Sanitarian Intern & Undergraduate Research Assistant

 As a Sanitarian Intern with Oakland County, I supported environmental health and public safety initiatives through field inspections, regulatory compliance work, and data collection across a wide range of community settings. The internship strengthened my understanding of environmental regulations, wastewater and septic systems, public health protection, and the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with practical community needs. Working directly with professionals in the field gave me hands-on experience communicating with residents, documenting findings, and applying environmental science in real-world situations. This experience reinforced my passion for pursuing a career focused on sustainability, environmental protection, and improving community resilience through science-based solutions. 

 As an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Oakland University, I supported research efforts focused on surveying blighted parcels throughout the City of Pontiac to help collect environmental and community data used for future funding allocation and redevelopment planning. Through this role, I learned how to properly conduct field surveys, identify and document environmental conditions, and organize accurate data for research and community use. The position also strengthened my ability to communicate professionally with residents and members of the public while working in diverse neighborhood settings. Working alongside faculty and fellow students gave me valuable hands-on experience in applied environmental research and showed me how environmental data can directly support community revitalization and long-term sustainability efforts.