On April 15, 2015, Dr. L. Casey Chosewood visited the University of Iowa College of Public Health and shared his background and career path that led him to his current position as the director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office for Total Worker Health™.  More than 30 students attended the event and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with Dr. Chosewood about careers at CDC and NIOSH.

Students from the Carver College of Medicine, the College of Public Health’s epidemiology, community and behavioral health, and occupational and environmental health departments, and the human toxicology program attended the event. The opportunity was organized by the UI College of Public Health’s Healthier Workforce Center for Excellence (HWCE), one of NIOSH’s four Total Worker Health™ Centers for Excellence, and the Heartland Center for Occupational Health & Safety.

Here’s what students shared about the event:

• “It was a big hit, and I’ve noticed students still talking about what we learned there.” — Maya Ramaswamy, PhD student in occupational and environmental health
• “As a graduate student, I always appreciate the opportunity to learn about professionals and the various paths they have taken in their careers. It was also interesting to learn more about NIOSH’s Total Worker Health program and the activities surrounding the various centers.” –Josie Rudolphie, PhD student in occupational and environmental health
• “After Dr. Chosewood’s presentation, he spent additional time talking with me and other students about more specific opportunities for which the University of Iowa has prepared us.” — Stave Rippentrop, Occupational Medicine Resident and student in Executive Master of Healthcare Administration program.
• “Dr. Chosewood gave a great overview of career opportunities at CDC and NIOSH, and even stayed afterwards to speak to students individually. He inspired some of my classmates to consider the Epidemic Intelligence Service, the applied epidemiology fellowship I will be starting soon. His visit definitely benefited University of Iowa students.” — Sophia Chiu, Occupational Medicine Resident and MPH student in occupational and environmental health

The CDC and NIOSH have a wide variety of opportunities for students and college graduates from all academic disciplines and levels; including volunteer, internship, training, and career opportunities.  If you are interested in learning more, visit these CDC and NIOSH web sites for more information.