Junior healthcare and informatics major to work with CDC this summer

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior Brianna Daniels sought a summer fellowship or internship in the health care industry for one main reason.

"I want to find out if public health is the right career path for me," said the 21-year-old who lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Daniels, who is pursuing a degree in health care services and informatics administration, may find her answer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. She was one of 20 students nationwide selected for the Public Health Leader Fellowship Program.

"I was really surprised that I got accepted because hundreds of students applied," said Daniels, who is originally from Baltimore. "But now I'm excited and nervous at the same time."

The rigorous 10-week summer program is designed to prepare underrepresented undergraduate students for leadership roles in public health. For two weeks, students will be taught biostatistics, epidemiology, scientific writing, and public health leadership at Morehouse College. For the other eight weeks, Brianna will be paired with a mentor to conduct hands-on research with the CDC's Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services and specifically the Epidemiology Workforce Branch (EWB).

"I will have to write a scientific manuscript detailing my observations of our research," Daniels said.

While the research aspect has sparked her interest, she looks forward to the hands-on work.

"I am looking forward to the experience of working in this field of study," Daniels said.