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How can I get research experience for public health??

I would like to gain experience conducting and presenting research for minority health, but I am open to general public health research, but my school does not offer research opportunities.

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Mary Carol’s Answer

Most local health departments love to have students or interns working with them. I suggest reaching out to local health departments.
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De’s Answer

the best way to get involved, is locate a University close to you in which research is being conducted that matches your interest. You can become a volunteer in the lab and gain valuable resources and knowledge.
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Char’s Answer

Hi Trinite,
Your career choice is interesting! I've always been interested in research but never went that direction. There's definitely a need for it. I'm not sure if you're in high school or college but if you're in college or starting soon, these may help:

Char recommends the following next steps:

Get involved in school clubs and professional organizations related to your major. As a member of these groups, you'll have access to all types of opportunities. You'll network with a lot of people who may know someone who could offer you an opportunity. You'll also get to network with people from all over the country if you attend their national conferences/events and you never know who could link you up with someone who could offer you an opportunity.
Do a simple search online for research extern/internships or jobs. Look for them on job boards too like Indeed.com. Over the years, I've seen entry-level research assistant jobs online that would be great for students.
Attend job fairs on/off campus. Even though you might not be offered a job, you can ask someone for a volunteer position as a research assistant. Get your foot in the door that way.
Ask your public health professors if they need an assistant or if they know of anyone who needs one. This may not necessarily be research-related, but getting this experience might give you an advantage when you start applying for research assistant jobs/extern/internships.
Go to your local county office and ask to volunteer. You can ask to volunteer as a research assistant or just any type of volunteer just to get your foot in the door. You can even ask to assist a public health nurse.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Trinitie
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi Trinitie,

Diving into public health research, particularly focusing on minority health, can be a truly enriching journey. It can help you build crucial skills and deepen your understanding of the field. Even though your school doesn't provide research opportunities, there are plenty of other ways to gain that experience. Here are a few friendly pointers:

1. Explore internships or fellowships: A host of organizations, like government bodies, non-profits, and research institutions, offer internships or fellowships to students keen on public health research. These opportunities can give you practical experience in creating, conducting, and presenting research studies. Websites like Idealist, LinkedIn, or professional associations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) or the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) are great places to start your search.

2. Volunteer for research studies: Universities, hospitals, and other organizations often conduct public health research studies. You can find these studies online or in local listings and volunteer to be a part of them. This will give you a chance to learn about data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

3. Get involved in local health department research projects: Local health departments frequently conduct research studies on a range of public health issues, including minority health. Reach out to your local health department to find out about ongoing research projects and offer your assistance.

4. Join a research study team: If you can't find a suitable research study, consider contacting researchers conducting studies in public health and offer your help. Many researchers appreciate volunteers who can assist with data collection, analysis, or other aspects of their studies.

5. Attend research conferences: Research conferences are a fantastic way to stay updated on the latest public health research, connect with other researchers, and gain insights into the field. Look for conferences in your area or online.

6. Consider online courses or certifications: Numerous online courses and certifications can equip you with public health research methods and techniques. These can help you acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct and present research.

To support my suggestions, here are three authoritative reference titles:

1. “Public Health Research Methods: A Practical Guide” by David B. Nelson and Michael J. Tucker. This book offers a comprehensive look at research methods in public health, including study design, data collection, and analysis.

2. “Conducting Public Health Research: A Step-by-Step Guide” by Leslie H. Strub and James R. Krogstad. This book provides a systematic guide to conducting public health research, including designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings.

3. “Public Health Research: A Guide to Methods and Practices” by David P. Holland and James A. D. Cooper. This book gives an overview of research methods and practices in public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and health services research.

I hope these tips prove beneficial in your quest for research experience in public health!

Take care and stay blessed,

James.
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