05/15/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/15/2025 03:10
MAY 15, 2025 -Meet Swathi Weaver, a passionate counselor educator and researcher who has dedicated her academic journey to advancing the conversation on mental health and eating disorder risks among Indian American women, even creating her own podcast on the topic. Weaver will be graduating this May with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Hear about Weaver's UTSA journey.
What inspired you to pursue a Ph.D. in Counselor Education?
SW: I always knew I wanted to become a professor and clinical supervisor. After working in the counseling field for several years and gaining practical experience, I felt ready to pursue formal training. My goal is to educate and mentor the next generation of counselors, bringing both professional experience and academic expertise to the classroom.
Can you talk about your research and how that led to starting a podcast?
SW: My dissertation addresses a critical research gap by exploring eating disorder risks among Indian American women. I noticed a lack of specific research on this population, despite Indians comprising a significant portion of the world's population.
Complementing my research, I created "Dosas and Mimosas" podcast, which explores body image and mental health stigma among South Asian women. The podcast features a range of guests sharing personal experiences, creating a platform for important conversations about cultural identity and mental health.