INTERNSHIPS & PRACTICUMS

OPHA is proud to host public health students for both internships and practicums! OPHA's staff, McKenzie Cowlbeck MPH, CPH and Tracy Freudenthaler, PhD, MPH, MCHES, serve as preceptors for policy and administrative / health promotion, respectively. All internship and practicum projects are remote. We highly encourage students interested in completing their internship or practicum with us to learn about OPHA by exploring our website and social media, reviewing our current activities and events, and reading about previous projects below.

OPHA's fall 2026 internships and practicums are full. Please anticipate an online interest form being posted for 2027 policy or administrative internships and practicums in late July or early August 2026. All interested students and/or their respective academic program must be OPHA members at the time of the internship or practicum.

Oklahoma Public Health Training Center (OPHTC)

OPHA is proud to be a host site for the University of Oklahoma Health Campus Hudson College of Public Health (HCOPH) through Oklahoma Public Health Training Center (OPHTC). With funding and technical support from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center (R6SCPHTC), OPHTC facilitates cohorts of stipend interns and practicum students to strengthen the technical, managerial, and leadership competence of Oklahoma's public health workforce and to advance the knowledge and skills of the future state public health workforce. Due to the program's cohort structure, HCOPH students interested in completing their practicum with OPHA must initiate conversations with OPHTC at ophtc@ou.edu before contacting OPHA to apply.

OPHA's Students & Projects

2026 Policy Intern

Bella Massoumi, JD/MHA – OU Law/OUHC Hudson College of Public Health

Bella Massoumi is a dual degree student at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a Juris Doctor and a Master of Health Administration. She is interested in public health policy and advocacy, particularly how policy decisions influence access to healthcare and health outcomes across Oklahoma communities. Originally from rural Oklahoma, Bella is especially passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved populations and strengthening public health systems across the state. Through her internship with the Oklahoma Public Health Association, she is excited to learn more about how public health organizations advocate for legislation that improves community health and help educate the public about its impact.

Fall 2026 Policy & Advocacy Practicum Student

Anahi (Sandra) Franco, MS – Grand Canyon University

Sandra brings nearly a decade of professional experience in health equity, healthcare administration, and community engagement to her practicum work.

Sandra holds a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MS) and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University, seamlessly blending an expertise in organizational systems with population health strategies. Throughout her career—spanning leadership roles, she has focused on addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), expanding grant initiatives, and building strong coalitions with local community-based organizations and health centers.

Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Sandra holds specialized certifications in Grant writing and Grant Management, Diversity Integration from Cornell University, and Six Sigma. She is passionate about applying her academic and professional expertise to create data-informed, culturally responsive health programs that bridge gaps in care and empower local communities.

When she’s not driving community health initiatives, Sandra enjoys connecting with local partners across Oklahoma and championing health equity for all.

Fall 2026 Public Health Education & Promotion Intern

Srinidhi Kompella, University of Oklahoma

Srinidhi is a student at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Public and Community Health. She is interested in the role of public health within modern healthcare environments and is passionate about bridging the gap between access, advocacy, and primary care. Her internship encompasses period poverty and women’s health within Oklahoma, and she is eager to understand and further contribute to these important public health conversations and initiatives with OPHA.