don鈥檛 know how to handle emotions, we often develop unhealthy coping mechanisms.鈥�
Reflecting on her time at USF, she emphasized the importance of thoughtful communication.
鈥淚 used to speak without thinking, but my doctoral experience taught me to be deliberate with my words,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat awareness has served me well in my career.鈥�
Spowart is on track to earn her third master's degree, this time a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies from Centenary University, expected to be completed in May 2025.
Ladies in Mali craft jewelry as part of a project co-founded by Spowart and a former colleague, providing sustainable income and economic independence. (Photo courtesy of Spowart)
Spowart鈥檚 professional journey spans multiple roles, from working with survivors of violence at Suncoast Center in Pinellas County to human trafficking prevention work in Washington, D.C. She also taught public healt