8 Reasons Why the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp Is Worth It
If you’re a high schooler interested in a career in medicine or medical-adjacent fields, there are several programs available that are worth considering! Participating in such intellectually challenging programs is a great way to build your STEM knowledge, gain exposure to modern techniques and technology, and explore new avenues in your field of interest. This skill-building can help strengthen your resume when it comes to your future college applications as well as enhance your academic and career prospects.
Today’s blog focuses on one such opportunity, the CDC Museum’s Disease Detective Camp, and how participating in it can help you demonstrate your commitment to academic and career growth!
What is the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp?
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (or DDC) is a 5-day in-person camp designed to introduce rising high school juniors and seniors to public health and epidemiology. Hosted by the CDC Museum at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, this program uses mock press conferences, laboratory sessions, and lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists to explain the complexities of public health issues and the strategies employed by the CDC to address them. As a participant, you'll be learning about topics like disease surveillance, global health, and outbreak response, gaining hands-on experience through guided projects and interactions with public health professionals.
Some of the topics covered during the camp include Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Emergency Preparedness, Public Health Law, Global Health, School Health & Wellness, Injury, Violence & Safety, and Public Health Communication.
How is the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp structured?
There are two identical sessions of the Disease Detective Camp offered:
June 24-28, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm
July 22-26, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm
During these five-day camps, you will experience a blend of classroom interactions and project-based hands-on activities. While each camp is different and the CDC tries to make it as relevant, current, and engaging as possible, a typical day can include mock press conferences, outbreak investigations, and lab sessions, providing a realistic taste of life as a disease detective. Notably, the camp emphasizes current public health issues, ensuring the content is relevant and dynamic. You’ll also get to interact directly with CDC scientists and guest speakers, who will provide insights into their daily roles and the broader impacts of their work.
Is the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp prestigious?
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is extremely selective, with each session hosting only 27 students out of an application pool of 748 in 2023, implying a 7.2% acceptance rate! They aim to create a cohort of motivated students who are eager to learn and contribute to public health discussions. This prestige is somewhat offset by the fact that it is an in-person program that mandates commuting to the CDC Museum campus in Atlanta, Georgia for all days of the camp, and they do not provide accommodation either. Still, the program’s affiliation with the CDC, exposure to some of the CDC’s leading scientists and researchers, and the pedagogy of the camp itself provide plenty of learning and networking opportunities. All in all, we would rate DDC as moderately prestigious.
Who is eligible and how do you apply?
To be eligible for the DDC, you need to be a current sophomore or junior and at least 16 years of age on the first day of camp. While international students can apply the same as anyone, the CDC is not responsible for your accommodations or visa arrangements.
To apply, you’ll need to download, print, and fill out this form which must be postmarked (mailed) by late March. The application deadline for 2024 was March 22. Applications are typically reviewed based on answers to the three essay questions in the application and your teacher's recommendation (part of the application form). An “Application Status” email will be sent to you in early May which will notify you if you have been offered a confirmed slot, a wait list slot, or if you were not offered a slot. Note that while you need to arrange your accommodations and transportation if not local to Atlanta, the camp is completely free of charge!
Applicants are selected based on the application essay questions submitted and the teacher/counselor recommendation form.
8 reasons why the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is worth it
You’ll develop real-world skills: The camp’s pedagogy and structure are designed to help you gain practical skills in epidemiology and public health that are directly applicable to future careers.
Great networking opportunities: You’ll be interacting directly with leading public health professionals from the CDC, helping you build a network that can support your academic and career paths.
A very hands-on approach: You’ll get to participate in simulations that mimic real CDC activities, such as outbreak investigations and public health emergency responses.
Access to up-to-date insights in public health: You’ll be learning from experienced CDC professionals who are actively working in the public sphere and tackling real-world public health problems, and benefit from their experience and insights.
A good way to explore careers: Your interactions can help you explore a range of careers in public health and discussions with the DDC lecturers and mentors can let you gain insights that guide your academic choices and professional aspirations.
Enhancement of your STEM knowledge: The DDC is a good way to complement your existing knowledge with deep dives into topics like global health, disease surveillance, and epidemiological research - all topics that you would not have as much exposure to in high school.
An edge for your college applications: You’ll be able to stand out when it comes to college applications with this highly selective and immersive activity on your profile, letting you tangibly demonstrate your commitment to STEM and your intellectual curiosity.
A good form of civic engagement: Finally, the DDC is a fantastic way to develop a deeper understanding of public health issues and their impacts on communities worldwide, enhancing your civic awareness and responsibility.
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of public health, providing tools, knowledge, and connections that can significantly influence your future educational and career choices. If you live in the Atlanta area or have a way to secure accommodation there and are serious about a career in public health, the DDC can be an extremely valuable experience for your learning and exposure.
One other option — Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to participate in a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source: CDC Museum