Guest Author: Muna Tamang is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student at San José State University. I am passionate about public health research, program evaluation, and using evidence to improve healthcare systems and health outcomes. As part of my MPH fieldwork, I had the opportunity to complete my internship at dfusion, where I applied what I learned in the classroom to meaningful research with the potential to improve care for underserved populations.
From my first day, I was welcomed into a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to advancing healthcare through research, education, and innovation. Throughout my internship, I contributed to projects focused on substance use disorder (SUD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), supporting research designed to improve provider training and enhance care for autistic individuals receiving substance use treatment.
One of the things I appreciated most about my internship was the opportunity to experience many stages of the research process. I completed human subjects research training, prepared Qualtrics survey data for analysis, created survey codebooks, evaluated provider simulation videos using standardized behavioral rubrics, and conducted qualitative thematic analyses of interviews with autistic adults who had experienced substance use disorder treatment. I also had the opportunity to serve as the first author on a research manuscript, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, managing references with Zotero, drafting sections of the manuscript, and integrating qualitative findings from provider simulation videos and focus group transcripts. Seeing how a research project evolves—from planning and data collection to analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing—gave me a much greater appreciation for the collaboration, critical thinking, and attention to detail that drive high-quality research.
The qualitative research was especially meaningful to me. Analyzing interviews with autistic adults highlighted the importance of listening carefully to participants’ experiences and thoughtfully translating those perspectives into evidence that can help improve healthcare practice. While coding required consistency and attention to detail, it also reinforced the value of empathy and critical thinking throughout the research process.
I also enjoyed evaluating provider interactions using structured behavioral rubrics. This experience strengthened my understanding of objective evaluation, inter-rater reliability, and the importance of applying consistent scoring methods in research. Together, these experiences showed me how qualitative and quantitative approaches work hand in hand to answer complex public health questions.
Serving as the first author on the manuscript was one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. From conducting literature reviews and drafting the paper to incorporating qualitative findings and revising multiple sections, I gained valuable experience in scientific writing and developed a deeper understanding of the scholarly publication process. Taking on the role of first author strengthened my ability to synthesize evidence, communicate research findings, and collaborate with my team throughout manuscript development. It also reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in public health research and research administration.
Equally impactful was the mentorship I received throughout my internship. I had the privilege of working closely with my project manager, Izzy Schieber, PhD, whose guidance encouraged me to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously improve my work. Through regular meetings, detailed feedback, and collaborative discussions, I became more confident in my research abilities while deepening my understanding of qualitative research, implementation science, and scientific writing. I am also grateful to my preceptor, BA Laris, MPH, for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment that made both my professional and personal growth possible.
Looking back, one of my biggest takeaways is that research is truly an iterative process. Every literature review, coding decision, manuscript revision, and team discussion contributed to strengthening the final product. I learned that impactful research depends not only on technical skills but also on curiosity, collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning.
As I complete my MPH degree, I leave this internship with stronger research skills, greater confidence, and an even deeper appreciation for the role that evidence-based research plays in improving health outcomes. The mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative culture at dfusion have prepared me well for the next stage of my career, and I look forward to applying these experiences in future roles within public health research and research administration.
I am incredibly grateful to the entire dfusion team for investing in my growth and providing such a meaningful internship experience. Thank you for welcoming me into your community, sharing your expertise, and inspiring me to continue pursuing research that advances health and well-being.