Purpose
There are many different public health careers in STEM fields. The CDC NERD Academy curriculum highlights eight careers. A career spotlight poster is queued up in each of the modules as a handout. Teachers can also share videos of real-life CDC staff who have these careers.
Overview
Browse the collection of public health career spotlights featured across all curriculum modules. Videos and posters spotlight public health careers and describe what these public health professionals do, who they work with, where they work, what skills they use, and what qualifications they need.
- Watch these videos with students to help bring the careers to life. Feel free to share the links with students and encourage them to watch with family and share with friends.
- Download posters in English and Spanish, and display in the classroom or give as handouts for reference and discussion as students complete lesson plan activities.
To learn more about public health STEM careers at CDC, encourage students to visit See Yourself in a Public Health Career.
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist, also known as a disease detective, investigates the causes of diseases, how diseases spread, and how they can be prevented or controlled.
Use module 1 for students to experience the role of an epidemiologist.
Infection prevention specialist
An infection prevention specialist studies diseases and helps develop ways to detect, prevent, and control their spread.
Use module 2 for students to experience the role of an infection prevention specialist.
Behavioral scientist
A behavioral scientist studies why people behave the way they do and what factors influence their decisions and behaviors.
Use module 3 for students to experience the role of a behavioral scientist.
Biostatistician
A biostatistician looks at data collection methods and analyzes data to help answer health-related questions, using graphs and tables designed to make the data easier to understand. They also discuss limitations of analyses to prevent misconceptions about the data.
Use module 4 for students to experience the role of a biostatistician.
Health communication specialist
A health communication specialist creates communication strategies, messages, and products to educate the public on health issues and recommendations. They translate technical information into messages and visuals that communicate culturally relevant, timely, and actionable information.
Use module 5 for students to experience the role of a health communication specialist.
Laboratory scientist
A laboratory scientist uses laboratory equipment to analyze samples and substances. They perform laboratory testing and interpret results, and they might help develop and test new types of diagnostic and screening tests.
Use module 6 for students to experience the role of a laboratory scientist.
Public health nurse
A public health nurse plays a vital role in disease prevention and promoting community health and safety. They look at health trends and risk factors and work to improve access to health services. They also help design and implement health education campaigns and disease prevention activities.
Use module 7 for students to experience the role of a public health nurse.
Outbreak team
During an outbreak investigation, public health experts work as a team. They each bring diverse backgrounds, specialized skills, and experiences that contribute to the overall goal of reducing the spread of disease.
Use module 8 for students to learn how public health experts work together to follow steps of an outbreak investigation and communicate their findings.