HSSU Interns Support HIV Research in St. Louis
The Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research is excited to announce the launch of its internship program in partnership with Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), the St. Louis City Department of Health (DOH), and the STAR (Stimulating Training and Access to HIV Research Experiences) Program. This opportunity is designed to help dedicated HSSU students to gain hands-on experience in the field of HIV research and public health.
For our inaugural cohort, we have three remarkable interns who are ready to learn and make an impact on public health in St. Louis and beyond.
Arianie Esperon, HSSU biology student
Arianie Esperon: A Future Dentist with a Passion for Public Health
A biology major at HSSU, Arianie Esperon is committed to academic excellence and the healthcare field. She researched the immune system’s response to ovarian cancer as part of her senior seminar class. Simultaneously, she is gaining experience in the dental field by shadowing professionals at Mid-City Dental and Arch Orthodontics. Arianie is also an intern at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), merging her interests in environmental science and public health.
"As a future dentist, I aim to be equipped with the knowledge of how systemic diseases like HIV can affect oral health and how to provide comprehensive care to individuals living with HIV,” shared Esperon. “Participating in this internship program will… [provide] me with valuable research experience in public health and HIV epidemiology, deepening my understanding of how systemic diseases, including HIV, impact overall health and healthcare access.”
Dejanae Chapman: Bridging Education and Research
Dejanae Chapman works as a research assistant and teacher’s assistant at HSSU and enjoys empowering others through learning. Her dedication to fostering a stimulating educational environment melds with her analytical skills developed through research projects. Looking ahead, Chapman aspires to a career in research.
Dejanae has developed a keen interest in understanding the complexities surrounding HIV, particularly how social determinants of health impact those living with the virus. “This internship offers a fantastic opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while collaborating with experienced professionals and fellow interns,” Chapman expressed.
Arianie Esperon, HSSU biology student
Terreon Howard: Dedication to Healthcare and Community Service
Hailing from Davenport, Iowa, Terreon Howard is another HSSU biology major. Throughout her academic journey, Terreon has been actively involved in various student-led organizations, building leadership and community engagement skills. Her passion for healthcare stems from her experience working as a caregiver and nurse’s aide, where she developed a profound interest in improving the quality of life for patients, including those living with HIV.
"Community service and working with other people in nursing homes and hospitals have shaped my interests in HIV," Terreon reflects. "I love helping people… I plan to pursue a career in the medical or healthcare field, where I know I can make a meaningful impact on people's lives." Terreon sees the internship as a critical opportunity to gain valuable insights into patient care and the challenges faced by individuals managing HIV.
The professional development journey of these interns is supported through invaluable partnerships, community involvement, and organizational support.
"The City of St. Louis Department of Health is honored to participate in this internship alongside Harris-Stowe State University and the STAR program," said Victoria Anwuri, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis. "We are excited to provide public health experience to these exceptional interns, empowering them to make impactful contributions to the fight against HIV and advance public health initiatives."
The HSSU DOH Midwest D-CFAR STAR internship program integrates academic rigor with practical application. Student participants commit approximately 20 hours per week to the program, supporting DOH work for about half of that time, and attending classroom lectures led by public health experts or meetings with their supervisors and mentors for the other half. They receive a financial stipend to support their effort.
Harvey Fields, Jr., PhD, Founding Dean at the HSSU College of STEM and co-investigator of the D-CFAR Developmental Core, is pleased with how the program is unfolding so far. “The D-CFAR internship at the St. Louis Department of Health is proving to be exciting and engaging, and the students are enjoying meeting, learning from, and contributing to the work of the DOH,” he said. “They are gaining real-world, hands-on experience which will serve them well in the future.”
Written by April Houston. Edited by Kate Gershwin.