Global health student interning with JCHD

Looking to help make a difference through his global health studies, John Muckler is gaining on-the-job experience as an intern with the Jasper County Health Department.

Muckler is currently studying global health at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he has narrowed down his focus to wither social public health or the scientific medical side of the field.

“I decided to do public health I thought it’s a way that I could make a difference kind of use my skills to make a difference,” Muckler said.

Muckler is originally from West Branch where he graduated high school. Muckler took a gap year to study abroad in Moldova, learning the Russian language. During that time his family moved to Newton where his father, Matt Muckler, now serves as city administrator.

Muckler said choosing Georgetown was an easy decision as it was his dream school to attend and the availability of the Global Health program was another factor.

“I was really attracted to the international aspect at Georgetown,” Muckler said. “Georgetown was for sure my dream school.”

Muckler’s responsibilities with the JCHD throughout the summer include assisting with the recent Community Health Needs Assessment and the department’s annual report. The work will give him real-world experience in his field of study.

“I think the thing that I am really enjoying is being in a kind of mid-sized, smaller department I have been able to see everything,” Muckler said.

It is a plus that Muckler is familiar with the area, and he mentioned how he likes being able to learn about his profession in a familiar place.

“I definitely see myself in the future possibly doing something with Iowa, as Iowa is my home,” Muckler said. “I am really invested in the community here it is something that is really important to me.”

Muckler will be working with Becky Pryor the administrator for JCHD for the duration of his internship this summer. Pryor spoke about Muckler’s background at GU and his global health studies, as well.

“He is intelligent, innovative, has great problem solving skills and his curiosity to learn will prepare him for a bright future in the world of public health. As leaders in our community, it is important to mentor to students, like John, to help them understand the importance of public health and how it effects every aspect of our life,” Pryor said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com