Student Spotlight: From Buffalo to Alaska - John Romanowski's NEPHIP Journey

The National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) connects students with hands-on experience in environmental health across the country. This summer, John Romanowski, a student at SUNY ESF, traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska to work with the Tanana Chiefs Conference. His dedication and impact earned him recognition as one of the Top 100 Interns of 2025. We connected with John to learn about his transformative summer experience.

About Your Experience

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to pursue environmental public health?

Of course! I grew up in Buffalo, New York, with four siblings. We were always outside and have been to many national parks across the United States. In high school, I stumbled upon an early assurance program between SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and Upstate Medical University. Upon being accepted, I was given the flexibility to pursue medical school while also exploring my interest in environmentalism. Environmental public health allows me to study how our environment affects human health, making it the perfect intersection of my passions.

What drew you to the NEPHIP internship program, and why did you apply?

I first heard about the NEPHIP program through my advisor at SUNY ESF, and after seeing that I would be paid to move across the country for summer, I was completely sold. On top of this, the application process was relatively straightforward compared with other internships I applied for. Finally, I was given a plethora of options in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, all of which were places I wanted to move to.

You were placed in Fairbanks, Alaska with the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) - tell us what was that like?

It was one of the best experiences of my life. Depending on the week, I spent three to four days in the office and one to two days traveling to remote communities. It was very nice to have both days in the field and some slower days to decompress. Fairbanks is a nice town that is the perfect size for a summer stay and is close to beautiful nature. TCC was a great company to work for, and you could tell they always put the communities they served first.

What kind of projects did you work on during your internship?

The main project I worked on this summer started as an internal data-entry task for my department. After completing the project, I realized there was potential for a full research study. I expanded the project and wrote an entire paper detailing environmental health in rural clinics, exploring the causes and implications of our findings. I am currently waiting to hear back regarding publication. Other projects I worked on included vaccinating animals, assisting communities in updating their Small Community Emergency Response Plans, and modifying environmental health standards guidelines for clinics.

Impact & Learning

What was the most rewarding part of your internship experience?

I would say the most rewarding part was village travel, as I really liked interacting with those who lived in the communities. The people were exceptionally kind, and I never would have had the opportunity to engage with their culture had I not participated in NEPHIP.

Did you face any challenges in your work, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I encountered was probably relocating to Fairbanks. It's the farthest I've ever traveled alone and logistically difficult due to the sheer distance. Additionally, life in Alaska is much slower compared to what I'm used to, especially after my prior experience in healthcare. It was certainly an adjustment to slow down and enjoy my time rather than rush to the next task.

How did this internship change your perspective on environmental public health?

It helped me realize that environmental public health is far more multifaceted than I initially thought. Many NEPHIP internships revolve around air, water, or food quality. Working with TCC allowed me to work particularly in a health clinic environment, which is much more applicable to my future career goals.

What skills or lessons will you carry with you into your career?

I gained many insights, but the most transformative was the importance of cultural competency. This was my first time traveling to Alaska and serving as a direct contact for Native communities. Remaining open and having respect for the unique cultures of the tribes I served was essential. Without this mindset, my experience would have been severely limited due to a lack of meaningful relationships and understanding.

Recognition & Achievement

How did it feel to be named one of the Top 100 Interns of 2025?

It felt great! I worked very hard this summer, made the most of every opportunity, and even created my own opportunities when I had ideas. Environmental health work can be very challenging, especially with long days in the field followed by lots of paperwork. However, that made making a real difference with underserved communities all the more satisfying.

What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Looking at previous students who won this award, most of the winners serve in corporate roles at top, for-profit companies. I was originally worried that my applied environmental health work in local communities might not be recognized as prestigious. I'm glad I've shown that getting your hands dirty in the field is just as important as working for a Fortune 500 company!

Looking Forward

What advice would you give to future NEPHIP interns?

The biggest advice I could give is to advocate for yourself and ask questions. My largest project, which will hopefully turn into a publication, was not planned. However, I saw the potential to turn it into a full research study. A solo publication will be extremely useful for me as I enter medical school. The worst anyone can say is no, so never be afraid to ask!

How do you see this internship shaping your career path after graduation?

My long-term plan remains to become a psychiatrist. However, this internship has influenced how I intend to achieve that goal. Through hands-on experience in the field, I've confirmed my passion for both public and environmental health, as well as serving in underserved and Native communities. This role helped me understand broader systemic and environmental factors that affect mental health. I plan to pursue psychiatry through the lens of preventive medicine and community-based care, allowing me to treat the causes of mental health issues rather than just the symptoms.

What's next for you? Do you have a dream job or area of focus in environmental public health?

Next summer, I hope to complete a research internship. Now that I've explored environmental health, I want to discover additional ways to contribute to medicine and public health.

Fun & Personal

What's one fun memory from your summer in Fairbanks outside of work?

I took a weekend trip down to Kenai Fjords National Park and completed the Harding Icefield Trail, which is around 8.2 miles round trip. About a half mile from the top, I found a meltwater stream trickling from the top of one of the glaciers. It was the coldest and freshest water I've ever had!

If someone asked you to describe your NEPHIP internship in three words, what would they be?

Adventurous, unique, and benevolent.

Interested in learning more about NEPHIP opportunities? CLICK HERE to discover how you can gain hands-on experience in environmental public health while making a real difference in communities across the country.