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Student Workers and the CT Emerging Infections Program at Yale University

A key part of the Yale Emerging Infection Program’s mission is to train the next generation of the public health workforce. Over 300 students have worked at the Yale EIP, and many more have completed internships or thesis projects using EIP data. Most of our students are from the MPH program at the Yale School of Public Health, but we have also worked with undergraduate students and students from other nearby colleges or universities.

Working at the EIP gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting public health monitoring activities in partnership with the State of Connecticut and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our students have said they gained practical skills in data collection through chart review or case interviewing, developed data management and analytic skills using programs like SAS and R, and bolstered their professionalism and collaboration skills working with our public health partners.

Alumni of the EIP have gone on to work in many fields, including local, state, and federal government, academia and research institutions, non-profit organizations, public health consulting, and more! Many students also go on to complete fellowships like the CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship or pursue additional education in public health or medical fields.

Read below to hear what our graduates have to say about their time at EIP!

Responses have been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Why would you recommend working at the EIP to other students?

  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2020-2022

    “Absolutely I would recommend the EIP to YSPH students! The EIP offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience in applied epidemiology. Students get to work with real-world surveillance data, and they have the opportunity to learn different methods for abstracting this type of data. Additionally, the EIP is unique in the way that it interfaces with Yale, Connecticut’s Department of Public Health, the CDC, and its partner hospitals. As a student, I was able to see how these institutions operated within the scope of infectious disease surveillance and use those experiences to shape my career path.”

  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2018-2020

    “Not only was it a fun experience working with great people, but I gained knowledge and applied skills that have helped me during my continuing public health education. When applying for public health positions, my time at the EIP was usually of great interest to interviewers and I think made me stand out, as my skillset was so unique.”
  • EMD student on HPV-IMPACT, 2017-2019

    “The applied, hands-on experience that the Yale EIP provides to students working as surveillance officers is invaluable to those looking to practice applied epidemiology after graduation. In addition to the real-world experience the jobs provide, there is excellent mentorship provided through Dr. Niccolai as well as Jim Meek that has extended well beyond my time as a student. I couldn't have asked for a better experience during my time at the Yale EIP, and I know that without it, I wouldn't be in the position I am today.”

How do you feel the EIP prepared you to enter the public health workforce?

  • EMD student on HPV-IMPACT, 2017-2019

    “The EIP prepared me for entering the public health workforce on two fronts. The first was practical experience, including conducting medical record review. Knowing how to conduct primary data collection is an essential skill that all applied epidemiologists should have when entering the workforce. In addition, I practiced conducting epidemiologic research projects, resulting in a peer-reviewed publication while working at the EIP. This type of experience was salient for me to have before applying to and entering my doctoral program.”
  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2020-2022

    “In my two years with the EIP, I gained a deep understanding of disease surveillance systems which has proven to be invaluable knowledge in my current position as an infectious disease modeler. Knowing the intricacies of the surveillance systems collecting my data, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on data quality, is crucial for developing accurate models and interpreting results.”

  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2018-2020

    “Working at the EIP improved my organization and analytic skills, as well as my professionalism and my ability to work on teams. It also increased my passion for public health and confirmed that I was on the right career path.”

What was your favorite part about your time spent at the EIP?

  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2020-2022

    “I know it’s cliche, but for the EIP it’s the absolute truth—the people! I was so fortunate to have worked with the RESP-NET team during my time at Yale. My teammates were brilliant, kind, and all-around fantastic people to work with. My supervisor was an incredible mentor and teacher who led our team with compassion. As COVID restrictions lifted and the EIP started having more in-person gatherings, I was able to meet other teams and team leads, all of whom are fantastic. As a student, you will be so lucky to work with anyone at the EIP!"

  • EMD student on FluSurv-NET & COVID-NET, 2018-2020

    “I was working at the EIP during the COVID pandemic, so while it was an incredibly stressful and scary time, it was interesting working for the COVID-NET team. I collected surveillance information and saw firsthand how public health organizations were responding to a global public health emergency. I learned so much during this time and it has informed and shaped my public health career since. But before the pandemic, presenting my research at national conferences, and the holiday parties :)”

  • EMD student on HPV-IMPACT, 2017-2019

    “My favorite part about working at the EIP was the connections I was able to make. The EIP, at the Connecticut site as well as the nationwide network, consists of passionate and knowledgeable professionals who all work collaboratively to improve health and mitigate excess disease burden across the country. There is so much to learn from working with the excellent epidemiologists at the EIP, and I am lucky to have been a part of it.”