Melissa Begg is Dean of the Columbia School of Social Work and Professor of Social Work and Biostatistics. As a population health scientist, her scholarship has focused on developing the strongest possible evidence base for human health and well-being. She formerly served as Vice Provost for Academic Programs for Columbia University and Co-Director of the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.
Throughout her career, she has focused on convening interdisciplinary scientific teams, developing innovative curricula, creating mentorship programs, and enhancing diversity in the research workforce.
In 2006, Dean Begg received the University-wide Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University and a Doctor of Science in Biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health.