Environmental & Public Health

Fellow Story

Chemical effects on female thyroid levels: Jessica Trowbridge

"Does everybody else here feel sick too?" Dr. Jessica Trowbridge’s curiosity about the impact of exposure to environmental chemicals on health came out of her experience living binationally and experiencing the environmental burdens of pollution in her communities in central Mexico and Richmond, California.
December 8, 2022
Fellow Story

Tom Gill’s research on risk of wind hazards to kiddie bounce houses receives national attention

The study found 132 wind-related incidents from 2000-2021 that resulted in at least 479 injuries and 28 deaths, many occurring at wind speeds not considered hazardous.
September 28, 2022
Fellow

Edgar Reyna

2022 Fellow
Edgar integrates transformative climate adaptation principles into building community capacity to address the local impacts of climate change. He connects his lived experiences and professional passions to include and prioritize frontline communities in the creation of adaptation solutions.
Fellow

Josephine Benson

2022 Fellow
Josephine combines geochemistry with magnetic analyses to study iron sulfide mineral formation in New Hampshire lakes, a process that removes contaminants such as lead and arsenic from waters, with potential impacts on human health and water quality.
Fellow

Marisol Cira

2022 Fellow
Marisol investigates the sources, fate, and transport of microbial contaminants in coastal watersheds in the United States and abroad, with a focus on providing more equitable methodologies for monitoring coastal waters.
Fellow

Asta Habtemichael

2022 Fellow
Asta combines social and natural science approaches to study the effects of contaminants of emerging concern in the environment and public health. Drawing upon environmental organic chemistry, trophic ecology, and public health he explores PFAS bioaccumulation in marine food webs.
Fellow Story

Johnson co-authors study finding high concentrations of DDT-related chemicals in California condors

Jade Johnson is part of a research team that has found new and mysterious DDT chemicals accumulating in coastal California condors.
June 6, 2022
Fellow Story

“Hiding in plain sight”: Aaron Maruzzo tells the story of PFAS in Saipan

Aaron Maruzzo is bringing the skills he learned during his MPH back to his community in Saipan to “reduce pollution and improve environmental and human health through community-based action.” We interviewed Aaron on the unique professional and personal challenges and opportunities of working to improve environmental and human health at the intersection of two little-recognized acronyms: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
May 17, 2022
Fellow Story

Fellows to speak at University of California Center for Climate, Health and Equity launch

Several Switzer Fellows will speak in this virtual series of climate and health leaders discussing opportunities for building healthy and equitable communities and a healthier planet for future generations, including Naomi Beyeler, Rachel Morello-Frosch, Colleen Callahan and Shereen D'Souza.
May 17, 2022
Fellow Story

Sue Chiang: the ‘Disposable’ Foodware Dilemma

In addition to the environmental impact of single-use waste, foodware can contain toxic chemicals that can lead to serious health issues, including reproductive and developmental toxicity, autoimmune and metabolic disorders, respiratory issues, neurodevelopmental effects, and cancer.
May 17, 2022