Komala Anupindi MPP 2025 is pursuing a Master in Public Policy to better understanding health policy, the historical precedents behind our social systems, and how to alleviate health inequalities. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Komala attended Cornell University for her undergraduate degree, where she developed her understanding of the history of health inequalities in the U.S., welfare systems, and policy design. Prior to attending ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, she completed internships at the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Senate Majority Committee for Aging, and London School of Economics.
What inspired you to choose Harvard Kennedy School?
I chose ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø because of the broad range of policies with which I could become acquainted. The classes here have allowed me to understand technical policy design and how to best make changes that reflect the world around us. The Kennedy School’s offerings have allowed me to focus on becoming an expert in my field while also understanding the intersecting players, which is foundational for enacting successful policy.
What are your favorite things about your experience at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?
At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, I can explore various policy fields and understand the interdisciplinary ways in which they intersect to form our current system. A majority of my work focuses on how to best make a system of welfare that results in the least inequity, and it has been a privilege to be able to learn from such brilliant professors and their research.
The incredible students in my program also inspire me. Because policy can sometimes seem like a slow-moving process, it is wonderful to be reminded how deeply my peers and I care about the issues we are interested in. Because of my classmates, I am inspired by the future we are aiming to build to better serve our world.
In what ways do you engage with the Harvard Kennedy School community outside of the classroom?
At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, I am a part of the (SPSC), which has been such a rewarding experience. Often, policy can seem so large-scale; SPSC has grounded me with the perspective of service and community. I am also involved with the , which has been a fantastic avenue to discuss how social policy connects to health policy.
In addition to these organizations, I am also engaged in research with Professor Marcella Alsan and Professor at the , and am a part of the volunteer staff at Massachusetts General Hospital. I have found these opportunities to be some of the most fruitful parts of my experiences at Harvard.
What advice would you offer to prospective students considering Harvard Kennedy School?
Prospective students should think about how they want to connect with the community beyond their existing circles. At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, there are so many ways to engage, and I would encourage students to understand the community around them and become a part of it. Connecting with those around me has been the best aspect of my ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø experience, and I am appreciative of what happens when we engage in the communities and world around us.
Quick questions
- Favorite class: SUP-578: U.S. Healthcare Industry and Regulatory Policy with Professor Leemore S. Dafny
- Favorite study spot: Malkin Penthouse in the morning before classes start
- Favorite restaurant near campus: The Helmand (a bit closer to MIT but worth the trek!)
- One bucket list item you want to accomplish before graduating: Go to a Patriots game!
- Favorite guest speaker:  MPP 2008, the first White House Deputy Director of Hispanic Media under President Obama
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and your career: A Q&A with the Office of Career Advancement
By Mary Beaulieu, Assistant Dean and Director of the Office of Career Advancement