Student Summer Intern Program

Epidemiology and Public Health Internship

The primary goal of the Epidemiology and Public Health internship is to provide a hands-on research experience for students pursuing graduate work, serving as a catalyst to encourage them to pursue careers in biomedical research or health care. The experience is targeted toward graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Interns will work with a research scientist and his or her team on an independent project that is part of a larger research endeavor.
Interns receive $7.50/hour for the 12-week experience. Apartment housing is available at no charge.

Program dates: Monday, May 18 - Friday, August 7, 2009

The Research Experience

The research projects, chosen by the research scientist, are tailored to the skill level of the student and related to the scientist’s ongoing research program. The student will participate in a learning experience that incorporates all aspects of the research process. In the initial stages, the student learns the project’s background by reviewing the scientific literature and begins planning experiments necessary for successful project completion. As the project develops, the student begins data collection and analysis, and meets regularly with the scientist to discuss findings and plan new approaches.
The learning experience applies to more than medically oriented research; it provides basic research skills in the life sciences.
At the end of summer, students give a 20-minute oral presentation of their research findings.
The research program in which the student will work is decided by consensus of the scientific research staff and the expressed interests of the students.

Recent Projects

• Incidence and Complications of Herpes Zoster in Central Wisconsin
• Perceptions of Raw Milk Consumption in Wisconsin Among Dairy Farmers
• Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area (MESA)
• Psychosocial Work Characteristics Predict Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Health Functioning in Rural Women: The Wisconsin Rural Women's Health Study
• Safety of Pediatric Vaccines
• A Community Intervention Trial to Promote Appropriate Antibiotic Use and Reduce Antibiotic Resistance

The Application Process

Final selections are determined by consideration of the applicant’s overall academic standing, references, personal essay, and course selection. Current enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a graduate program in Public Health or the equivalent, is required.
In order to present the opportunity to as many students as possible, a student cannot be awarded a summer position more than once. The application deadline is January 15, 2009. Students are notified of the selection committee’s decision by mid-February.
No late applications or materials will be accepted.
For additional information or application materials, please click on link Application information (Microsoft Word 44KB) or contact:
Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
Summer Research Internship Program
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5777