Opportunity Title:

Science Communication: Importance of Complex Experimental and Computational Models for Evaluating Impacts of Chemicals on Health Outcomes

Research Area:

Health

EPA Lab/Center/Office:

National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)

Location:

Research Triangle Park, NC

Duration:

3-12 months

Brief Summary:

Apply science journalism tools to communicate importance and impact of research on complex models to predict impact of chemicals on biological systems. Target audience is policy analysts, decision makers in government and industry, and the general scientific community.

Opportunity Description:

This opportunity is available in the Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD) of EPA’s National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory.  ISTD applies systems science approaches to translate diverse emerging data and knowledge in biology, toxicology and epidemiology to improve understanding of the role of exposure to environmental contaminants on health impacts. Division research integrates advanced experimental and computational approaches to understand complex interdependency of the exposures, mechanisms of toxicity, and individual variability in response essential for using results of environmental health studies to enable public health decisions. ISTD scientists develop and advance tools in toxicology for evaluating and predicting potential for adverse outcomes that can occur at any point over the lifespan of an organism.

The goal of this internship is to research and apply methods and tools for effectively communicating ISTD research areas, unique expertise and facilities, and scientific results through a variety of media and products. In collaboration with a mentor, the intern's outputs may include content for the division webpage, factsheets, articles for general scientific magazines, blogs and videos. The intern will have the opportunity to work directly with subject matters experts for specific information on division research while conducting independent research to further understanding and provide critical context. This opportunity would be a good fit for a student with background in science journalism or excellent communication skills. In addition, this opportunity would benefit students with a background in biology or toxicology and with familiarity in data science or other computational discipline. Depending on the desired length of the internship, multiple topics and products may be developed.

Opportunities for Professional Development:

As the pace and complexity of emerging science increases, there is a critical need for clear, accessible communication of this science both within the research community and so that policy and decision makers can understand and act on state-of-the-art information. This internship offers an opportunity for developing and demonstrating skills in science translation to foster uptake by researchers in the wider scientific community as well as to inform public and private sector policies and decisions on chemical risk and public health. The intern will have the opportunity to publish articles in scientific magazines.

Point of Contact or Mentor:

Elaine Cohen Hubal (hubal.elaine@epa.gov)