Internship Program

Educating the next generation of population health leaders.

The Institute for Translational Population Health Research believes that the future of population health depends on bold thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, compassionate leaders, and individuals willing to work across disciplines to address society's most complex challenges.

Our Internship Program was created to provide undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to participate in meaningful work that extends beyond the classroom and contributes to real-world community impact.

As a nonprofit population health research institute, we provide students with exposure to applied research, community engagement, systems thinking, data-informed decision-making, behavioral health innovation, community development, and population health improvement.

Many internships focus on a single profession or discipline. Population health requires something different.

The health of a community is influenced by factors that extend far beyond healthcare. Housing, education, transportation, economic opportunity, technology, social connection, public policy, environmental conditions, behavioral health, and community development all influence health outcomes.

Addressing these challenges requires people who can think beyond traditional boundaries.

For this reason, the Institute has designed its internship program around interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and innovation. Students work on projects that connect research with practice and knowledge with action.

Public Health Is Interdisciplinary

We welcome students from a broad range of academic disciplines.

One of the defining characteristics of public health is its ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to solve complex problems.

We encourage applications from students pursuing degrees in:

Health and Human Services

Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, Health Education, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, and related fields.

Data, Technology & Analytics

Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geographic Sciences, Information Systems, and related disciplines.

Community & Social Sciences

Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy, Community Development, Urban Planning, and related programs.

Business, Leadership & Organizational Studies

Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, and related fields.

Education, Communications & Public Engagement

Education, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Environmental Studies, and related disciplines.

Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs are particularly encouraged to apply. The Institute views interdisciplinary collaboration as one of the most important skills needed by future leaders in population health and community development.
Areas of Internship Engagement

Where interns contribute.

Interns may contribute to projects involving any of the following research and program areas.

01

Population Health Research

Investigating factors that influence health outcomes, health equity, quality of life, and community well-being.

02

Behavioral Health Innovation

Supporting initiatives focused on resilience, recovery, social connectedness, and community-based behavioral health interventions.

03

Social Prescription Program

Helping develop and evaluate innovative approaches that connect individuals with community resources and opportunities that promote wellness.

04

Community Wellness Initiatives

Supporting programs designed to improve health, strengthen resilience, and promote healthy lifestyles.

05

GIS and Community Intelligence

Using mapping technologies and spatial analysis to better understand community conditions and support decision-making.

06

Population Health Forecasting

Exploring future health trends through forecasting models, trend analysis, and health intelligence systems.

07

Community Development & Revitalization

Supporting initiatives focused on housing, neighborhood conditions, economic opportunity, and community transformation.

08

Program Evaluation & Impact Measurement

Assessing the effectiveness of programs and identifying opportunities for improvement.

09

Grant Research & Capacity Building

Supporting organizations and initiatives that seek funding to improve community outcomes.

Opportunities by Academic Level

Built for undergraduate and graduate students.

Whether you're exploring career interests or seeking deeper engagement in research and leadership, there's a place for you here.

For Undergraduates

Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate internships provide opportunities to explore career interests, develop professional skills, and gain practical experience working on meaningful projects.

Students will strengthen abilities in
  • Research and inquiry
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Community engagement
  • Critical thinking
  • Project development
  • Professional leadership

These experiences help students build strong foundations for graduate education and future careers.

For Graduates

Opportunities for Graduate Students

Graduate internships provide advanced learning experiences designed for students seeking deeper engagement in research, evaluation, leadership, and systems-level problem solving.

Graduate interns may contribute to
  • Community assessments
  • Strategic planning
  • Program evaluation
  • Independent research
  • Data analytics
  • Forecasting projects
  • Policy analysis
  • Capstone projects
  • Practicum experiences
  • Scholarly & professional writing

Graduate students are encouraged to bring their expertise, perspectives, and leadership skills to the Institute's work.

Virtual Internship Model

Accessible to students everywhere.

The Institute currently operates a fully virtual internship program.

All internship opportunities are conducted remotely, allowing students from across the United States and beyond to participate regardless of location.

Our virtual model expands access, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and creates opportunities for students from diverse academic institutions to work together on shared projects and initiatives.

The virtual format allows students to gain meaningful experience while maintaining flexibility with academic and personal commitments.

Internship Compensation

An educational and professional development experience.

All internship positions are currently unpaid.

The Institute is a nonprofit research organization, and internships are structured as educational experiences designed to support student learning, professional growth, and career development.

Although interns do not receive financial compensation, they gain valuable benefits that extend well beyond the term of the internship itself.

Academic credit: many students may also be eligible to receive academic credit through their institution.
Mentorship & Professional Development

An environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Interns receive mentorship from experienced public health practitioners, researchers, community leaders, and professionals engaged in population health improvement, behavioral health innovation, community development, health systems transformation, and translational research.

Internship supervision is provided by public health professionals with advanced graduate-level training, nationally recognized public health certifications, extensive experience in healthcare and community-based initiatives, and active engagement in doctoral scholarship and applied population health research.

Every internship includes

  • Individual learning goals
  • Structured supervision
  • Professional mentorship
  • Regular feedback
  • Career development support
  • Opportunities for leadership growth
  • Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Experience translating research into action

Our goal is not only to help students succeed academically, but also to help them become effective leaders capable of creating meaningful change in the communities they serve.

Building the Future Together

A new generation of leaders.

The challenges facing communities today require a new generation of leaders who can think across disciplines, collaborate across sectors, and transform knowledge into action.

The Institute for Translational Population Health Research is proud to invest in that future.

We invite students who are passionate about research, innovation, service, and community impact to join us.

Learn Beyond the Classroom.

Work Across Disciplines.

Contribute to Real Change.

Help Build Healthier Communities.

Applications Are Accepted Year-Round