Tell us about you…
​My name is Roshini Selvakumar, and I am a senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. I was drawn to the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) because it offered a unique opportunity to explore health communications and the critical role it plays in public health and healthcare systems. I was especially interested in learning how complex public health information can be communicated clearly, ethically, and effectively to different audiences. Additionally, I was excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in public health and communication. My primary goal for the ELP was to gain hands-on experience in health communications while developing skills that would help me better understand how messaging influences public health outcomes.
Tell us about what you worked on…
During my time in the ELP, I worked on the marketing and communications efforts for Let’s Talk Public Health (LTPH). I contributed to creating promotional materials for various LTPH products and services and developed content for Instagram and LinkedIn targeted toward health communicators and public health professionals. Much of my work focused on translating public health topics into communication-focused content, such as sharing strategies for addressing vaccine myths and highlighting elements of diabetes awareness campaigns. Through these projects, I learned how to tailor messaging not only to educate but also to support other professionals in effectively communicating health information.
Tell us what you learned…
​Throughout this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of health communication strategies, particularly through researching public health organizations and reviewing public health communication research papers. I learned how messaging needs to be adjusted depending on whether the audience is the general public or fellow public health professionals. Rather than focusing solely on a health topic itself, I learned how to frame content around how professionals can communicate that topic effectively. I also developed skills in content creation through tools like Canva, professional communication, and research synthesis, which strengthened both my analytical and creative abilities.
Tell us what the best part was…
​The best part of my ELP experience was the mentorship I received from LTPH’s CEO, Monique, as well as from my fellow interns. Our weekly check-in meetings were especially valuable, as they allowed for thoughtful discussions on how to make content more relevant, authentic, and impactful. One example was a post addressing vaccine myths. After discussing it with Monique, I refined my approach to focus more on the role of personal relationships with healthcare providers rather than relying solely on large health organizations as messengers. These conversations helped me better understand the field of public health by learning from individuals at different stages of their careers and across various public health roles.
Tell us about your future…
In the future, I hope to pursue public health or a related field at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am particularly interested in gaining further experience in health communication and working with underserved communities that face barriers to accessing healthcare. My participation in the ELP reinforced the importance of clear, empathetic, and audience-centered communication in improving health outcomes. For prospective ELP participants, my advice would be to stay curious, ask questions, and take advantage of the mentorship opportunities.
Roshini's Social Media Posts
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