Student Spotlight: Tifanny Widya Ekayultina

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Meet Tifanny Widya Ekayultina

Tifanny Widya Ekayultina is a first-year student in the MSPH in Health Education and Health Communication degree program whose passion lies in health communication. Her goal is to bridge the gap between health information and behavior change, with a particular focus on improving the health outcomes of women and children. She’s on a mission to leverage strategic communication and behavioral science to create lasting health interventions, especially in her home country of Indonesia.

What sparked your interest in public health?

During my undergraduate years, I did volunteer work in East Nusa Tenggara—one of Indonesia’s most underserved regions—for two months. There, I focused on raising awareness about health issues and promoting better nutrition practices, particularly among women and children. Seeing the challenges faced by rural communities with limited health care access strengthened my belief in the power of education and communication to drive meaningful health improvements. These experiences collectively inspired me to pursue public health, with the goal of leveraging strategic communication to create lasting impact.

My interest in health communication was sparked by my work for Danone Specialized Nutrition Indonesia after earning my bachelor's degree in health and nutrition studies from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. As part of the medical affairs team, I translated scientific insights into accessible educational content for health care providers. I worked on various initiatives, including creating detailed aids and scientific presentations for health care providers. 

A defining moment was when I worked a project related to the development of the Nutristart 2.0 app, designed specifically for health care providers to help monitor children's nutritional status. Collaborating with pediatricians and UI/UX developers, I ensured the app was both scientifically accurate and user-friendly. Furthermore, my work in medical marketing solidified my belief in the power of health communication to change behavior, particularly in addressing critical health issues like iron deficiency anemia  and stunting in children.

What led you to join the Department of Health, Behavior and Society? 

My passion for health communication and public health led me to pursue my Master of Science in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I was drawn to the Department of Health, Behavior and Society because of its unique interdisciplinary approach that integrates sociology, psychology, and public health. This combination allows me to explore the complex interactions  between human behavior and health and how research can be translated into practical interventions.

What’s an academic highlight you've experienced during your time as an HBS student? 

An academic highlight of my time as an HBS student was attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where I engaged in discussions on the critical need for greater investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The experience reinforced the reality that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is impossible without prioritizing SRHR and fostering equitable partnerships among member states, organizations, and youth-led movements. I was particularly inspired by conversations on building trust as the foundation for collaboration and the importance of recognizing communities as experts in shaping effective SRHR interventions.

What’s a research highlight you’ve experienced during your time as an HBS student? 

Although I am still early in my journey as an HBS student, my research interests are already deeply rooted in strategic communication, particularly in women and child nutrition, as well as improving health education in Indonesia. I am especially interested in how strategic communication can bridge the gap between health knowledge and preventive action. I see opportunities to apply these insights to public health challenges in Indonesia, particularly in developing comprehensive health education programs.

Drawing from my corporate experience in medical marketing, where I managed stakeholder engagement and executed communication strategies, I envision creating multi-stakeholder initiatives that integrate public health expertise with effective messaging. By combining evidence-based strategy development with behavior change communication, I hope to transform public health education and contribute to lasting improvements in disease prevention and community health outcomes.

Outside of public health, what are some of your hobbies, interests, and personal passions? 

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through fitness classes at the gym, such as body combat. I also love spending time with friends, exploring new cafes, and attending festivals and cultural events around the Inner Harbor, Baltimore. 

What are some of your favorite places in Baltimore? 

One of my favorite spots is Inner Harbor itself—I love relaxing by the water with a good book, sipping coffee, and watching the birds fly! The National Aquarium was one of my first memorable experiences when I arrived in Baltimore and I highly recommend it! Some of my favorite places to eat include Ekiben, Shoyou Sushi, and Kneads Bakery, each offering a comforting atmosphere and delicious food!

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in joining the HBS community? 

To prospective students considering a career in public health, I would say remain curious and open-minded. Public health is a dynamic field, it constantly evolves with new research, challenges, and solutions. You never know what area within public health might ignite a passion in you, so keep exploring! The journey is as exciting as the destination!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.