Environmental Science Student Interns with CDC

College of Science and Mathematics (Department of Environmental Science)

Brandon Sauceda, a Southeast Missouri State University environmental science major, recently worked with world-renowned scientists during his internship with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga.

The Sikeston, Mo., native learned the links between human health and the environment. He worked on several environmental health projects, interacted with federal officials and scientists, and visited important environmental health sites in and around Atlanta. He worked primarily in the Environmental Public Health Readiness Branch on chemical weapons elimination and also assisted in the Emergency Operations Center, the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, and the Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program.

“I had the opportunity to work on several interesting projects, receive personal mentoring and collaborate with other federal agencies traveling to Washington, Baltimore and Anniston this summer,” he said.

After graduating, Brandon plans to pursue a master’s degree at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Eventually, he plans to return to work for the federal government and join the U.S. Public Health Service as an environmental health officer. He is also considering attending medical school. He said his time at the University has contributed to his success.

“Southeast’s curriculum and high faculty-to-student ratio have allowed me to gain a well-rounded education where I can work independently, ask my own questions and begin to answer them myself,” he said.

In his spare time, Brandon enjoys attending Redhawk football games and watching the Tour of Missouri cyclists ride through Cape Girardeau. He also plays golf and soccer with friends, rides his bicycle, and plays violin. He likes to travel, too, especially to London. He plans to visit other European countries and Japan in the future.

Brandon advises future Southeast students, “Make the most of your opportunities: travel/study abroad and apply for interesting internships, research positions and fellowships you are passionate about, because if you don’t try and apply, you won’t get it.”