Master’s student opportunity
Community-based Environmental Health in Haiti

Project description: This project in rural Haiti will create health education workshops for the purpose of reducing the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses.  Several mosquito-borne illnesses of global significance are found in Haiti --malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.  The site of the project has a predicted malaria positivity rate of 25-35% according to estimates done by the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Moreover, of the five forms of plasmodium responsible for malaria; the most virulent, Plasmodium falciparum, predominates in Haiti. Chikungunya, a newly recognized and serious viral illness, emerged in the region in 2014.   In response to these public health concerns, master’s students will collaborate with local healthcare workers to develop workshops that are linked to interventions which are effective, easily accomplished, and low cost.  This work is a collaboration with CapraCare, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was founded in April of 2009 with the goal of developing a community health program to address many of the health dilemmas faced by the rural community of Fonfrède, Haiti.
Number of positions: 2
Position description: This position is appropriate for CUNY Master’s students currently matriculated in either public health or community health programs who are seeking internship placements, capstone, or thesis projects. Depending on qualifications, students may  be involved in the development and/or administration of questionnaires, data analysis, field surveillance for mosquito habitat, collaborative development of a community appropriate health education materials, development and implementation of a mosquito abatement strategy.  The work on-site is required and will be conducted in February as part of a planned delegation to the region.  Otherwise, work hours are flexible and can be done at the student’s discretion.  Costs associated with travel will be covered by the project.
Qualifications:

•         Interest and expertise in public health, health education and/or environmental health

•         Ability to conduct oral and written communicate in Kreyol preferred but not essential.

•         Expertise in health education, environmental health, or data analysis.

•         Able to travel to Haiti on the anticipated travel dates of February 14-22, 2015.

To apply: Please respond to Jean Grassman, Associate Professor, Brooklyn College by sending a short statement of interest and a CV to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.  The position will remain open until qualified applicants are found with an anticipated selection in December 2014.


<Mosquito project 2014 updated.docx>