Attention: The application fax number has changed. Please fax application materials to 404-929-2820.
This is a 10-week summer internship for undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or related fields who are passionate about the environment, about human health, and about the link between the two.
Environmental
issues are vitally important in today’s world. In the halls of government,
in corporate boardrooms, in community meetings, on the pages of newspapers,
and in the nation’s schools and campuses, people are tackling environmental
challenges. Most of these entities seek to achieve various environmental
goals: clean water and air, reduced and well-managed waste streams,
sustainable use of resources, environmentally friendly towns and cities, and
reduced risk of climate change.
At the heart of all these concerns is human health. Harmful environments can
increase the risk of many conditions: asthma, cancer, neurological disease,
infections, endocrine dysfunction, injuries, and more. Healthy environments,
on the other hand, can promote good health in many ways—protecting people
from toxic exposures, reducing such risks as contaminated water, and
encouraging healthy behaviors such as outdoor recreation. Most people care
deeply about their health; thusly, health considerations drive many
environmental policies and choices.
The link between environment and health is aptly referred to as
”environmental health.” This is a subfield of public health, the combination
of science and practice dedicated to protecting populations from injury and
illness, and promoting good health. Environmental health professionals
engage in a broad and exciting range of activities—basic and applied
research, direct health protection efforts such as chemical disaster
preparedness, health education, patient care, policy support, and more. For
students interested in environmental studies, health sciences, or both, few
fields are more fascinating.
Interns will be placed in environmental health programs at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) at CDC's Chamblee Campus (address). Over the course of the summer, interns will be exposed to a broad overview of environmental public health issues at the federal level.
Interns will participate in environmental health projects, interact with federal officials and scientists, and visit important environmental health sites in Atlanta. Other activities may include "brown-bag" lunches with CDC staff, as well as attending lectures from important environmental health leaders in the Atlanta area.
In addition, interns will be able to attend the many seminars offered by CDC during the summer.
The internship program will provide a stipend for living expenses ($500 per week). Travel to Atlanta will be the student’s responsibility. Potential housing options will be provided in advance and interns will be expected to make their own arrangements.
CDC has partnered with The Department of Energy (DOE)/Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) to implement the Program. CDC will review applications and make final award selections.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is based on four criteria:
- US citizenship,
- Full time enrollment at a college or university as a rising junior or senior,
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and
- An academic major or demonstrated coursework concentration in environmental science or related fields
Other Important Information
- Commitment on the part of the participant, CDC, or ORISE with regard to later employment is neither implied, nor should it be inferred by the offer or acceptance of an award.
- Deferrals of the internship will not be allowed.
- All participants are considered guest researchers and are subject to CDC regulations governing visiting scientists, engineers, other professionals, and students to determine their access to the hosting venue and eligibility for an internship
- As a guest researcher, each participant is responsible for payment of income taxes and is advised to become familiar with the relevant sections of the current tax codes.
- Health-insurance is required for all participants
- Participation in the program is contingent upon the individual's ability to obtain the proper clearance.
- All applicants will be subject to a criminal records check and other background investigations conducted by the U.S. Government. These inquiries are conducted to develop information to assess various factors about the applicant, including reliability, trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, character, conduct and loyalty to the United States.
- All applicants must have full command of the English language.
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 4, 2008 | Application Materials [PDF, 139 KB]
- Notification to Interns of acceptance: Monday, March 31, 2008
- Acceptance of Internship offer by student and initiation of paperwork: Wednesday April 9, 2008
- Internship: Wednesday June 4, 2008 - Friday, August 8, 2008
This page last updated on March 5, 2008
