Palak Jhangiani MHA ’27: From Research to Impact in Women’s Health
Palak Jhangiani, a first-year student in the Sloan Master of Health Administration program, is helping uncover new possibilities for treating postpartum depression.
In a recent publication in ChemistrySelect, “Unveiling the Novel Multitarget Antidepressant Mechanisms of Ligustilide in Postpartum Depression,” she and her research team examined ligustilide, a natural compound from Angelica sinensis—commonly known as dong quai or “female ginseng”—, and its potential to influence key biological pathways linked to the condition.
As the second author, Jhangiani contributed to data curation, investigation, software-based analysis, visualization, manuscript development, and helped analyze the molecular mechanisms through which ligustilide may influence postpartum depression.
Currently, only two drugs are specifically approved to treat postpartum depression, both associated with notable side effects, Jhangiani explains. She adds that exploring natural, alternative treatments could offer safer, more targeted options.
Originally from New Delhi, India, Jhangiani brings an undergraduate pharmacy background to her work, combining scientific training with a growing focus on healthcare systems and policy.
“While conducting this research, I realized how deeply fragmented women’s healthcare remains, especially in maternal mental health, where research, clinical care, policy, and scalable solutions rarely connect,” said Jhangiani.
“That stark gap made it clear it was time to move beyond the bench and take real initiative. Pursuing the Sloan MHA has given me the leadership training and cross-disciplinary perspective to help bridge those divides and translate promising research into real-world impact for mothers.”
At Brooks, Jhangiani is focused on understanding how data, technology, and clinical insight can work together to improve care delivery, particularly in women’s health and mental health.
Looking ahead, she aims to help develop solutions that are both scientifically grounded and practically implemented within healthcare systems.
The Sloan Program in Health Administration
For more than 70 years, Cornell’s Sloan Program in Health Administration has prepared graduate students for leadership roles across the healthcare industry through its two-year residential Master of Health Administration degree program. The program combines business and management training with a deep understanding of healthcare systems, public health, and health policy, equipping students to lead organizations with an emphasis on quality, access, efficiency, and innovation.
Students in the program develop expertise in finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and healthcare strategy while preparing for careers in hospitals, healthcare consulting, pharmaceutical companies, long-term care organizations, and government agencies. Sloan graduates are recognized for their adaptability, innovation, and leadership across a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Master of Health Administration (MHA):
Lead at the intersection of business and health care in one of the nation’s most respected health management programs.
