Location: Remote
The Illinois Department of Public Health is requesting a highly motivated student to prepare an Adult Tobacco Survey Report for the Tobacco Control Program utilizing data from the Healthy Illinois Survey and the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The intern will work in collaboration with the Tobacco Control Program Manager and the BRFSS Coordinator throughout the duration of the project. This project will utilize the format of previous reports. The intern will be expected to provide written interpretation of descriptive statistics, identify any statistically significant differences in demographic subpopulations, draw meaningful conclusions from data, and develop relevant charts and graphs to provide visualization of the results.
This internship offers valuable experience in public health research, data visualization, and scientific communication. The intern will be provided with data tables at both the state and regional level to create a report that informs tobacco prevention and control efforts statewide. This opportunity is ideal for graduate students in public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related fields who are passionate about applying data to real-world public health initiatives.
Report examples:
- https://dhhs.ne.gov/Reports/Adult%20Tobacco%20Survey%20Report%202022.pdf
- https://www.in.gov/health/tpc/surveys-and-reports/
- https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/tobacco-prevention-control/sc-tobacco-use-data
- https://vivasaludable.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2023-Nevada-Adult-Tobacco-Survey.pdf
- https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/il-ats-2007-050216.pdf
- https://bchd.blob.core.windows.net/docs/bchd/CommunityHealthReport_2025-2028_digital.pdf
Responsibilities:
- Interpret descriptive statistics and identify statistically significant differences across demographic subpopulations using tobacco-related data.
- Draft an Adult Tobacco Survey Report in collaboration with Tobacco Control and BRFSS Program staff, based on the format of prior reports.
- Review existing reports and briefs from other states and organizations that have utilized comparable adult tobacco use survey data.
- Review prepared data tables and identify findings, including significant differences in demographic subpopulations, draw meaningful inferences from data.
- Develop an outline for the report based on the review of other reports and notable findings from the data review.
- Develop visual representations for one section to be included in the report.
- Create a preliminary version of one section of the report, including both narrative content and graphs. IDPH will prepare feedback. Once this section is completed, the future sections of the report will use the same format.
- Create the next sections of the report, including both narrative content and graphs.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all IDPH guidelines for handling public health data.
Mentorship Structure:
- Weekly check-ins will be held during the early phase of the internship to provide close support and establish project direction.
- As the intern gains confidence and clarity, meetings may transition to biweekly or monthly to allow more time for independent work.
- The intern is encouraged to reach out at any time with questions, and supervisors will remain available for support throughout the duration of the internship.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a graduate or PhD program in Public Health, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Nursing, Medical or Allied Health fields.
- Completion of at least one year of graduate study.
- Grade of A or B in a Biostatistics course. Transcript is required and must be uploaded in the application.
- Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
- Proficiency creating data visualizations, can use any software (e.g., Excel, R, SAS, SPSS).
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a remote setting.
- Compile these following requirements and email them to idphinterns@uillinois.edu:
- Two examples of academic or professional reports that demonstrate both graphical representation and written interpretation of data.
- One letter of recommendation from a Biostatistics professor.
- One additional letter of recommendation from a professor.
Duration and Compensation:
This internship is 34 weeks long beginning in Fall 2025 through Spring 2026 for 10-20 hours per week. This is an unpaid internship with flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic commitments. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution's guidelines.
All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, July 8th 12:00pm to be considered for this internship. To be considered for this internship, all required documents must be emailed to idphinterns@uillinois.edu.
Apply here
