What is your hometown?
Tacoma, Washington
What college or university were you attending during your internship?
University of Washington
What is your field of study or degree program?
Public health's food systems, nutrition, and health major and psychology
Why did you want to intern at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)?
I wanted to intern at DOH because of my personal experiences growing up as a Filipino immigrant and witnessing the challenges faced by underserved communities. Growing up in the Philippines, I saw families struggle with limited access to clean water, nutritious food, and health care.
I noticed similar disparities, especially in immigrant and low-income communities, where people worked hard but still faced barriers to living healthy lives. These experiences shaped my desire to help others, particularly in ensuring that basic needs like food, water, and health care are accessible to everyone. Interning at DOH felt like an opportunity to give back, using my background to connect with diverse communities and contribute to initiatives that improve health and well-being for those who need it most.
What was the name of your DOH host team?
Office of Drinking Water, Environmental Public Health
Please share a brief description of your intern project.
As the water use efficiency statistician at the Office of Drinking Water, I analyzed water use data (2007–2023) to ensure accuracy and reliability. I developed a list of full-system clustered entities for metering compliance, designed a data evaluation tool, and identified systems with exceptional water loss control. This work supports the Ensuring Water Capacity Program, enhancing water system capacity, public health, and equitable water management for the community.
What was a highlight of your internship experience at the DOH?
A highlight of my internship experience at DOH was meeting new people every day across various departments and seeing how interconnected the organization is. I truly appreciated the welcoming and friendly environment, the hands-on experience not just in my assigned department but also in others, and the opportunity to observe how public health operates in real-world job settings.
What do you wish you knew prior to starting this internship? Do you have any tips for future interns?
My tip for future interns would be to ask questions, network with colleagues, and take full advantage of opportunities to learn from different teams. Being open-minded and proactive will help you gain a broader understanding of public health and make the most of the in-person and hands-on experience offered during the internship.
What new skills, competencies, or knowledge did you gain during your internship at the DOH?
I gained valuable skills in data analysis and evaluation, focusing on assessing water use efficiency data for accuracy and reliability. I developed technical competencies in creating detailed spreadsheets to analyze trends and identify areas for improvement while strengthening my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities through projects like identifying full-system clustered entities and recognizing systems with exceptional water loss control. This experience highlighted the critical role of water in supporting both the environment and public health, deepening my understanding of how effective water resource management ensures equitable access to safe and reliable water.
In what ways did your internship support your career goals or professional development?
My internship supported my career goals and professional development by providing hands-on experience in public health and environmental sustainability. I developed skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork while working on projects with real-world impact. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how public health systems operate and their role in addressing health disparities. It solidified my commitment to pursuing a career that focuses on creating equitable solutions to improve community health and well-being.
Where are you hoping to take your career next?
I hope to take my career into a field where I can focus on improving food access, environmental sustainability, and community health, particularly for underserved populations. With my background in food systems, nutrition, and health, I want to work on creating solutions that address food insecurity and promote health equity by strengthening sustainable systems. I’m especially interested in roles that combine policy development, community engagement, and environmental resource management to tackle public health disparities and ensure communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Is there anything about your identity or background that you would like to highlight or share?
As a first-generation Filipino-American, my background has shaped how I see the world and connect with underserved communities. These experiences have inspired me to help address health challenges and find fair solutions to improve people's lives.