About Us

Department of Environmental & Occupational Health

Our mission is to promote sustainable practices and enhance public health through rigorous research, innovative education, and proactive community engagement. We are committed to addressing the critical environmental challenges of our time, from climate change to pollution to worker mental health. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from various fields to develop solutions that protect our planet and improve the well-being of all communities. Explore our programs, discover our impactful projects, and join us in making a difference for a healthier, more sustainable future.

About the field


Environmental health studies the impact of our surroundings, both natural and built, on our health. Environmental health specialists are concerned with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the noise we hear, the chemicals we’re exposed to, and all of their associated health effects.

Occupational health studies all aspects of health and safety in the workplace. Occupational health specialists work to prevent, treat, and control chronic beryllium disease and radiation exposure, workplace violence, musculoskeletal injuries, and general workplace wellbeing

Our focus areas


 Faculty are involved in an array of on-the-ground, contemporary research projects including: 

  • Air quality
  • Beryllium disease
  • Climate change and health
  • Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origins (CKDu)
  • Disasters and mental health
  • Exposure science
  • Emerging infectious diseases
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Environmental epidemiology
  • Environmental health policy
  • Environmental justice
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Environmental and occupations carcinogenesis
  • Health impacts of petroleum development
  • Healthy housing
  • Industrial hygiene
  • Risk assessment
  • Occupational lung disease
  • Occupational medicine
  • Public health preparedness and disaster response
  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
  • Total Worker Health®
  • Water quality and health
  • Workplace interventions
  • CMS Login