This elective is intended to be an educational experience allowing students to gain research experience and familiarity with conducting research and public health projects in a Federal agency environment, and engage with public health professionals and veterinarians in a variety of job roles to explore career options in Federal service.
During this elective, students will complete two related projects: 1) a literature and online resource scan to identify suggested resources to update key worker communication resources [NIOSH topic pages on occupational hazards for veterinary workers; a summary on reproductive hazards in veterinary workplaces; the wikipedia entry on occupational health for veterinarians] and 2) user testing of RePorter (a database of NIH-funded research projects) and a developmental interface drawing from RePorter database to identify both current research on occupational hazards in veterinary work, as well as products resulting from NIH-funded projects among veterinary workers.
During this educational experience, students are also encouraged to engage with researchers in OneHealth/veterinary occupational health across CDC, attend research seminars, and meet one-on-one with staff to explore potential career paths at NIOSH and CDC. Their mentor will facilitate introductions and share information on relevant seminars to assist students in these career development activities.
NIOSH is a federal institute with approximately 1300 employees across the United States; the elective will involve working at the largest campus in Cincinnati, OH, with approximately 500 staff in 3 buildings. NIOSH is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Students will work with their mentor (Dr. Carissa Rocheleau, epidemiology team lead, Field Research Branch) regularly. Students will be provided an office in our facility, with access to computer, monitor, printer, and other office equipment and supplies; Students will have access to the CDC internal network, library resources, and database/journal subscriptions to complete their literature review.
Students in the Epidemiology Elective Program are expected to participate for 40 hours per week for 8 weeks (M-F, roughly 8-4:30PM). Attendance may be virtual for up to 3 days per week, but generally students would be expected to be on site 2 days per week (Tuesday/Wednesday) to facilitate meeting in person with CDC staff, contractors, and fellows. Students will have an independent public health project(s) to conduct with mentor support. Students are expected to meet at least weekly with their mentors, and expected to adhere to standards of ethical and professional conduct that are expected of all CDC staff, guest researchers, fellows, and contractors; this includes standards for safeguarding government-issued equipment (e.g., an encrypted laptop), maintenance of official Records, and compliance with data and physical security safeguards.