Public Health Entomology for All

Upcoming Webinar!

Join us for our upcoming webinar to Learn about Public Health Entomology Internships and Fellowships on October 3, 2023 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ET. Selected interns and fellows will work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Fort Collins, or San Juan. Register Here!

 

About the Program

In partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) created the Public Health Entomology For All (PHEFA) program as we recognize entomology and ESA have a role in creating a more just and equitable community and world. 

PHEFA Internships and Fellowships will encourage students and recent graduates who are interested in social justice and health equity to pursue entomology as a career and work toward a future in which all communities benefit from creative, inclusive, and equitable scientific processes and solutions.

To learn more about Public Health Entomology CLICK HERE!

Become an Intern or Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Do you want to engage in social justice work and science? Would you like to learn about Public Health Entomology as a profession and learn applied entomological strategies to prevent and control vector-borne diseases that are transmitted to people by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas? Apply for an internship or fellowship through Public Health Entomology For All, an exciting new opportunity for current students or recent undergraduate graduates of a Minority Serving Institution.

Applications are closed for 2023! 

 

Meet the 2022 Class of Interns and Fellows

The Entomological Society of America congratulates the 2022 class of interns and fellows selected for the Public Health Entomology for All program. 

Learn about Tess Brown's experience as one of the six inaugural interns in "How a CDC Internship Set One Student's Sights on Entomology." Plus, learn about Jacoby Clark's experience as a fellow in "CDC Internship, Fellowship Program Enlightens Mentors and Mentees Alike."

One-Year Fellowships for Recent Graduates

Apply for a Fellowship

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a total of two PHEFA Fellows in its field offices in Fort Collins, Colorado; one PHEFA Fellow in Atlanta, Georgia; and one PHEFA Fellow in San Juan, Puerto Rico for one year beginning in summer 2023. Fellows will conduct research alongside experienced entomologists in CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases who are creating solutions to public health challenges, like Dengue, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fellows will learn about public health entomology as a profession and learn applied entomological strategies to prevent and control vector-borne diseases. 

Timing. PHEFA fellowships will last for one year. Fellows will be able to arrange their start date with the CDC.

Location. CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Fort Collins, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Compensation. Fellows will be compensated as follows:

  • $28 per hour. Fellows will be expected to work 40 hours each week for 52 weeks (excluding federal holidays);
  • Membership in ESA for three years;
  • As independent contractors, fellows will not be provided benefits (health insurance, dental insurance, FICA withholding. Fellows will receive a 1099 and be responsible for their own taxes). Applicants may learn more about obtaining private health insurance in Colorado.

Application requirements.

  • Be enrolled in or graduate of a Minority Serving Institution;
  • Have obtained a Bachelors or Masters degree between Spring 2021 and Summer 2023;
  • Be in academic good standing with a minimum GPA  of 2.75, or
  • Have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Demonstrated interest in health equity.

Applicants will also be asked to provide general information and:

  1. Confirm present or former attendance at a Minority Serving Institution 

  1. Upload a transcript for each post-secondary academic institution attended (official or unofficial) 

  2. Upload a resume or CV 

  3. Provide two reference letters. At least one of the references should address your personal characteristics and how they may impact your success in PHEFA 

  1. Respond to each of the questions below.  Each response should be no more than 500 words for a total of no more than 1000 words. 

          A.  Describe why you are applying for a PHEFA internship and how it fits into your long-term academic or professional goals.

          B.  Describe your background and how it impacts your commitment to using science to benefit underserved communities.  

Application period/deadline. The PHEFA Fellow application period will open on December 15, 2022. Complete applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET, January 12, 2023. Incomplete applications, applications without reference letters, applications with reference letters received after the due date, and late applications will not be considered.

Questions? Please review the Public Health Entomology for All FAQs. For additional questions, contact Stacie East, ESA director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at seast@entsoc.org.

Two-Year Fellowships for Recent Graduates

Apply for a Fellowship

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a total of four PHEFA Research Scientists Fellows in its field offices in Fort Collins, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, for two years beginning in summer 2023. Fellows will conduct research alongside experienced entomologists in CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases who are creating solutions to public health challenges, like Dengue, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fellows will learn about public health entomology as a profession and learn applied entomological strategies to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.

Timing. PHEFA Research Scientists fellowships will last for two years. Fellows will be able to arrange their start date with the CDC.

Location. CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases in Fort Collins, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Compensation. Fellows will be compensated as follows:

  • $37 per hour. Fellows will be expected to work 40 hours each week for 52 weeks (excluding federal holidays);
  • Membership in ESA for three years;
  • As independent contractors, fellows will not be provided benefits (health insurance, dental insurance, FICA withholding. Fellows will receive a 1099 and be responsible for their own taxes). 

Application requirements.

  • Received a Masters of Science or Doctoral Degree in entomology or a related field
  • 2.75 minimum GPA
  • Ability to engage in independent research
  • Demonstrated interest in health equity
  • Attendees or graduates of Minority Serving Institutions preferred.

Applicants will also be asked to provide general information and:

  1. Confirm present or former attendance at a Minority Serving Institution 

  1. Upload a transcript for each post-secondary academic institution attended (official or unofficial) 

  2. Upload a resume or CV 

  3. Provide two reference letters. At least one of the references should address your personal characteristics and how they may impact your success in PHEFA 

  1. Respond to each of the questions below.  Each response should be no more than 500 words for a total of no more than 1000 words. 

          A.  Describe why you are applying for a PHEFA internship and how it fits into your long-term academic or professional goals.

