Willa Doswell, PhD, RN, FAAN, was a beloved faculty member in Pitt Nursing. Dr. Doswell devoted her career to studying and promoting the health and well-being of girls, especially African American girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Beyond her research, her compassion was felt across Pittsburgh in the many communities she touched. Over the years, she helped organize health fairs, food and clothing drives, baby showers for new moms, and pet food drives to support struggling pet owners.
The EMBRACE Center at the University of Pittsburgh aims to advance maternal and reproductive health and justice among Black people in Allegheny County.
The EMBRACE Center will support three graduate students from the University of Pittsburgh for a practicum experience at one of three community sites:
- Allegheny County Health Department
- EMBRACE Interconception Care/4th trimester study
- Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle
Each intern will be matched with a preceptor from the community site and an EMBRACE academic mentor!
Who Can Apply?
Pitt graduate students studying
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Rehabilitation Science
- Pharmacy
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
Internship Activities
- Research and/or evaluation project at host site
- EMBRACE book club and journal club
- Personal journal prompt reflections
- Networking and presentation opportunities
Skills Gained
- Increased knowledge of maternal and child health and reproductive justice
- Leadership, collaboration, and communication
- Data analysis and/or program evaluation
- Community-engaged public health
Application
To apply, prepare an application with the following required materials:
- Resume (2 pages maximum)
- 3 references
- Name, role, organization, and email address for each reference. A formal letter of recommendation is not required.
- Cover letter that addresses skills, educational and professional history, as well as:
- Why are you interested in maternal and child health?
- What skills would you bring to this internship?
- How will this internship help you in your career path?
- What do you hope to learn through this internship?
Application deadline is 11:59 PM on February 12th, 2026.
No late submissions will be considered. Fill out the Qualtrics form with application materials
Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on February 12, 2026