During my internship, I gained hands‑on experience supporting free community well water testing, coordinating with residents, and assisting with environmental data collection and reporting. This safety initiative has helped me strengthen my communication, organization, and public health outreach skills while working in a community‑focused setting.

Final Project Outcome

This flyer was developed as part of my internship to support community outreach and increase public awareness of this Environmental Public Health and Safety Initiative.

What I did

My responsibilities in the EPHSI program included coordinating and communicating with residents, assisting with on‑site water sample collection, and accurately recording field data. I also helped develop draft laboratory reports that explained water chemistry results and potential contaminants in an accessible way. Additionally, I contributed to public outreach efforts, helping to organize tabling events, create flyers, and build connections among our community members.

What I learned

Through this project, I learned how environmental science and public health intersect to support community well‑being. I have gained a stronger background in private well water systems, common contaminants, and the importance of data collection and analysis. The experience also taught me how to effectively communicate scientific information to non‑technical audiences in a clear and respectful way. I also learned the value of community engagement and collaboration and just how meaningful those community connections are.

What’s next for me

Following this project, I plan to continue building on the skills I developed in community engagement, data collection, and science communication. I am currently pursuing additional opportunities related to public health and plan to stay involved within the EPHSI program throughout the rest of my undergraduate education. This experience has truly reinforced my interest in work that connects scientific research with community impact.