Location: Champaign, Illinois - HYBRID
Overview:
The Champaign Regional Office, Division of Environmental Health, is seeking a dedicated intern to support the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental health, specifically in the assessment and management of lead hazards in residential environments. This internship offers a unique chance to contribute to a critical public health program while gaining valuable field experience. Interns will develop skills in environmental assessment, data analysis, and public health research.
Responsibilities:
- Compile and analyze data collected during Environmental Lead Risk Assessments, including:
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) readings from lead-based painted surfaces
- Dust wipe samples to analyze lead contamination on floors and horizontal surfaces
- Soil samples from areas with bare soil accessible to children
- Water samples from interior faucets that may contribute to elevated blood lead levels in children
- Accompany Environmental Health Field Inspectors on site visits during Environmental Lead Risk Assessments to observe and learn about the process of Environmental Investigations.
- Additional opportunities to accompany inspectors during field inspections of the various Environmental Engineering programs the regional office is responsible for.
- Gain insight into identifying common lead hazards in residential structures and understanding the potential impacts of lead exposure on childhood development.
- Assist in developing a research project based on data collected from environmental lead assessments, focusing on key findings and trends.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate-level Biology, Chemistry or other STEM major degree.
- Preferred schools: University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Illinois State University at Bloomington-Normal, Eastern Illinois University at Charleston.
- Ability to work 15-20 hours per week.
- Strong interest in public health, environmental science, or a related field.
- Attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Desire to learn about environmental health hazards and their impact on public health.
- International students must be eligible to work off-campus. Please include verification in cover letter.
Duration and Compensation:
This is a summer internship that will begin in May and conclude in August. This is an unpaid internship with flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic commitments. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution's guidelines. This is a remote opportunity with some onsite visits for 15-20 hours a week.
All applications must be submitted by Friday, February 14th to be considered for this internship.
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