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With a background in nursing, MPH student Nyota Edjidjimo is on a mission to transform public health by bridging the gap between patient care and community prevention. She aims to ensure that individuals and communities have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Name: Nyota Edjidjimo
Hometown: Snellville, Georgia
Undergraduate degree and institution: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Miami
Expected date of graduation: May 2026
Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose the Georgia State School of Public Health due to its central location in the heart of the city and the academic offerings available. I also like that the program offers several hybrid options, allowing students to work and pursue their studies. Georgia State also has a diverse student body that I feel lucky to be a part of.
Which MPH concentration did you choose, and why?
My concentration is Health Promotion and Behavior. As a registered nurse, I often care for people once they are already sick and in need of medical treatment. Over time, I became increasingly curious about the behaviors and circumstances that contribute to their conditions before they reach the hospital. This curiosity led me to pursue the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration because it focuses on prevention, understanding what drives health and finding ways to keep people well before they ever need a hospital bed.
What has been your favorite class in the SPH so far, and why?
My favorite class has been “Qualitative Research” with Dr. Friere. The course emphasized the importance of looking beyond numbers presented in quantitative data to understand the stories and experiences behind them. It was especially meaningful because it helped me develop the foundation for my graduate thesis, which focuses on the experiences of Black women living in maternal care deserts in south Georgia.
What advice would you give undergraduate students considering pursing an MPH at Georgia State?
I would encourage students to follow their passion and be open to that passion evolving. There is so much to learn during your MPH, so don’t let tunnel vision keep you from discovering something new.
Tell us about your campus involvement.
I have been a Graduate Research Assistant working with Dr. Malmin since 2024. I am involved in a community-based participatory research project based in the Bankhead neighborhood aimed at better understanding the relationship between the built environment and health outcomes.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I really love being outdoors, so I enjoy spending time on the patio outside of the second floor of the library.
What’s your career aspiration?
I aim to make a meaningful difference in the field of public health by leveraging my clinical background and my passions for maternal and child health, as well as improving access to quality health services and accurate health information. My goal is to bridge the gap between direct patient care and community-level prevention, ensuring that individuals and communities, especially those in underserved areas, have the resources and support they need to thrive.