Maanya Tarnal is a junior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Public Health and Psychology. With a strong interest in health equity, she is passionate about improving patient engagement and advocacy within the healthcare system. Her goal, in her professional career, is to address systemic disparities, enhance the quality of care and ensure individuals – especially those in underserved communities – have access to affordable, reliable and patient-centered services.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 16, Maanya initially struggled to navigate life with her condition. This personal experience shaped her understanding of the challenges patients face. Three years after her diagnosis, she began volunteering at the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, where she found her passion: public health.
Professionally, Maanya has dedicated herself to advancing patient-centered initiatives. In 2023, she interned with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, leading the creation, distribution and analysis of the 2023 Michigan Epilepsy Needs-Based Assessment, ensuring the patient voice was central to understanding community needs. This past summer, she expanded her work nationally as an intern with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, assisting the Multicultural Outreach and Health Equity department. There, she developed a comprehensive plan for a pilot seizure training program, identifying practical ways to implement it on college campuses to better engage and support students living with epilepsy.
