Aayla Khan

Public Health, Class of 2025

• Certificates: Health Disparities, Global Health and Health Policy

• Hometown: New Brunswick, New Jersey

• Activities at Rutgers: Bloustein School Undergraduate Student Ambassador

 

An aspiring health policy advocate, Aayla Khan was drawn to Rutgers not just because it’s New Jersey’s state university, but for the opportunity to engage in meaningful academic and personal growth.

“I wanted to attend a school where I could pursue my academic interests at a reputable institution while also being able to network and build lasting connections,” she said.

Aayla discovered the Bloustein School while exploring major options, learning about public health and public policy. “I realized how overall health and wellbeing connects so many aspects of the world around us that we often overlook. I wanted to understand the environment through a health lens, and how its effects differ across communities.”

Aayla’s passion for public health was shaped through courses exploring health disparities and inequalities. These classes offered new insight into how health outcomes are not equally distributed, reinforcing her drive to make a difference. “Learning how global and local access to healthcare is inconsistent across certain communities showed me the importance of advocacy and action through a public health lens.”

She is currently interning at a health-focused organization where she supports research projects around community wellness, healthcare accessibility, and optimizing health outcomes. “The organization’s mission—providing health education and resources at a community level—has strengthened my future aspirations of addressing areas where healthcare is not accessible for all.”

After graduation, she plans to explore careers that address health inequalities through research and systemic change while also pursuing a master’s degree in public health. 

“There is so much you can do with public health. The major opens so many doors to different opportunities to find out what you are passionate about. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have your journey all mapped out. Use all the resources provided—talk to advisors, utilize career services, and network—to help you make positive change and be dedicated to making a difference.”

Outside of her academic and internship life, Aayla enjoys spending time connecting with others and finding ways to recharge. Her journey has been guided by a desire to understand the world more deeply and to help build a healthier, more equitable future for all.