          B.  Describe your background and how it impacts your commitment to using science to benefit underserved communities.  

In addition, applicants for the two-year fellowship will need to:

  1. Review the four CDC billets below or research area description and identify which billet they are interested in:
    Arboviral Diseases Branch
    Bacterial Diseases Branch
    Dengue Branch
    Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch

  2. Provide an abstract describing the research you would like to focus on during the two years you will work at the CDC. 

Questions? Please review the Public Health Entomology for All FAQs. For additional questions, contact Stacie East, ESA director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at seast@entsoc.org.

Internships for Current College Students

Apply for an Internship

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a total of six undergraduate students who have completed their junior year as PHEFA Interns in its field offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the summer of 2023. Interns will work alongside experienced entomologists in CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases who are creating solutions to public health challenges, like Dengue, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Consider applying for this internship even if you do not live or attend school near any of the locations, as housing will be provided at the host location. PHEFA Internships are paid, and ESA will provide one round-trip ticket to the location of the field office each intern is placed.

Timing. PHEFA internships will last 10 weeks during the summer of 2023. Interns will arrange the timing of their summer work with CDC, with consideration made to when their spring classes end and fall classes begin.

Location. Two PHEFA interns will be placed at a CDC Field Office in each of three locations: Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Internship applicants need to submit only one application to be considered for any of the locations. After initial interviews are conducted, applicants who continue in the application process will meet with a CDC representative to learn more about the individual offices and assignments.

Compensation. Interns will be compensated as follows:

  • $18 per hour. PHEFA Interns will be expected to work 40 hours each week for 10 weeks (excluding federal holidays);
  • 1 round-trip ticket to the location of the assigned field office;
  • Housing on a local college campus or a housing stipend;
  • A small stipend for meals; and
  • Membership in ESA for three years.

Application requirements. To be eligible, students must:

  • Attend a Minority Serving Institution
  • Have completed at least 3/4 of their undergraduate education
  • Demonstrate an interest in science and health equity
  • Be in academic good-standing

Applicants will be asked to:

1.  Confirm present or former attendance at a Minority Serving Institution

2.  Provide a transcript for each post-secondary academic institution attended (official or unofficial). 

3.  Upload resume or CV. 

4.  Provide two reference letters. At least one of the references should address the applicant's personal characteristics and how their characteristics may impact the applicant's success in PHEFA. 

5.  Please respond to each of the questions below.  Each response should be no more than 500 words for a total of no more than 1000 words. 

    A. Describe why you are applying for a PHEFA internship and how it fits into your long-term academic or professional goals. 

    B. Describe your background and how it impacts your commitment to using science to benefit underserved communities.  

Application period/deadline. The application period will open on December 15, 2022 and will close on January 23, 2023.

Questions? Please review the Public Health Entomology for All FAQs. For additional questions, contact Stacie East, ESA director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at seast@entsoc.org.

Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) Internships

The Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD), Entomological Society of America, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invites you to apply for a Summer 10-week internship for undergraduate students and a two-week internship opportunity for local High School students at the AMA\CD located in Anastasia, Florida. 

ESA seeks applicants who are committed to health equity and ensuring that all community members benefit from creative, inclusive, and equitable scientific processes and solutions.

Timing. PHEFA internships will last 10 weeks during the summer of 2023. Interns will arrange the timing of their summer work with AMACD, with consideration made to when their spring classes end and fall classes begin.

Location. AMCD is seeking local undergraduate students and/or high schools students in Anastasia Florida. After initial interviews are conducted, applicants who continue in the application process will meet with ESA and AMCD representatives to learn more about the field offices and assignments.

Compensation. Undergraduate Interns will compensated as follows:

  • $16 per hour. PHEFA Interns will be expected to work 40 hours each week for 10 weeks (excluding federal holidays)
  • Housing is provided (if needed) on AMCD's Campus
  • ESA Membership
  • Opportunity to attend ESA Annual Meeting
  • Mentorship

Applications: Each internship opportunity has its own application. Please submit the application that you are interested in participating. See below the application links.

Applications are closed for 2023.

Any questions about the internships can be directed to Elynn Owens at eowens@entsoc.org 

Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement Control District Internships

The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement Control District (SLCMAD), Entomological Society of America, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invites you to apply for a Summer 10-week internship for undergraduate students and a two-week internship opportunity for local High School students at the SLCMAD located in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

ESA seeks applicants who are committed to health equity and ensuring that all community members benefit from creative, inclusive, and equitable scientific processes and solutions.

Timing. PHEFA internships will last 10 weeks during the summer of 2023. Interns will arrange the timing of their summer work with SLCMAD, with consideration made to when their spring classes end and fall classes begin.

Location. SLCMAD is seeking local undergraduate students and/or high schools students in Salt Lake City, Utah. After initial interviews are conducted, applicants who continue in the application process will meet with ESA and SLCMAD representatives to learn more about the field offices and assignments.

Compensation. Undergraduate Interns will compensated as follows:

  • $16 per hour. PHEFA Interns will be expected to work 40 hours each week for 10 weeks (excluding federal holidays)
  • Housing is provided (if needed) on SLCMAD's Campus
  • ESA Membership
  • Opportunity to attend ESA Annual Meeting
  • Mentorship

Applications: Each internship opportunity has its own application. Please submit the application that you are interested in participating. See below the application links.

Applications are closed for 2023.

Any questions about the internships can be directed to Elynn Owens at eowens@entsoc.org 

Entomology and Equality

Meet Dr. Don Yee, Dr. Megan Wilkerson, Anna Briggs, MS, and Limarie Reyes-Torres. Learn about their experience with entomology and public health entomology careers.