Explorations in Health Careers

The School of Health Sciences’ (SHS) Explorations in Health Careers summer camp welcomes high schoolers from across Metro Detroit and beyond to engage in hands-on activities to learn about the broad array of health careers available, encouraging self-discovery and exploration of possibilities.

The camp experienced tremendous growth and success in its second year. “We were able to look at the data and feedback from last year to create an even bigger, better experience for campers,” says Janelle Zora, MPH, SHS Assistant Director for Student Services, Leadership and Engagement. “We thought about all the questions students might have — not only about health careers, but also about the college experience. We increased the cohort size so students could make more friends and connect based on their interests. And, we featured industry professionals — both current OU staff/faculty and alumni — in panel discussions, while expanding our collaborations across campus.”

In addition to interacting with academic advisers and the Career and Life Design Center, students were able to tour campus with University Housing, Admissions, and Recreation and Well-Being. Furthermore, a meaningful partnership with Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) and the School of Nursing (SON) offered campers opportunities to truly explore all health careers available to them — whether in health sciences specifically or beyond. “Not one career or educational path will be the right fit for everyone,” says Kevin Ball, Ph.D., Dean of SHS and Professor. “It’s important that each individual finds their best fit. We’re excited that our camp is able to help high school students explore their interests and strengths, while discovering the many opportunities that await them.”

Explorations in Health Careers not only engages high school students but also creates meaningful opportunities for current SHS students.. The camp employs a graduate student camp manager annually, as well as several camp counselors, from health science programs of study. These students are able to engage in their own exploration — gaining experience in education and their field of study while developing their own leadership skills through interaction with campers, faculty and campus partners. "I decided to be a camp counselor because I wanted to try something new and gain more skills,” says Sumayya Yazdani, Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant) student. “I was able to get to know so many amazing people and learn from them which I am so grateful for. I would encourage other SHS students to take this opportunity to really connect and get involved with their community and make new connections.”

Comments from 2025 campers were overwhelmingly positive, indicating that camp growth and development is on the right track. Campers shared their experiences, saying, “I had a really good time and was exposed to a lot of things I didn’t know,” “this camp really helped me figure out what I want to do in the future”, and “(the panel discussion) gave me a lot of insight into other careers we haven’t explored yet.”

Emily Kean (far left) and Janelle Zora (far right) with camp counselors (front, center) and students

While planning camp, Zora worked extensively with Emily Kean, 2025 camp manager, and Kris Thompson, Ph.D., MPH, P.T., coordinator, professor and former Interim Associate Dean, with extensive support from Camp Consultant Liza Zanotti-Eurich, AP Biology and Biology Teacher at West Bloomfield School District, SHS faculty/staff, and campus partners. “Our wonderful committee of collaborators was able to provide a comprehensive overview of the programs we offer at SHS and Oakland University to highlight how we prepare students for a career in health, while also making it fun and personable for students,” Zora says. “I believe this strategy will sustain us for years to come.”

Visit the School of Health Sciences website to learn more about Explorations in Health Careers summer camp.