Public health is very broad concept and gaining knowledge on each concept is quite daunting. Practice lab like this helps understand the concept better and when it is tied to the scenario it becomes memorable. From each lab, I gained in depth knowledge on lead poisoning and wildfires. I like the practice lab as it gave more exposure to the real-world scenario than reading from a paragraph. Each lab was crucial as both possessed threat to the public and needed to resolved.

Practice Lab 1: Lead & Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning is not a new concept for me, but my knowledge was limited in a public health context. I have to live in apartments since I moved to the US, and once a Ph.D. friend shed some light on the lead used in the paint. Apartment buildings are often old, and they have a whole section of lead and lead-containing paint on the wall. I never paid that much attention because the concept was not clear. Later I started to pay attention to the year built and how much lead they have in their painted walls. But then that was it. It never occurred to me that the same paint is used on the toys, bullets, plastic accessories, beads, and in drinking water pipes. It was fascinating to know that most environmental dangers exist inside the house and not outside. We often focus on the outdoor hazards, but we never pay attention to our home. Sometimes water does not even carry any lead content, but it can still occur at the faucet’s tip due to a chemical reaction between water and metal. It was interesting to know that it even exists in the air and soil. I am happy that the professors made an effort to provide us with the simulated project. It indeed has improved my perception and knowledge of public health.

Practice Lab 2: Risk Communication Town Meeting

Dr. Blando created some exciting assignments for us in his Environmental and Occupation Health Risk Assessments class. I really enjoyed my participation. For this particular lab, I was anxious because I am not a very good public health speaker. I can practice and deliver the speech, but it is difficult for me to do a spontaneous job like this. Watching a 5-minute video on the topic, we were not even prepared, and the risk communication plan was nerve recking. However, I enjoyed the activity because I was part of a competent team with an excellent risk communication strategy. It was the first experience but definitely worthwhile. I have immense respect for the public health official who does this job and stays top of their game.