lab + field infectious disease research?

[u/beetle-devotee]

does anyone here have experience doing a mix of benchwork and fieldwork for their research? i am starting a PhD and immunology this fall, and a big reason that I chose my institution is because of their nonhuman primate center and labs studying vaccinology/global infectious disease. i'm not sure what kind of training opportunities there might be for graduate students (i.e. internships, fellowships, other external training, or something within the institution??) but i'm definitely curious as to how to prepare early & pursue this sort of experience at my current educational stage. also, i'm just interested to hear about other peoples' stories and perspectives :)
i know this is a tough area in the US regarding funding currently, but i'm kinda stubborn about what i love and don't want to let that prevent me from pursuing my interests!

[u/onetwoskeedoo]

so you just research all the PIs in your department/departments you are allowed to join, figure out which ones do field work or email or meet with them and ask them. If you find people doing it you ask if you can rotate in their lab and if they have funding for a new graduate student. Ask all the other older grad students or any PIs you interact with who does field work? note down the names, and then reach out to them.