From Opportunity to Impact: Aiperi Dzhaanbaeva’s Journey from SPCE UCA to Harvard

Aiperi Dzhaanbaeva grew up in Naryn, a place she continues to carry with her as an important part of her story. In 2018, as a young student, she took her first step towards a broader educational journey by joining the Academic Achievement Programme (AAP) at the University of Central Asia. For Aiperi, the programme was more than an opportunity to strengthen her academic foundation - it opened new horizons and helped her begin imagining possibilities beyond her immediate surroundings.

The experience at UCA was one of the early milestones in a journey that would take Aiperi from Naryn to leading academic and professional institutions around the world. Following the programme, she continued her studies at KIMEP University, where she pursued Marketing Communications and Branding. Her university years allowed her to develop her interests in communications, technology, and digital media while gaining experience in international and multidisciplinary environments.

Aiperi’s growing interest in the digital world soon developed into a professional career. She joined TikTok as an Operations Manager, where she contributed to the development of TikTok LIVE across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus. Working in a fast-paced international technology environment, she gained valuable experience in digital operations, content ecosystems, and working with teams across different markets.

Her professional experience also helped shape a new area of interest: the intersection of technology and education. In 2025, Aiperi took another significant step in her academic journey, beginning her master’s studies at Harvard University in Learning Design and Educational Technology. With a focus on how technology can transform learning, her studies brought together many of the interests she had developed throughout her academic and professional career.

Aiperi’s journey to Harvard reflects not only academic achievement, but also the importance of seeking opportunities, continuing to learn, and having the confidence to take the next step.

Today, Aiperi continues to build on her academic experience as a Research Assistant at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her work allows her to further develop her research skills and contribute to an academic environment where education, technology, and evidence-based research come together.

From an academic programme at UCA to to Harvard, Aiperi Dzhaanbaeva’s journey reflects the power of curiosity, perseverance, and continuous learning. Her story demonstrates how access to educational opportunities can open pathways to new experiences and inspire young people to pursue ambitions far beyond where their journey began.