A 2025 graduate of Klein College of Media and Communication’s MS in Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC) program, Tsedey Tsegaye also holds a BA in Leather Engineering from Bahir Dar University. She discussed her experience moving from her native Ethiopia to complete the program as a recipient of the Margaret Foti Scholarship and her future goals as a health communication researcher. 

Can you tell us a bit about how you “got here”? Why did you decide to apply to the CDSC program in the first place? What was your journey like?

My path to the CDSC program was shaped by both passion and resilience. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Ethiopia, I became actively engaged in health research and biomedical innovation, with a strong focus on developing practical solutions, including medical equipment. From early on, I was deeply motivated to ensure that these innovations could reach and benefit communities. However, I consistently observed a critical gap between research and real-world implementation particularly in underserved settings.

During this time, my country was going through a civil war, which significantly affected my personal and professional life. I faced considerable challenges and uncertainty, and, at one point, I nearly gave up on continuing my education and pursuing my long-term goals. My focus shifted toward supporting myself and my family under difficult circumstances.

At this turning point, a PhD student from Temple University, Mikias, who is also from Ethiopia, shared the CDSC program with me and encouraged me to apply. That moment became a pivotal step in my journey. As I explored the program, I immediately recognized its alignment with my vision: CDSC offered a pathway to bridge the gap between health innovation, research and effective community engagement through communication.

Although I was initially uncertain about how I would finance my education, I proactively sought opportunities and applied for competitive funding. I was honored to be selected as a recipient of the Margaret Foti Scholarship. This recognition not only provided critical financial support but also affirmed the significance and potential impact of my work.

When you were applying to the program how did you envision that journey? How was the reality different from what you envisioned?

When I applied, I anticipated a primarily academic experience focused on theoretical knowledge. In practice, the program was far more dynamic and impactful than I expected. CDSC emphasized applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving. It challenged me to think strategically about how communication can drive meaningful change in public health.

How did you decide to focus on the work that you do now?

The CDSC program was instrumental in refining my professional direction. It strengthened my ability to translate complex scientific and health information into accessible, community-centered communication. It also reinforced my commitment to advancing health equity through culturally responsive strategies. This foundation directly influenced my current role at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where I serve in the Resource and Education Center within Community Outreach. In this role, I support patient education, engagement and community-based initiatives. I also collaborate with research teams, contributing to projects in cancer prevention and global health.

Recently, I had the opportunity to present my research at the American Association for Cancer Research’s Annual Meeting, focusing on informatics-driven approaches to improve community-based cancer screening in Ethiopia. This experience reflects my ongoing commitment to integrating research, innovation and communication to address global health disparities. 

Did anything surprise you about life in the United States?

One aspect of life in the US that stood out to me is the strong emphasis on independence, initiative and interdisciplinary collaboration. While the transition required adaptability, it also provided an environment that encouraged growth, leadership and innovation. I have particularly valued the diversity of perspectives and opportunities to engage with global communities.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What are your next goals?

Looking ahead, I aim to further integrate health communication with epidemiology to better understand and address patterns of disease, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection. I am especially interested in how epidemiological data can inform more effective, culturally responsive communication strategies that improve community awareness, screening behaviors and health outcomes.

I plan to pursue a PhD with a focus on epidemiology while continuing my professional work, allowing me to bridge data-driven research with community-centered communication approaches. My long-term goal is to contribute to innovative, evidence-based interventions that translate scientific findings into actionable health solutions, particularly for underserved and global populations.

Ultimately, I aspire to play a leadership role in advancing interdisciplinary approaches that connect epidemiology, health communication and biomedical innovation to reduce health disparities and improve cancer outcomes worldwide.