Undergraduate students interested in honing their skills are invited to apply for the Summer Institute in Occupational Health and Safety.  Hosted at the USF College of Public Health, the program runs from June 14-19.

“The Summer Institute has been an eye-opening and life-changing experience,” said Todd Crutchfield, a 2013 OHS participant.  “I would not trade it for anything.”

 

 

During the week-long session, OHS participants visit with experts in the College of Public Health and the Tampa Bay area.  Through a series of lectures, laboratory sessions and field experiences, students learn how OHS professionals are trained to treat and prevent occupational illnesses, why illness occurs in the workplace, and how to make the workplace a safer environment.

“We want to show students not only that this field exists, but that it is an important part of public health, and that there are great opportunities to further their education and to have successful careers,” said Rene’ R. Salazar, PhD, CIH, assistant professor at the USF College of Public Health and director of the OHS summer institute.

Thanks to funding from Sunshine Education and Resource Center, all tuition, fees, housing, food and travel are paid for by the summer institute.  For additional information and to apply, visit the institute’s website or contact Jason Garcia at jgarcia4@health.usf.edu.

“The Summer Institute gave me valuable insight into the field of occupational health and safety, which allowed me to better direct possible paths of graduate studies in USF’s public health program,” said Casey Foster, a 2013 participant.  “I learned that occupational health and safety professionals use science and technology in the workplace to save lives and make a difference in our communities.”