Soon-to-be graduates support public health efforts through field placement experiences

As the needs of the community continue to be highlighted by the ongoing pandemic, West Virginia University School of Public Health students have been putting their classroom lessons into practice to support public health efforts across the state. Students in the B.S. in Public Health program highlighted their experiences during the Undergraduate Senior Showcase, an event that takes place at the end of each semester allowing students to discuss the work they’ve done leading up to graduation.

*Colton Cooper discusses his field placement experience the Monongalia County Health Department, including vector surveillance, Quick Response Team participation and COVID-19 community response.*

Students worked with 13 organizations, including partners in the campus and local community and throughout West Virginia, during the fall 2021 semester. Their presentations outlined their contributions, how their public health lessons supported their work, reflections on their experience and future professional goals.

Among the 17 students, some were able to help partners like the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Drug Free Moms and Babies, and West Virginia Prevention Research Center address mental health, substance use and healthy lifestyles. Other students worked with WVU Medicine in the Heart & Vascular Institute, Medical Weight Management Clinic and Population Health to support patients as they navigate the healthcare system.

View photos from the Undergraduate Senior Showcase.

Photo at top: D’Avione Pugh-Long shares her contributions to the WVU Medicine Heart & Vascular Institute with evaluators and fellow students during the WVU School of Public Health Undergraduate Senior Showcase.

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CONTACT: Nikky Luna, Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Public Health
304.293.1699