HDI Student Program

Here at HDI, one of our strategic goals is to deliver applied educational experiences that advance health equity and enhance critical consciousness amongst learners at all levels. We are passionate about providing undergraduate and graduate students alike with opportunities to contribute to HDI’s work across the state and be valued members of our team.

What you will learn:

Former HDI Student Intern, Shay-Voya Anderson, tabling at the CT State Capitol Building for Health Equity Week 2024.

As a HDI Intern, you can expect to learn about and gain practice in any of the following areas:

  • Health equity and social justice praxis
  • Quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
  • Approaches and methods for translation of research to action
  • Policy advocacy strategies
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration in the implementation of research or program agendas
  • Effective, high-impact dissemination and written communication strategies to reach a variety of audiences

HDI Interns are expected to:

  • Work 8-10 hours/week from the start of September to the end of June.
  • Be available for meetings during standard work hours (9am - 5pm) throughout the week.
  • Work occasional weekends and/or evenings as needed for special events and meetings with community partners.
  • Attend 2-3 virtual and in-person workshops, community events, etc. hosted by HDI and/or as part of the HDI team throughout the year.

Application review and interviews occur every Summer, and hired interns are required to participate in an HDI internship orientation in August before of the start of their internship.

Have any questions about HDI’s Student Program? Feel free to contact HDI’s Administrative Director, Melanie Rocco, at mrocco@uchc.edu

Hear from past HDI Health Equity Interns!

Matt Headshot

Matt Chen, UConn '24 M.A. Communication - Communications Intern

"My time at HDI was an invaluable learning experience. HDI provided me with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I was able to work with incredible and passionate faculty and staff to contribute meaningful work that advance health equity and help promote the institute's mission to others."

Cindy Headshot

Cindy Pan, UConn '24 MPH - Graduate Research Internship

"During my internship at HDI, I gained invaluable experience in addressing public health challenges through both research and community engagement. Under the guidance of HDI’s dedicated faculty and staff, I contributed to a variety of projects tailored to my interests, which enhanced my skills and deepened my understanding of health equity. HDI’s extensive network and its legacy of excellence also provided me unique opportunities to connect and collaborate with non-profits, researchers, policymakers, and more in CT and beyond."