Program Information General Description of what students will be doing at this Site: This internship is designed to strengthen students’ skills in evidence synthesis, critical appraisal, and qualitative research methods while offering meaningful exposure to the research process from literature review to data analysis.
Key Responsibilities: This internship provides students with hands-on experience in academic public health research while working directly with a faculty mentor. The intern will support an ongoing research project by contributing to key components of the research process.
Responsibilities include:
Updating the literature review by identifying, organizing, and synthesizing recent peer-reviewed publications relevant to the study topic.
Developing a literature review table that summarizes study designs, populations, methods, key findings, and limitations.
Writing microsummaries that concisely describe the purpose, methods, and major outcomes of each article reviewed.
Participating in qualitative data analysis, including reviewing interview transcripts, assisting with codebook refinement, and coding qualitative interviews under supervision.
Desired Intern Characteristics:
Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately summarize and organize academic sources.
Excellent written communication skills, particularly in synthesizing complex information into concise summaries.
Interest in public health research, epidemiology, social sciences, or related fields.
Ability to work independently while also contributing collaboratively within a research team.
Strong critical thinking skills and willingness to engage deeply with scientific literature.
Basic familiarity with research methods, including understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative approaches (training will be provided).
Reliability and professionalism, including meeting deadlines and maintaining confidentiality of research materials.
Curiosity and willingness to learn, especially with respect to literature review techniques and qualitative data coding.
Special Considerations: This position is remote.
Interprofessional opportunities available for the student: This internship opportunity prepares students for interprofessional opportunities where they would:
Collaborative Research Activities: Work alongside faculty, graduate students, clinicians, social workers, and community partners to integrate diverse perspectives into research design, data interpretation, and dissemination.
Community-Based Partnerships: Engage with local health departments, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community coalitions to support health promotion projects and contribute to real-world public health practice.
Workshops and Seminars: Attend interprofessional workshops on topics such as health equity, research methods, policy development, community engagement, and culturally responsive practice.
Qualitative and Quantitative Inquiry: Engage collaboratively in mixed-methods research projects where students interact with experts from multiple disciplines to explore complex health concerns.
Policy and Advocacy Collaborations: Work with multidisciplinary groups to understand how research findings inform policy and advocacy in areas such as chronic disease, access to care, and social determinants of health.
Interprofessional Education (IPE) Sessions: Participate in sessions designed to build teamwork skills across professions—public health, nursing, clinical care, behavioral health, and allied health fields—to promote patient-centered and community-centered solutions.
Concentration:
- Social Work
- Community Health
- Public Administration/ Non-profit Management
Format of Service: Remote Service
Type of Service: Indirect Service
The following CHHS Competencies that the student will be exposed to:
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Professional Development
- Statistics and Research Methods
Trainings/ staff meetings offered or required:
Students selected for this internship are expected to commit approximately 6 hours per week to research activities.
Interns must demonstrate professionalism, including timely completion of assignments, clear and proactive communication, and consistent punctuality in meetings or scheduled check-ins.
The role requires maintaining confidentiality, being responsive to feedback, and upholding high standards of accuracy and reliability in all research tasks.
A strong sense of responsibility and respect for collaborative work is essential.