What initially drew you to working at the EIP?
I was intrigued by the opportunity to do some applied epidemiology surveillance work as a public health student. I wanted to apply what I had learned in the classroom to the real-life public health field. I am also interested in food related public health topics, so FoodCORE was the perfect place for me.
What has been your favorite part about working at the EIP?
I like that I have the opportunity to interact with different public health professionals while working at the EIP. I have learned what the public health surveillance system looks like in real life as part of my foodborne illness surveillance work. The people at the EIP are friendly and supportive. I am glad to build connections with the people who work in public health practice.
How do you feel the EIP has prepared you to enter the public health workforce?
The EIP provided me with public health knowledge as well as practical skills. Working collaboratively with the Department of Public Health, I learned a lot about the public health system and government responsibility regarding public health. The skills in doing interviews with cases are important and transferable when entering the public health workforce. I also got to train in data cleaning, management, and analysis skills while working on the FoodCORE metrics project.
What are your professional plans after graduation?
I will be attending UIUC in their PhD program in Food Science and Human Nutrition. I will continue to work on improving food safety as an important aspect of public health.