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Few people think about all the work that goes into keeping a community healthy, but for Beth Klein ’16, that’s what this past summer was all about. Ms. Klein participated in the Community Health Internship Program (CHIP) through Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers, where she worked closely with both the sanitarian and health educator for the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The bulk of her work revolved around environmental water sampling — testing the water quality at Lake Michigan beaches and at well water-using local businesses. In addition to her work with water quality, Ms. Klein facilitated a number of community outreach projects including beach clean-ups, newsletters, and a presentation on sunscreen use at a local center caring for people with disabilities.

Ms. Klein particularly enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to public health efforts in her community, and see the outcomes first-hand. She writes, “I think my favorite part is how our work impacts people and really helps them lead better lives. A lot of things done by public health are various background steps to keep things going well or fixing problems people don’t really realize someone is hired to do (for instance, beach advisories). We do those things and talk to many people about what we do, how it helps them, what else they should know, etc., and the community is always so open and glad that we are there.”

A graduate in biology, Chinese, and Asian Studies, Ms. Klein spent her time at Carthage taking on a wide range of projects, from microbiology research with Prof. Deborah Tobiason to a senior thesis on Chinese self-identity, written entirely in Chinese. She played violin and double bass in campus ensembles, served as a laboratory assistant in the Biology Department, and studied in Chengdu, China for one semester in her senior year. Originally from Sheboygan, Wis., she is currently working as a medical scribe in a hospital while applying to medical schools.

Interested in pursuing a competitive summer research internship? Contact Dan Choffnes, Director of Student Fellowships, to discuss opportunities.