Examples of Internships

Alyce Dohring
from the Department of Epidemiology
Interned during the summer of 2004 with
The State of Wyoming Department of Health
in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States

"I created a plan for the development of a birth defects registry and dealt with a range of data from genetic-related disease clinics comparing state and locality data with national data. I also worked on Medicaid program for children with SHC needs. I was able to observe genetic counseling and attended a genetics conference in Denver. The internship had the flexibility to tailor projects around my interests, and the experience provided a good overview of a state public health department's activities. I developed a lot of important technical skills and it helped me visualize career options. And, of course, I got to go to the largest rodeo in the world."

Ryan Frederick
from the Department of Epidemiology
Interned during the summer of 2004 with
The Henry Ford Health System
in Detroit, Michigan

"I worked on a study looking at gene/environment interactions in Sarcoidosis, a tissue disease that particularly effects African Americans. I collected data and performed linkage mapping and analysis. It was a great opportunity to apply the Epidemiology learned in UMSPH coursework. The were lots of talented and helpful people there that were very invested in my development. Henry Ford Health System offers many different options for internship work. Through my work there I learned how important it is to tailor public health interventions to specific populations. The conversations had during the car pool were also really insightful and provided a lot of perspective on the work."

An-Chi Lo
from the Department of Epidemiology
Interned during the summer of 2004 researching
Fascin in Colonrectal Cancer with Professor Amr Soliman
here at the UMSPH in Ann Arbor, Michigan

"I explored a new branch of research on colonrectal cancer based upon Dr. Soliman's
work. I developed a new hypothesis, analysized pre-existing data, conducted lab analysis for genetic markers, and prepared an article for submission. Dealt with genetics markers for disease and abnormal gene function in Egyptian populations. Dr. Soliman was really invested in my learning, and I gained valuble skills in encoding lab analysis, statistical software, microdissection, professional research writing, internet-based data management, and cross-cultural communication. Great internship for someone who likes an adventure and is interested in an international epidemiology project on cell differentiation."

Amy Lockwood
from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Interned during the summer of 2004 with
NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation)
here in Ann Arbor, Michigan

"At NSF I conducted research for a Dietary Suppliment Certification Program business plan. Looked at regulatory legislation, competition, PCR/allergen testing, and wrote certification standards for banded substances in dietary suppliments and functional foods. Learned a lot about complexities of nutrition industry, the regulatory environment, and the role of certification programs. It was a great place to intern with wonderful people and an exercise facility on site!"

Sarah Nechuta
from the Department of Epidemiology
Interned during the summer of 2004 researching
Breast Cancer Risk with Professor Christine Erdmann
here at the UMSPH in Ann Arbor, Michigan

"I worked for Dr. Erdmann collecting data to study the relationship between breast cancer risk and environmental factors. I conducted a comprehensive literature search,and contacted Michigian health departments, professionals, and researchers to identify datasets with individual breast cancer risk factor information for Michigan women. Summarized findings in a report, and completed an IRB application and a proposal to obtain the identified data. Dr. Erdmann provided good guidance and the project really helped me learn how network amongst health professionals."

Nicholas Rafaels
from the Department of Biostatistics
Interned during the summer of 2004 with
The Wyeth Corporation
in Pro River, New York

"At Wyeth I worked with a group of five statisticians getting exposed to all the stages of clinical trials in vaccine research. Performed power and size calculations and reviewed protocols. It improved my programming skills and I developed broader understanding of pharmaceuticals, ethical issues, and the implications of the international conference of harmonization. Also has the benefit of being only 20 minutes from New York."

Jennifer Smith
from the Department of Health Management and Policy
Interned during the summer of 2004 at
The Sharon Kardia Lab
here in Ann Arbor, Michigan

"I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Kardia on a number of projects, One of the projects was Six Weeks to Genomic Awareness. I did research for and prepared presentation materials. I also did a lot of background research assisting Dr. Kardia in development of her publications and book. The experience provided lots of insight into the interpersonal side of advancing genetics work and broadened my understanding of the applications of research to interventions. I learned about the complexities of public health, and to think more about the stake-holders. Dr. Kardia's lab is ful off great people and helped me visualize my career in the field."

Angela Wilson
from the Department of Epidemiology
Interned during the summer of 2004 with
The Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN)
here in Ann Arbor, Michigan

"I was fortunate to be able to work on two SWAN projects. The Sleep Apnea Study, where I interviewed subjects and assisted technicians in the collection of data, and a study where I analyzed Aromatase Gene and Androgens data. It really helped me develop great skills, from coding in SAS, to research interviewing and manuscript writing, and pushed me to achieve high standards. Received great exposure to various facets of research."

Other Internships

Analyzed insurance-related genetics issues for Michigan Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Worked with the Genome Policy Project, which researches the public’s values and perceptions of genetic testing and reproductive technology.
Developed a book and an accompanying interactive CD-ROM for health care providers to educate patients about cancer and genetics.
Reviewed websites, literature, and videos to assemble a reference manual for primary care physicians on genetic screening tests for adult onset disorders.
Participated in discussions about the present and future agenda of the National Coalition for Health Professionals in Genetics and provided recommendations after literature review.
Discovered a new gene, which mediates attachment of E. coli to the host in women with urinary tract infections. Work in progress in determining the functionality of this gene.
Contacted families identified through the International Fanconi Anemia Registry for family cancer history and blood samples to test carrier status.
Interviewed cases and family members to exposure history for suspected causes of sarcoidosis and performed linkage analysis on affected sib pairs.
Contributed to and participated in a workshop on “Breast Cancer Genetics and Risk Evaluation” for health care providers.
Identified a candidate gene for X-linked retinoschisis and sequenced the putative coding region in affected and normal males.
Researched and evaluated birth defects surveillance systems.
Evaluated candidate genes for brain cancer.
Developed the design for a study to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic surgery in women who carry a mutation that predisposes them to a higher risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Other Placement Examples

Michigan Center for Genomics and Public Health
University of Michigan Medical Center— Department of Internal Medicine
Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, Michigan
Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
National Cancer Institute - Applied Research Program, Rockville, Maryland
Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, New York City
Biochemistry Department, New York City Health Dept —TB Bureau
World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston
American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois
Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina

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