Experiential Learning for Business and Science

Public Health Bootcamp

Our Public Health Bootcamp immerses students in real-world initiatives that impact communities locally and globally. Each cohort engages with projects shaped by evolving public health challenges and professional trends. Offered once a year, the bootcamp experience varies with each rotation, providing hands-on opportunities to build adaptable, career-ready skills.

Industry Experts as Advisors

Projects span 10-15 weeks a semester

Offered annually, (semester may vary)

8-10 hour weekly time commitment from students

3-6 person student teams per project

Our Students Have Gone on to Work At…

Launching successful careers at industry-leading organizations
D
DePuy Synthes
P
Penn Medicine
L
Legend Biotech
A
Amicus Therapeutics
J
Johnson & Johnson
M
Memorial Sloan Kettering

Meet the Experts Who’ll Guide Your Journey

Each advisor brings years of experience in healthcare, federal programs, and education, offering support shaped by the real world.

Alissa Bookwalter

MEd

Advisor, Public Health Bootcamp

Advisor with significant experience in high-level federal government agencies, including the United States Digital Service at the White House, the Office of the First Lady Joining Forces Initiative, and Kessel Run, a Department of Defense software factory. Alissa has supported the MBS Externship Exchange Program since 2020, and currently serves as a Department of the Navy civilian, supporting Strategic Systems Programs.

Virginia Petraglia

RN, BSN

Advisor, Public Health Bootcamp

Advisor with experience in the Healthcare Industry, focusing on current Public Health issues of all ages and populations, directly or indirectly impacting their current and future health trends. Virginia has supported the MBS Externship Program since the Fall of 2022, guiding the students to identify, explore, and discern the impact of Public Health challenges by bridging their intellectual abilities to actual life situations.

Past Areas of Exploration

Past areas of focus have allowed students to explore complex issues, from the impact of vaccination status on public health to the influence of school lunch programs on learning outcomes.

Surveys

Comprehensive surveys among healthcare workers, the general public, and college students

Data Visualization

Data visualization of PCR testing led to the number of confirmed cases, vaccination status, and more through interactive mapping.

Social Media Analysis

Social media sentiment analysis through web scraping of platforms such as Twitter and Reddit.

Childhood Obesity

Exploration of Childhood Obesity though avenues of parental, social, and pharmacological influences

School Lunch Program Impact

Influence of the School Lunch Program and USDA guidelines to explore correlation versus causation related to learning levels of education.

Projects from Recent Bootcamps

Fact vs. Fiction:Vaccinations and Immunizations in Children

Spring 2025

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Megha Donthineni, Pavan Patel, Ashna Bhoj, Akshay Mikkilineni, Irene Lee

Abstract

Faced with widespread misinformation and parental uncertainty, this project tackled vaccine hesitancy by creating clear, science-based educational tools. Through community outreach, myth-busting content, and expert guidance, it empowered families to make informed decisions and helped boost vaccine confidence and uptake.

E-cigarette Epidemic On Young Adults

Fall 2024

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Leena Alkaisi, Dalia Alkaisi, Dhruvi Patel, Disha Seegehalli, Haley Vaughn, Anna Boakye, Arushi Gupta, Aj Rose, Faith Berry

Abstract

This project focused on communicating the impact of vaping on youth and young adults. The team explored key factors such as marketing tactics, health consequences, and geographic trends. To deliver the message in an engaging and accessible way, they developed a series of educational comic strips. The goal was to help young audiences better understand the influences behind vaping and empower them to make informed, health-conscious decisions.

Bridging the Nutritional Gap: A New Jersey Initiative for Chronic Illnesses

Summer 2024

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Sarah Rajan, Krisha Shah, Vidhi Patel, Haroula Tsocanos, Vinh Tran, Maryjo Hobeika, Audrey Mengha

Abstract

Bridging the Nutritional Gap addressed the link between food insecurity and chronic illness in New Jersey. The team developed a user-friendly website offering simplified, culturally tailored nutrition guidance. Content was customized for the state’s four most common ethnic groups to enhance relevance and accessibility. A companion flyer highlighted the project’s goals and directed the public to the site via QR code.