Innovative new summer internship program addresses environmental health concerns in communities
August 4, 2022 - Irene Gray
Students attended a new internship program designed to introduce individuals to the field of Geographic Information Science.
A new internship program launched this summer at UNM is introducing undergraduate college students to the field of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and how it can be used to address health disparities in underserved communities. Through an intensive two-week in-person curriculum, the UNM - Diné College Summer Internship Program is not only training future leaders in this dynamic field but providing them with real-world opportunities to address environmental health challenges facing their communities.
In partnership with Diné College, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Tick Base Team, UNM METALS Superfund Research Program Center , the Center for Native Environmental Health Equity Research , the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and with support from the R.H. Mallory Center for Community Geography seven students from Diné College, and one from UNM, were able to attend the program at UNM’s campus in late-June.
The internship was held in collaboration with Diné College’s NSF-funded Tribal College and Universities Program (TCUP). This program provides students with an intensive 10-week STEM experience over the summer that is focused on professional development and improving the quality of life for the Navajo communities surrounding Diné College.
Read to full story at UNM Newsroom.
