Prospective Host Sites

Mentors play a crucial role in the success of the fellowship program. Their expertise and skills provide the backbone to the fellows’ successes as they are trained to become future leaders in applied public health epidemiology. 

Mentor Requirements

Host site applications must include two designated mentors: a doctoral-level primary mentor and a secondary mentor. It is preferred that the secondary mentor have doctoral-level training as well. If there is not a doctoral-level epidemiologist at the health department available to mentor in the subject area of the host site application, an exception can be requested to propose a masters-level mentor. Please email aef@cste.org for more information regarding the approval of masters-level primary mentor applications.  

  • Both mentors must have formal epidemiology training.
  • One or both of the mentors must devote four hours per week to spend with the fellow during the first month of the fellowship and two hours per week for the duration of the fellowship.
  • The primary mentor is required to attend the CSTE Annual Conference at least one of the two years of the fellowship. Mentors are not funded to attend the CSTE Annual Conference through the fellowship program, but can request sponsorship through CSTE. Requesting sponsorship does not guarantee that a mentor will be funded to attend the CSTE Annual Conference.
  • Successful host sites have experienced mentors, provide the fellow with day-to-day activities that offer “hands-on” epidemiology experience and are able to help the fellow achieve all the program’s goals.

Mentor Responsibilities

Mentors are required to fulfill specific responsibilities to ensure the integrity and success of the program and provide guidance and support to the fellows. Mentors are required to: 

  • Oversee the fellow’s work activities.
  • Create an environment that fosters professional development.
  • Offer advice and assistance.
  • Integrate the fellow into the host site environment.
  • Help to broaden the fellow’s network of professional colleagues.
  • Support and encourage the fellow's technical and professional development.
  • Provide financial support for meeting attendance, professional development, and work-related materials (e.g., computer, statistical software, phone, office supplies, etc.).
  • Provide the fellow with the same administrative support and provisions that host site employees receive.
  • Express a caring and interested attitude in the fellow’s present activities, future goals, and interpersonal relationships with agency staff.
  • Commit to spending four hours per week with the fellow during the first month and then two hours per week with the fellow thereafter.
  • Attend the CSTE Annual Conference at least one of the two years of the fellowship.
  • Assist the fellow in securing long-term job placement after the fellowship.

Host Site Selection

Complete applications will be reviewed by the CSTE National Office and are evaluated on the following criteria: 

  • The scope, quality, and diversity of experience offered to the fellow
  • Experience of supervisors in management, epidemiology, and mentoring
  • Potential long-term career placement for the fellow
  • Potential professional development opportunities and financial support provided for the fellow
  • Availability of office space, computer equipment, and office/technical support
  • Letters of support for the agency seeking a fellow

Host Site Application

To apply to be a host site, visit our Apply page.

To learn more about the subject areas and example host site location project and activities, visit our Host Site Locations page.