When I first joined MPH program, I did have a pretty specific area of interest. Through my clinical experience in the past, I wanted to focus more on the non-communicable diseases. Specifically, I wanted to work to reduce cardiovascular health disparities that are disproportionately affecting certain populations. However, a year of studying at Gillings made me feel a bit less clear about what I hope to do in the future, but in a good way!! Throughout the courses and from the peers, I was able to learn about many different public health issues that have not paid attention to. All the issues were important, and I wanted to know more about them. For this summer practicum, I will also be exploring the topic that I am not too familiar of. I am already very excited to see all the things I will be learning and gaining throughout!
For my practicum, I am currently working with the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) in the Division of Public Health within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). OEEB identifies and quantifies environmental and occupational hazards, conducts risk assessments, evaluates health effects, and provides health-based guidance relating to contaminants and health effects across the state. Among multiple projects the team is working on, I will be supporting DHHS contributions to the NC Clean Transportation Plan. The NC Clean Transportation Plan is being developed in response to Executive Order 246, “North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean Equitable Economy”. Specifically, I will be working on a literature review about the health effects of transportation-related air pollutants, a short manuscript about the potential health benefits of implementing the NC Clean Transportation Plan, and a presentation to OEEB about the findings. To gain more insights and knowledge on environmental health, especially on air-pollution and climate change, I will be attending the Health Effects Institute Annual Conference and related virtual sessions. I may also assist with other related products or additional projects in OEEB, such as summaries of air pollution exposures associated with biogas or research to support environmental justice activities.
My goals for this practicum are to gain practical experience in a professional public health work environment, learn more about air pollutants and their impacts on health, and develop professional writing skills. I am also looking forward to participating in presentations and events that are relevant to environmental health and justice and engaging with public health practitioners from various sectors. Things are going great so far! Hope everyone else is having an amazing summer as well!
-Seowoo