Driven by Purpose: Public Health Students Forge Paths at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, consistently ranked as the nation’s leading institution in its field, attracts a diverse and passionate student body dedicated to tackling pressing global health challenges. These individuals, coming from varied backgrounds and driven by personal experiences, are poised to make significant contributions to public health both locally and internationally. Their stories exemplify the school’s commitment to fostering a generation of leaders equipped to address health inequities and improve well-being for all.

Tangney: Transforming Personal Loss into a Drive for Health Equity

For Tangney, a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) student in the Department of International Health’s Health Systems Program, the pursuit of a career in public health is deeply rooted in personal experiences. Raised in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, by a single mother and her grandmother, Tangney witnessed firsthand the complexities and shortcomings of the American healthcare system. Her mother, a dedicated nurse, often voiced frustrations about overcrowding and administrative inefficiencies that hindered patient care.

Even more profoundly, Tangney’s father’s struggles with chronic illness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse illuminated the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from accessing quality healthcare. "He always feared the health system," Tangney recalled. "He wasn’t educated about it and saw it as inaccessible and unaffordable." This fear, coupled with socioeconomic disadvantages, ultimately impacted his ability to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

While studying political science at Providence College, Tangney became actively involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities. She started an Education Collaboration Committee and engaged in advocacy work with LGBTQ+ coalitions and a safety and security task force, demonstrating her early commitment to social justice. A turning point came during her sophomore year when, while interning virtually with the Ministry of Health in Kenya, she learned of her father’s passing from COVID-19 and the compounding effects of tuberculosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

This devastating loss solidified Tangney’s resolve to dedicate her career to promoting health equity at the patient level. She added a second major in health policy and management, recognizing the importance of systemic change. In 2023, she entered the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, drawn by its global reputation and extensive alumni network.

Since arriving at the Bloomberg School, Tangney has immersed herself in the Baltimore community, working as an outreach assistant with the HEAL Refugee Health & Asylum Collaborative and as a research assistant on a harm reduction and HIV risk factor study. These experiences have allowed her to witness the impact of public health interventions firsthand and deepen her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Currently in her second year, Tangney is also pursuing certificates in leadership for public health and healthcare, and humanitarian health, further enhancing her skills and knowledge. A Global Health Established Field Placement grant enabled her to travel to India, where she worked with the RISHI Foundation to develop training modules for support groups serving adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV. Her work with the International Vaccine Access Center at the RISHI Foundation continues, reflecting her commitment to global health initiatives.

As she prepares for graduation in May 2025, Tangney is determined to continue promoting health equity, drawing on the knowledge and experiences she has gained at the Bloomberg School. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of personal experience and the unwavering commitment of public health professionals to creating a more just and equitable world.

Innocent Grant: Championing Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights

Innocent Grant, an MSPH student in the Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences in Tanzania. At the age of 20, while training in a gynecology ward, Grant witnessed the tragic death of a young woman who had undergone an unsafe abortion. In Tanzania, where abortion is illegal, women are often forced to seek care from unlicensed providers, leading to devastating consequences.

This experience profoundly impacted Grant, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive sexual health services. He recognized that limited abortion access and societal stigma surrounding sexual relationships among adolescents and young adults contributed to these preventable tragedies.

Inspired to take action, Grant leveraged his knowledge to promote conversations about sexual health, traveling to schools and communities in Tanzania to dispel myths and answer questions. He witnessed firsthand the positive impact of education and community engagement in preventing unsafe practices and empowering young people.

Grant’s dedication led to opportunities to present at international conferences, including the International Conference of Family Planning in Rwanda and the Women Deliver Conference in Canada. Inspired by interactions with professionals from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, he applied to the MSPH program in 2024.

Now a student research assistant with the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Grant continues to expand his work in sexual education, contributing to the development of a framework for sexual well-being and gender equity. He is also actively involved in planning the 2025 International Conference of Family Planning in Colombia, further amplifying the voices of young leaders in the field.

With plans to pursue a PhD after completing his MSPH, Grant envisions a career in the NGO sector, advocating for sexual health programs in the Global South. His unwavering commitment to reproductive rights and his dedication to empowering communities make him a valuable asset to the public health field.

Kidist Dugassa: A Vision Realized Through Determination and Data

Kidist Dugassa’s journey to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health began long before she set foot on campus. While in medical school at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, she kept a picture of the Wolfe Street Building, home of the Bloomberg School, as her laptop background, a constant reminder of her aspirations.

Dugassa’s upbringing instilled in her a strong belief in the power of education and the limitless potential of women. She excelled in her studies and pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. However, during her internship rotations, she observed a critical gap in patient care: a lack of emphasis on the role of nutrition in managing metabolic diseases.

Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues, Dugassa sought to integrate nutrition into public health systems. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, she turned her attention to data-driven solutions for public health outreach and misinformation prevention, using her skills to disseminate accurate information and advocate for effective treatments.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health served as a key resource during this time, inspiring Dugassa to pursue her master’s degree in International Health with a concentration in human nutrition. Her unwavering determination led her to Baltimore in 2023, where she has since engaged in various research and community initiatives.

As a Research Assistant at DataDENT, Dugassa analyzes national nutrition strategies and public health policies in low- and middle-income countries. She also works with the Baltimore Urban Distribution App to connect store owners in low-income areas with healthy food suppliers, promoting access to nutritious options. Additionally, she leads a Family Health Table at the Northeast Market Initiative, educating communities about genetic and non-genetic health concerns and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Having graduated in December 2024, Dugassa envisions a future as a health policy advisor or community health leader, working to reduce health disparities and promote disease prevention strategies. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of data-driven solutions in public health.

These three students, Tangney, Innocent Grant, and Kidist Dugassa, represent the diverse and driven individuals who are shaping the future of public health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Their personal experiences, combined with their unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes, position them to make significant contributions to communities around the world. Their stories are a testament to the power of education, the importance of addressing health inequities, and the enduring impact of dedicated public health professionals.