Making a Difference: Helping the Masses at Today@Wayne
TL/DR –
Bethany Archer, a senior double-majoring in public health and political science at Wayne State University, recently completed an internship at the Detroit Health Department (DHD) as part of WSU’s College to Career initiative. During her internship, Archer participated in the organization’s various programs including the 2024 Community Health Assessment process, which inspired her to conduct a similar survey of campus public health for a practicum project. She aspires to pursue a law degree and work in community needs assessment and planning, pointing out the crucial link between public health, law, and policy.
Student’s Internship Experience Enhances Public Health and Political Science Studies
Wayne State University senior, Bethany Archer, has combined her double-major in public health and political science with practical experience in an internship. As part of the College of Liberal Arts and Science’s Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program, Archer has explored the intersection of policy and public health.
With support from WSU’s College to Career initiative, Archer completed an internship at the Detroit Health Department (DHD). She worked on various programs and participated in the 2024 Community Health Assessment process. Her experiences led her to a public health survey project on campus, solidifying her future in public healthcare.
“My experiences have taught me the importance of listening and empathising,” said Archer. “Public health is the right fit for me; I want to make a difference.”
From Public Health Studies to Law School
To further her career in community needs assessment and planning, Archer plans to obtain a law degree after graduation. “There’s no public health without the law and policy,” she said. “A J.D. will amplify my degree — I want to help as many people as possible.”
Internship Experience in Action
During her internship at the DHD, Archer was involved in environmental health education, infant sleep classes, children’s health, reproductive care and more. She particularly enjoyed participating in the DHD’s iDecide Detroit program, which promotes teen-friendly reproductive healthcare and seeks to destigmatise sexual health.
Furthering Campus Public Health
Working on the 2024 Community Health Assessment inspired Archer to conduct a similar survey on campus public health under the guidance of Assistant Professor Monique Green Jones. She aims to share her findings to advocate for her peers’ well-being. “Listening is a big part of public health,” she said.
Leading the Way in Public Health Studies
Jones mentioned that Archer’s professional qualities and positive experience with the DHD have paved the way for other students in public health. “The DHD has since come to my class, seeking other students,” Jones said. “Practical experiences are crucial in public health curriculum, helping students discover their passion and make meaningful connections.”
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