Environmental health student receives recognition

Environmental health student Maxwell T. Johnson was recently recognized with the United States Public Health Service Citation for his dedication and quality of services provided during his recent internship with the Indian Health Service at the Bemidji Area, Rhinelander District Office in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Johnson served as a Field Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and provided services to 9 Tribes in the state of Michigan and 4 Tribes in Wisconsin.  His work included assisting the Division of Environmental Health Services staff by conducting health surveys, institutional environmental health services, respirator fit testing, writing reports, developing training materials, and developing guidance and survey documents.

During his internship he passed the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, showing his ability to identify and correct food safety issues, and filled a vacant position requiring proficiency at food service surveys and the Food and Drug Administration 2013 Food Code.  By filling this role, he conducted food service surveys which lead him to then take and pass the ServSafe Instructor Course – resulting in the training of 22 food service employees.

Johnson was nominated because of his initiative, ability to exceed expectations, dedication, and quality excellence.  Johnson is a student in the Department of Health Sciences and slated to graduate in the spring.