08/28/2026
UConn student and CT State Tunxis alumnus Sam Chandler had the honor of working with the Yale School of Public Health over the summer as an intern in the Summer Research Experience in Environmental Health program!
Twelve students were selected for the program—which, for Sam, consisted of diving deeply into the research surrounding occupational pesticide exposure and its long-term neurological effects, as well as pesticides’ link to Alzheimer's disease.
Working closely with Yale faculty, including Dr. Joan Monin of the YSPH Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, Sam connected with a group from the dementia care and research facility, LiveWell. Together, they conducted research, participated in community outreach, and learned from experts in the field. The program also included a two-week intensive boot camp that brought researchers from across the field of public health to teach classes on a wide array of topics.
“I’m so lucky to have had this experience,” Sam said, reflecting on his time at Yale. “Whether it is professors from England, instructors from Athens, or lead researchers right here at Yale, the number of different expert perspectives I got to hear was staggering. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my time here, the research I helped conduct, or the people I met. I also know I will never forget how Tunxis helped me get to where I am—and I will always be grateful to the good people there who never stop investing in the students.”
Connecticut State Community College
