My First Professional Conference Experience: Insights from the Wisconsin Environmental Health Association (WEHA) Conference

Attending the Wisconsin Environmental Health Association (WEHA) conference at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells was an exciting milestone for me—it was my first professional conference. It was also a bit intimidating, especially since my group was the youngest presenters there, which made the experience feel awkward at times. However, despite the initial discomfort, the event turned out to be incredibly insightful.

The conference hosted professionals from health departments across Wisconsin, who shared updates on public health concerns, plans, and disease outbreaks in their respective counties. Topics ranged from the challenges of food storage in restaurants to the potential health risks posed by fine sediments at construction sites. One of the most fascinating discussions was about the growing issue of ticks and the diseases they carry. It was eye-opening to see how much attention is given to every aspect of public health, even those things that often go unnoticed in day-to-day life.

One of the most meaningful connections I made was with a health inspector who had recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She shared how challenging her role can be, especially because she’s an introvert. As a health inspector, she’s often required to confront individuals in various settings, which can be difficult for someone who prefers to keep to themselves. It was reassuring to hear her perspective, and it gave me a new understanding of the interpersonal challenges faced by public health professionals.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Mark Pauli, a manager at the Department of Natural Resources. His presentation on chlorination levels in wells throughout Wisconsin directly related to some of the concerns in my own research. Specifically, my research found absent chlorine levels in fountain water, which raised red flags. Mark suggested that the issue could stem from a calibration problem with the equipment I was using. His insight was invaluable and will likely guide the next steps in my research.

Despite a few logistical hiccups—such as the hosts not realizing we were presenting posters—the conference was a valuable and enriching experience. I walked away with new knowledge, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse work done in environmental health.