Community Health Needs Data Analysis Intern

PLEASE NOTE: Although this posting may display a longer availability window on Handshake due to system requirements, applications for this internship must be submitted by March 20.

Description: The Kent County Health Department conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every 3 years in partnership with 5 hospital systems and community partner organizations. For the 2026 CHNA, KCHD will be collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to identify priority health needs and understand population health in Kent County. This includes a county-wide resident survey and 10 focus groups. The Data Analysis Support intern will help manage survey response rates by pulling Qualtrics data bi-weekly, generating descriptive statistics of respondent demographics, comparing respondent demographics to Kent County demographics to identify gaps in representation, and providing updated counts to the CHNA epidemiologist and community partner organizations helping with survey distribution. The intern will also gain experience with qualitative analysis, working with a small group of epidemiologists to conduct thematic analysis and interpret findings from focus group transcripts. This will include iterative coding, developing a codebook to guide analysis, and reporting key findings and themes.

Importance to Public Health: Mixed methods research (i.e., combining qualitative and quantitative data) is a critical skill in public health and best practice for understanding complex health issues and identifying effective solutions. This project directly supports the CHNA, which guides funding decisions and health improvement strategies across Kent County over a 3-year period. By helping ensure the survey and focus group data are representative and rigorously analyzed, the intern will contribute to a CHNA that accurately reflects community needs and strengthens. At the same time, the intern will gain hands-on experience with primary data collection and analysis, and learn best practices for qualitative research, all skills that are essential for a career in applied epidemiology and population health.

Project Deliverables: 

• Quantitative data summary showing survey respondent demographics (by age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, geography, etc.) compared to Kent County population demographics. 
• Qualitative codebook to guide team data analysis.
• Qualitative data summary, describing key themes identified in focus groups.
• Presentation at Student Research Day in August

Minimum Qualifications: Students applying for this internship must be enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Computer proficiency is required.