CAREER PATHWAYS
The Power of Early Exposure
By Amra Handzic, MBA, senior specialist, Academic Partnerships
LT Leandra B. Jones.
While public health laboratories are essential in protecting lives, many students are unaware of the rewarding career opportunities available to them until later in their academic or professional journeys. Early exposure through internship, fellowship and mentorship initiatives can be the spark that lights a pathway from curiosity to long-term career commitment. By creating intentional opportunities for students to explore public health laboratory science, the public health community strengthens its workforce pipeline and capacity to respond to emerging challenges.
Career Pathways in Public Health Laboratory Science: an APHL-CDC Initiative is designed to bridge this gap. These programs introduce students and graduates to the critical work of public health laboratories, offering them hands-on experience, professional development and mentorship. For many, these opportunities are a launchpad to permanent roles in state and local public health laboratories.
One pathway begins with an internship or fellowship in a laboratory, where participants gain technical and professional skills. Exposure to realworld laboratory projects allows students to apply classroom knowledge in meaningful ways while learning about laboratory operations, biosafety and quality assurance. Importantly, they build relationships with mentors and colleagues who guide them through the complexities of public health work.
“ I discovered the APHL-CDC fellowship as a way to gain hands-on experience and apply my science to urgent, real-world issues.”
— LT Leandra B. Jones, PhD, past APHL-CDC Infectious Disease fellow; current MSc
Laboratory Leadership fellow and US Public Health Service officer, US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention( CDC)
A mix of curiosity and passion often drives the decision to participate in an internship or fellowship. For many, the chance to apply scientific training to real-world health problems offers a sense of purpose that goes beyond traditional laboratory settings.
Jones:“ I wanted my training in microbiology to have a direct impact on people’ s lives and the fellowship provided the opportunity to bridge science with service.”
“ This fellowship opened my eyes to an entire realm of research beyond academia. No two days in the toxicology lab are the same, which keeps the work engaging and meaningful.”
— Alyssa Deeds, fellow, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
( MSU VDL)
Throughout these experiences, fellows and interns frequently emphasize the value of transferable skills, including data analysis, communication, teamwork and project management. These skills enrich their immediate contributions and prepare them for long-term career success.
Jones:“ I gained technical expertise and, just as importantly, collaboration and communication skills. Effective public health depends on teamwork and trust.”
Deeds:“ Presenting at conferences helped me become a more confident public speaker and taught me how to collaborate across disciplines.”
Transitioning from a training role to a full-time position can present challenges and provide growth opportunities. Fellows often note that their prior exposure to public health laboratories makes them more confident and adaptable when stepping into permanent roles.
As these journeys demonstrate, early exposure is more than an entry point; it is a foundation. Students who engage with public health laboratories early in their careers gain clarity about their interests, develop practical skills and build lasting professional networks. These experiences shape their career trajectories and strengthen the public health system.
Jones:“ Public health careers are diverse— mentorship, communication and teamwork can make the difference between being a good scientist and an impactful public health leader.”
As of October 1, 2025, APHL supports 59 active interns in 54 host laboratories and 226 active fellows in 101 host laboratories. More details are available on the APHL Career Pathways webpage. By investing in student engagement and fostering pathways to long-term careers, APHL and its partners ensure that tomorrow’ s public health workforce is skilled and inspired. g
4 LAB MATTERS Winter 2025 PublicHealthLabs @ APHL. org
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