Community Research Lab

 

The PHS Community Research Lab is an initiative to promote civic engagement in public health and to advance replicable participatory methods. We seek to empower people with lived experience to contribute to policy, research, and service systems. Here, people come together to collaboratively define issues of importance to them and to participate in the design and leadership of projects in our four social impact areas. We also support the next generation of public health leaders through our Health Equity Internship Program.

Peer ADVOCATE CURRICULUM

We are seeking to co-develop a curriculum to train people with lived experience for peer support roles in health and human services. These include experiences of domestic violence, major medical or mental health episode, and gender transition. Our long-term vision is simple: an advocate at every turning point. This is a time when life could feel turbulent. It is also a time that could signify a new beginning. Peer advocates don’t help — they provide the support all people deserve to stand in their power while navigating change. 

Peer navigator embracing an older adult who is smiling
Student smiling and reading to a young girl

HEALTH EQUITY
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

We are committed to uplifting the next generation of public health leaders through our Health Equity Internship Program. This paid internship will be offered to one student per year who seeks to deepen their public health knowledge and skills. The student will collaborate on projects focused on health equity and participate in weekly mentoring sessions. They will also engage in quarterly “lunch and learns” with public health professionals whose interests align with their own. 

The application for our first internship will be posted in Spring 2026.