Clean Air Council
Title: Clean Air Council’s 2025 Trail Program Summer Internship
Student Interns:
Alexander Chong
Drexel University College of Medicine
Teresa Hong
Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Kathryn Stroup, MD
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
William Fraser
Clean Air Council
Russell Zerbo
Clean Air Council
Community Site:
The Clean Air Council is a long-standing environmental health advocacy organization dedicated to protecting communities — especially Black and brown neighborhoods — from the harms of pollution and environmental injustice. Founded in 1967 by regional health associations, the Council began by promoting clean air awareness and pushing for stronger fuel regulations. Today, it continues its mission through public education, community organizing, and holding policymakers accountable. By promoting science-based policies and ensuring the enforcement of environmental laws, the Council empowers residents to advocate for a healthier, more equitable environment for all.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns contributed to improving the infrastructure and longevity of Cobbs Creek trail by pioneering a recently developed app called Trail Maintenance Toolkit (TMT). TMT is a mobile app that enables users to document, geolocate, and assess the condition of trail infrastructure. This tool allows for accurate and comprehensive tracking of maintenance needs. In addition, the interns created blogs and pamphlets to promote public awareness around trail safety and wellness.
Reflections
“Working with the Clean Air Council’s Trail Program taught me to see green spaces not just as recreation areas, but as vital health resources and reflections of Philadelphia’s complex history of segregation, resilience, and community. Our primary task was to document and assess trail conditions, but in doing so, we discovered a hidden sanctuary in Cobbs Creek. Weekly trail visits gave me a peaceful start to the day and opened the door to conversations with fellow trail-goers, offering insight into the city’s evolving social fabric. I came to understand that trail maintenance is more than upkeep — it’s a form of care that demands attention, revision, and a commitment to community well-being. This experience has shaped how I advocate for public green spaces as a future healthcare provider, outdoor enthusiast, and a proud Philadelphian.”
Alexander Chong
“My internship with the Clean Air Council was a powerful introduction to the intersection between environmental justice and public health. By participating in a trail maintenance project, I learned about the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, including their impact on physical activity, social well-being, and neurodevelopment. Through conversations with residents, I also learned about the historical and systemic factors that have led to underfunded trails in underserved neighborhoods. Seeing firsthand the disparities in trail conditions enhanced my understanding of the social determinants of health in the Philadelphia region and their connection to chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This experience taught me lessons that extend beyond the scope of medical school and will shape how I approach patient care with a broader, more informed perspective.”
Teresa Hong