Everett Dalesio
Specialization: Veterinary Public Health
Agency Name: Ohio Department of Health
Agency Location: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
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.
“I loved working at the state level. It was a large enough scale to feel I was making a difference, but at a small enough scale that I still felt connected to my Ohio community.”
Question
What were you able to do in your APE?
I performed mosquito surveillance and testing for the entire state. We received mosquito shipments from local health departments across Ohio where I organized and counted each tube of mosquitoes from each location and separated Culex species mosquitoes for West Nile Virus PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. I traveled across Ohio to field sample parts of the state where local virus surveillance isn’t present. I also assisted with a survey on local health department requirements for rabies vaccination.
Question
What advice would you share with students in their APE now?
Be open to new opportunities and ways to help. Be professional, but also genuine and personable.