University of California students can gain hands-on experience working in the diverse fields of natural resources, agriculture, conservation, policy, outreach education, and health via the UCGHI Planetary Health Center of Expertise (PHCOE) Summer Field Experience Program in summer 2018.

Students can apply for a variety of opportunities in collaboration with the PHCOE’s local and international partners beginning January 2018. The PHCOE will administer the Summer Field Experience Program for undergraduate and graduate students – providing students support throughout.

“Selected students will be co-mentored by PHCOE leadership and on-site mentors, and can receive academic credit or paid positions as fellows in the program, depending on the program” explained PHCOE Co-Director Woutrina Smith.

The PHCOE created the Summer Field Experience Program to help students build their resumes and secure jobs. “You need a job to get experience, while you need experience to get a job… We want to prepare students for jobs that are a good fit for their interests, both locally and globally,” said Smith. She hopes that these opportunities will help feed students into the competitive job market by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

There are multiple opportunities available to students, and visiting faculty, for summer 2018 placements:

• National laboratory programs - The PHCOE has partnered with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) on research and training to address critical issues affecting the health of humans, animals, and our shared environments. These opportunities include programs for visiting faculty scholars as well as students. January deadlines vary.
• Environmental conservation, policy and natural resources - Work on issues related to conservation and policy in California with the PHCOE and California Department of Conservation (DOC) summer program. Two UC graduate students will be selected for this paid program, based in Sacramento and UC Davis. Applications are due on January 30, 2018 5:00 pm PST.
• Climate change and health equity - The PHCOE and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offer opportunities for UC graduate students to work on issues related to climate change and health. The opportunity is based in Richmond or Sacramento, and academic credit is available to participants. Applications are due on January 30, 2018 5:00 pm PST.
• Agriculture and natural resources - Gain hands-on experience working in agriculture and natural resources. University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Cooperative Extension is offering opportunities for UC undergraduate and graduate students. Academic credit or paid positions available for participants depending on the host sites. Applications are due on February 15, 2018 5:00 pm PST.
• RX One Health 2018 - The PHCOE, One Health Institute at UC Davis and Sokoine University of Agriculture are offering an intensive 4-week summer institute field course in Tanzania for graduate students and early career professionals to gain knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of One Health. Applications are due on January 30, 2018 5:00 pm PST.