Public Health Bootcamp
Our Public Health Bootcamp provides students with actual public health initiatives impacting communities, countries, and the world. These projects are crafted to develop with the dynamic changes in the professional environment. Each rotation offers a unique experience, varying from semester to semester, and equips students with valuable skills that enhances their future careers.
Industry Experts as Advisors
Projects span 10-15 weeks a semester
Enrolling students every semester
8-10 hour weekly time commitment from students
6-8 person student teams per project
Past Areas of Exploration
Our students have gained invaluable experience by addressing real-world public health challenges. 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.
Our Students have gone to work at...
DePuy Synthes | Penn Medicine | Legend Biotech
Amicus Therapeutics | Johnson & Johnson
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Meet Our Advisors
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 projects
Summer 2023
Covid-19 Global Data Visualization
Team:
Joyce Chauca, Eric Cho, Iris Brody, Priscilla Barrera Costa, Sumer Chaudhry, and Ayushi Patelv
Abstract:
The Fall 2022 team focused on gathering and performing visual analysis on human trafficking data. Insights regarding regional prevalence and vulnerability where formed for locations based in the United States.
Fall 2022
Childhood Obesity
Team:
Mathew Rothman, Jinglin Zhoa
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue that has been identified as a major problem in the United States. The main objective of the Public Health Bootcamp was to comprehend how childhood habits can impact the occurrence of childhood obesity, highlight the consequences of approved medications for treating childhood obesity, and explore strategies to support children who are at risk of becoming obese. By examining the long-term effects of childhood habits and behaviors, the team identified patterns and trends that contribute to obesity and implemented interventions that promote healthier lifestyles from an early age. In summary, the Public Health Bootcamp recognizes childhood obesity as a pressing public health issue. Through extensive research of three specific topics (Family and lifestyle, Medication, Sedentary Habits), analysis, and a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences, the program aimed to develop strategies and interventions that can effectively combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lives for children.
Summer 2022
Covid-19 Global Data Visualization
Team:
Rushali Shah (Lead), Amita Reka, Emma Leary
Abstract:
The Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals Post-Quarantine aims to assess and understand the psychosocial impact of the pandemic on high schoolers. This project was done in association with CCICADA, which is a US Department of Homeland Security Center partnered with Rutgers and multiple other institutions. Our project goals were achieved by analyzing data from the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES) collected by the CDC. The information gathered from our data analysis can be utilized by Rutgers and other similar institutions to better assist their incoming students with their mental and social needs. We hope to provide viable and helpful suggestions to improve everyday student life post-pandemic.
Spring 2022
Covid-19 Global Data Visualization
Team:
Esther Martinez, Ivanna Starozytnyk, Keny Exantus, Tajrian Amad, Jaime Plumaker, Aisha Ghauri, Harry Thomas Dr. Karen Bemis, Alissa Bookwalter, Dr. Fred Roberts
Abstract:
The Spring 2022 team focused on how the data analysis of Covid-19 changed during the past two years. Below is a link to the our world in data organization which contains various graphs and charts on all data about covid-19 whether it is vaccination rates,Covid-19 deaths etc. The charts and data from this website along with various tweets will help us see the changed sentiment of Covid-19. Along with real world update data analytics from COVID data questionares.
Fall 2021
Covid-19 Global Data Visualization
Team:
Nora Asker, Sreya Vadapali
Abstract:
The Fall 2021 team continued the work the previous team did with a new survey, interviews with professionals, big data analysis, & gathering data from social media and representing sentiment. Along with this was a guide to Rutgers students about the reopening of campus and focusing on sentiment analysis from multi sectors. All of the changes made here was a continuation of the previous.
Spring 2021
Covid-19 Global Data Visualization
Team:
Shrey Joshi (Lead), Nora Asker, Janki Patel, Jermaine Griffith
Abstract:
The Summer 2022 team focused on the initial stages of Covid-19 within California, Michigan, New York and Ohio and how it changed during the past year. Below is a link to the our world in data organization which contains various graphs and charts on all data about Covid-19 whether it is vaccination rates, Covid-19 deaths etc. The charts and data from this website along with various survey analysis will help us see the changed sentiment of Covid-19. Along with this population case data representations.