Applications in Epidemiology

DESCRIPTION: This project will offer the student a variety of experiences in the application of data analysis, interpretation and communication skills to support several initiatives within the Kent County Health Department’s (KCHDs) Center for Community Health Strategy (CCHS), including the Community Health Needs Assessment/Community Health Improvement Plan, Kent County Health Equity Council and the Kent County Family and Children's Coordinating Council. The student will work closely with KCHD epidemiologists to create infographics, charts, reports and other products to be shared with the community through postings to the Kent County Health Department website and presentations at meetings with KCHD community partners. The student will have the opportunity to explore a variety of public health topics and engage in meetings with CCHS staff and community partners to learn more about the various initiatives and how to best support them through data efforts. In addition to the data activities, the student will also gain experience researching evidence-based strategies to consider for implementation in response to health priorities identified through community-led processes.  

IMPORTANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH: KCHD has access to a wealth of public health data, but does not always have the capacity to analyze and report on these data to inform the community on key health indicators. This internship will increase the capacity of KCHD to analyze these data while offering the student the opportunity to apply their education and knowledge in a real world setting. At the end of the internship, the student will better understand the day to day operations of a local public health department and how epidemiologists are involved in aiding community health improvement initiatives through the monitoring of health indicators and convening partners to implement strategies to address identified health priorities.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES:  At minimum, the student will create at least two "data briefs" that include analyses of health issues in the Kent County population, including investigation into the socioeconomic factors that cause or contribute to the selected health issues. The analyses conducted by the student could be used to produce a small summary article on a chosen public health topic for a local publication. The student will also conduct a number of additional epidemiological analyses and create corresponding deliverables (e.g., infographics, social media posts) on health topics that will be determined throughout the course of the project period. The student will give a presentation on their internship at the Fall 2023 Student Research Day and may be involved in presentations of data at community meetings.