The Mental Wellness Team at AUW

Dr Syeda Fatema Alam

Director of Wellness

When Dr. Syeda Fatema Alam joined the Asian University for Women (AUW), she brought with her a vision: to make AUW a place where every student feels supported, heard, and empowered to thrive. As Director of Wellness, she leads a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and peer wellness ambassadors, building a campus-wide culture of care through individual consultations, group programs, and innovative initiatives like the Goodlife Center—a space for rest, connection, and renewal.

Dr. Alam’s journey began with her medical degree from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, followed by her Master’s in Public Health from North South University. She did her postgraduate training in psychiatry at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where she honed her clinical expertise. Over the years, she has pursued advanced international training: she is a WHO-enlisted mhGAP trainer, has specialized training in neurocognitive disorders from Trinity College Dublin, completed Mental Health Leadership training at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and training on Mental Health in Complex Emergencies from Fordham University. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH).

Her career spans more than six years of clinical and research work across diverse settings—from the busy wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital to the humanitarian crisis context of the Rohingya refugee camps—where she witnessed the transformative power of compassion and resilience. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Alam is adept at bridging cultures and creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations about mental health.

For Dr. Alam, mental wellness is not just about reducing distress—it is about helping young women flourish, find their voice, and carry that confidence into every part of their lives.

Israt Jahan

Psychologist

Israt Jahan Liza is a dedicated Psychologist currently working with the Asian University for Women (AUW), where she provides mental health support to students from diverse backgrounds. With a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she focuses on adult mental health, particularly issues related to trauma, anxiety, and stress disorders.

She began her professional journey after earning both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Psychology and Clinical Psychology, respectively, from the University of Dhaka. Her academic foundation, combined with hands-on clinical experience, has equipped her to support individuals coping with complex emotional and psychological challenges. Over the years, she has worked extensively with refugee populations and other vulnerable groups, helping them navigate the psychological impact of displacement, loss, and uncertainty. Her work emphasizes evidence-based practices and culturally sensitive approaches, allowing her to create safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth.

At AUW, she plays a vital role in promoting mental wellness within an academic setting, offering therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health workshops. Her approach is empathetic and collaborative, aiming to empower individuals to build resilience and lead more balanced lives.In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about mental health advocacy and education, striving to reduce stigma and raise awareness about psychological well-being. She believes in the transformative power of therapy and is committed to making mental health care more accessible and inclusive.

Masiath Monuja

Coordinator of Sexual and Reproductive Health

Masiath is a Bangladeshi Australian clinical researcher and public health expert from Sydney, Australia. She brings extensive experience in health, having worked with the New South Wales government. A proud AUW alumna (Class of 2014), she later earned her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Masiath connects with and supports students while fostering a safe and informed space for discussions around sexual and reproductive health. She works by providing one-to-one and/or group counseling sessions on SRH, and conducts SRH workshops that aim at health promotion and education on SRH topics such as Menstruation, Period Hygiene, Body Safety etc. She also organises events to promote SRH education and break the stigma around it. She is also a guidance counsellor for students currently applying for their Masters in Australia and does mentoring for students who aim to apply in future. 

Nabila Afroz

Psychologist

Since joining the Asian University for Women in May 2022 as a Psychologist, she has been committed to supporting our diverse student community with empathy, professionalism, and a strong focus on mental wellness. Her work spans individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and preventive initiatives such as workshops on stress management, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. She serves as a co-trainer and coordinator of the Wellness Ambassador Program, empowering students to promote peer-to-peer mental health support. Additionally, and lead weekly art expression therapy sessions to foster creativity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being on campus.

Nour Zreika

Officer

Nour Zreika is an officer at the AUW Mental Center, where she is responsible for maintaining and updating the daily logs of students who visit the center. Her role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently — qualities she has honed through both her education and experience.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, which provides her with a strong foundation in health principles and a deep appreciation for the importance of mental well-being. Nour is passionate about supporting students in their wellness journeys and firmly believes that mental health is a vital component of overall health that deserves dedicated care.

At the mental center, she combines her interest in health with her love for teamwork. She enjoys collaborating with colleagues, exchanging ideas, and helping to create a welcoming environment where all students feel supported. Being part of this community inspires her to continue learning and growing in the health field.

Outside of work, Nour remains curious about new developments in health and wellness and enjoys exploring topics related to public health. She is excited to contribute to AUW’s Mental Center team and is dedicated to fostering a supportive and healthy campus community.

Swe Ning Rong

Coordinator of the GoodLife Center

Swe Ning Rong serves as the Coordinator of the GoodLife Center under the Department of Mental Wellness at the Asian University for Women (AUW). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from AUW, where her academic journey was complemented by meaningful engagement in student support and community-based initiatives.

In her current role, she assists programs designed to support student mental health and emotional well-being, creating a safe and inclusive space on campus. Known for her warm and approachable nature, she brings energy and creativity to the GoodLife Center through events, interactive sessions, and wellness activities that resonate with the student body. The role also focuses on fostering a healthy, inclusive, and supportive environment for students through wellness programming, mental health awareness, and individual care.

Swe Ning’s previous work with BRAC, UNESCO, and Mong Circle, as well as her experience as an educator,researcher and youth mentorship, has shaped her empathetic and student-centered approach. Her background in working with diverse communities continues to guide her efforts in building a campus culture rooted in care, connection, and mental wellness.