Faces of Creativity

Published January 16, 2025

From vibrant snapshots of golden mornings to immersive daily-life vlogs, Johns Hopkins University’s Advanced Academic Programs students chronicle their experiences by blending academic rigor with creative flair through social media. They’re mastering their fields and capturing the essence of their journeys, one post at a time. As part of the first cohort of innovative students contributing to the AAP social media channels, they bring unique perspectives from across the globe, showcasing diverse stories and insights that reflect their individual experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Sanika Naik: Science Meets Art

For Sanika Naik, 22, an in-person Master of Science in Biotechnology program student from Mumbai, India, creating social media content is an escape from the intricate world of CRISPR and neurobiology. “It’s all about making those little moments feel big,” Naik said.

Her favorite creation? Photos of the campus in fall, where vivid hues illuminated the life of her Hopkins experience. “It’s like my little escape when science gets overwhelming—a space to let the creativity flow,” she said.

Expected to graduate in May 2026, Naik’s aspirations include unlocking the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases and “maybe sleeping in for two weeks post-graduation.”

Zejun “Jun” Sheng: Fulfillment in Creativity

Beijing native Jun Sheng, 22, is an in-person Master of Arts in Communication program student who thrives on seeing her work appreciated.

“I gain a huge sense of fulfillment when people see my work and give likes and comments,” Sheng said. One standout piece was a visual diary of her “favorite day” at Johns Hopkins. “It meant so much to me—my excitement for the new school and curriculum really came through,” she said.

Sheng plans to channel her social media expertise into a career in new media upon graduating in December 2025.

Yujie “April” Tian: A Love Letter to the Everyday

For April Tian, 22, from Shijiazhuang, China, creating content is about storytelling and connection. “It feels like capturing fleeting moments of beauty and giving them a voice,” said the in-person Master of Arts in Communication program student.

Her fall highlight was a day-in-the-life vlog, weaving quiet study sessions with vibrant snapshots of Washington, D.C. “It was my love letter to every day,” she said.

Expected to graduate in 2026, Tian hopes to craft meaningful narratives in media and branding.

Natalia Duane: Balancing Act

Hybrid student Natalia Duane, 25, from Poland, showcases the balance of work, school, and life in her social media.

Her favorite? A weekend-in-the-life video that highlighted the vibrant D.C. scene. “It helped showcase the amazing parts of being an AAP student,” Duane said.

Pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy degree, Duane is taking her time, with plans to graduate in 2027.

Gengwen “Snow” Li: Navigating Connections

Snow Li, 24, from China, is delving into the nuances of corporate and nonprofit communication while pursuing her Master of Arts in Communication degree. For her, creating social media content fosters connection and engagement.

Snow’s favorite project? A holiday guide for students in Washington, D.C. “I wanted to help students, especially those far from home, discover fun and engaging holiday activities,” she said.

Graduating this spring, she aims to work in communications, emphasizing storytelling and social impact.

Stella Mendez Sepassipour: Global Perspectives

Studying online from Dubai, Stella Mendez Sepassipour, 24, combines her Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis program studies with her love for sharing global perspectives.

“My typical day in Dubai” was her favorite content this fall. “It’s fun to share my experience and connect with other JHU students around the world,” she said.

Sepassipour, originally from Spain, looks forward to applying her skills in the workforce post-graduation in May.

Xinyan Yang: The Golden Hour

For 22-year-old Xinyan Yang, a Master of Science in Financial Economics program student, the joy of content creation lies in capturing life’s beauty.

Her standout work this fall was a street photo taken in D.C. during the golden hour. “The sunlight through the leaves was magical,” she said.

Hoping to join the financial services industry after her December 2025 graduation, Yang also plans to continue sharing moments through her social media lens.

Peer Review

Through their personal content, these students speak to the shared and cherished AAP experience and prove that creativity thrives at the intersection of passion and academia—where the stories they tell inspire connection, engagement, fulfillment, and joy in a true celebration of JHU pride.

If you’re interested in becoming a student social media volunteer for the AAP social media channels, email our social media manager.