Graduate Communication Student Uses PR Training to Build Public Trust in Policy

During the summer of 2025, Samurah Curry, a graduate student in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, participated in a Summer Fellowship Program at the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC).

Curry is currently studying in the M.A. in Communication program with a concentration in public relations. In addition, she works as a Graduate Assistant with University Advancement.

She came across the fellowship during her first year in the graduate program while researching digital propaganda. What caught her attention was the opportunity to work in the chief of staff’s department. With Curry’s focus in communication and public relations, she was curious on how independent state agencies communicate policy to those who may not understand the technical language.

“I was given space to bring ideas, to learn, to grow. I gained a richer understanding of policy and how to communicate it,” Curry explained. Before working with HPC, Curry saw PR as a tool for image and persuasion. HPC showed her how PR can be a tool for translation and bridge-building. Not only to persuade, but to enlighten, clarify and hold space for accountability.

Being in the chief of staff’s department meant Curry was tasked with a variety of assignments, such as creating materials for external communication channels and presenting internally on key takeaways from the Health Equity Compact Summit.

The most significant project Curry worked on was a campaign that educated the community on Massachusetts' Primary Care Task Force: an effort to simplify complex policy into ordinary language. This experience allowed Curry an opportunity to collaborate cross departmentally and research internal data and scholarly sources to provide the public with more accessible and clear information.

Working with HPC broadened Curry’s professional network as well, as she collaborated with a variety of teams, such as those focusing on research, cost-trends, healthcare transformation and innovation.

The person who Curry states impacted her time most was her supervisor, Communications Director Mickey O’Neill, who taught her how important language is in state agency work. Curry explained working with O’Neill “taught me to be conscious of every word, not just for clarity but for trust. I carry that with me now: trust in communication is built in small choices.”

“Samurah was a wonderful addition to the HPC team,” said O’Neill. "She approached her fellowship with curiosity and a genuine eagerness to deepen her understanding of health policy and the communications strategies of an independent state agency. The thoughtful outreach recommendations Samurah developed have helped position us to even more effectively share our research and work — an increasingly critical responsibility in an era of widespread health misinformation."

Reflecting on her experience and the lessons learned through her fellowship, Curry offered advice that reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to purpose-driven communication and continuous growth.

“Sometimes it feels like you’re saying the same thing repeatedly, or that nothing is moving. But you are moving. Your words matter,” she explained. “Even if one person is reached, one community clarified. Be patient. Be willing to revise. Be willing to sit in discomfort. Because sometimes, helping someone is better than helping no one at all.”

Categories: Education