Student Spotlight: Zephorah Bissoon

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Headshot of Zephorah Bissoon

Meet Zephorah Bissoon

Zephorah Bissoon—a second-year student in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society's MHS program—reflects on cultivating her early interest in public health, “cracking the code” to her thesis, and pursuing her passion for population health informatics through mentorship and research opportunities.  

What sparked your interest in public health? 

During my undergraduate studies, I serendipitously enrolled in a public health class where my professor shared a thought-provoking insight: "90 percent of the factors shaping an individual's health exist beyond the walls of a hospital."  

The statement resonated deeply with me, as it challenged my conventional understanding of healthcare. My professor further emphasized the notion that true patient care extends beyond treating illnesses in hospital settings; it involves addressing the underlying determinants that contribute to poor health outcomes. Her comments introduced me to the vast scope of public health and its potential to positively impact communities by addressing root causes, rather than solely focusing on symptomatic treatment.  

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

One of the main reasons I joined HBS was because of its unique interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from sociology, psychology, and public health to explore the complex interactions between human behavior and health.  

The focus on translating research into practice and developing interventions grounded in behavioral science and social theory aligned perfectly with my aspirations. I was also encouraged by the Department’s emphasis on community engagement and participatory research, which resonated with my experiences in the field and reinforced my belief in the importance of involving communities as active partners in the design and implementation of public health initiatives. 

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

One of the most rewarding moments during my time as an MHS student was “cracking the code” to my thesis. When running my data analyses, I kept getting interesting results that made intuitive sense but initially seemed disconnected from practical implications.  I found myself asking, “So what?” 

After multiple conversations with the study team regarding theoretical explanations, I found a moderator variable that not only elucidated the association between my key variables, but also offered valuable, actionable insights for shaping future maternal and child health initiatives.  

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

One aspect of the Johns Hopkins community that consistently impresses me is its culture of support and collaboration. Toward the end of my first year, I found myself drawn to the field of population health informatics, yet I felt uncertain about how to gain meaningful exposure to this area of study.  

I reached out to a professor whose expertise aligned with my interests. She was more than willing to help and offered to grab coffee with me, during which she generously shared insights, guidance, and invaluable connections. Thanks to her mentorship, I obtained a research position at the Center for Population Health Information Technology, where I had the opportunity to learn more about informatics. The experience solidified my career aspirations and reinforced the culture of mentorship and community support I found within the Johns Hopkins network. 

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

Outside of school and work, I enjoy exploring new restaurants in the area, hiking, running, and trying new fitness classes and rollercoasters. As mentioned earlier, I enjoy snorkeling and am always on the hunt for the best snorkeling spots! 

What are some of your favorite places in Baltimore? 

The National Aquarium is my absolute favorite place in Baltimore, followed by the Baltimore Museum of Art. The Local Market, Ekiben, NiHao, and Johnny Rad’s Pizzeria Tavern are some of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. 

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

Public health is a dynamic and evolving field, encompassing a wide range of topics, methodologies, and perspectives. Stay curious, open-minded, and adaptable as you navigate your academic journey within HBS. You never know what new topic or area might pique your interest. 

This interview has been edited and compressed. Views expressed are the subject's own. Zephorah graduated from the MHS in Health, Behavior and Society (formerly called the MHS in Social Factors in Health) in May 2024.