Alicia Murphy
Specialization: Environmental Health Sciences
Agency Name: Sage Services
Agency Location: Philadelphia, Penn.
Every year, Public Health Buckeyes take what they learn in their Master of Public Health programs and put it to practice. These applied practice experiences help students meet educational and professional development goals.
“My APE showed me that I want to continue working on water quality issues.”
Question
What were you able to do in your APE?
I am interested in water quality and human health. Through this internship I had the opportunity to work for the Philadelphia Water Department and help them learn more about the new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations.
The consulting company specializes in water resources management and advises utilities by providing support for regulatory compliance planning, technical review of environmental data as well as technical review of proposed and existing regulations.
My responsibilities included researching the uses and health impacts of PFAS. I developed a report on the uses and health effects of the six PFAS chemicals that will be regulated under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. I also conducted an exposure assessment on PFAS in drinking water and investigated sources of PFAS contamination in the Schuylkill River.
Question
What advice would you give to a student going into their APE?
Find something that you are interested in learning more about.