UNDERSTANDING THE INTRICATE RELATIONSHIP between our environment and human health has never been more crucial. More than half of human infectious diseases are impacted by climate change, including rising CO2 and sea levels, and temperature and weather extremes. The world’s population is also confronting the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes, and human-caused disasters such as war. According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million people worldwide die each year due to modifiable environment conditions, accounting for about 24% of the world’s deaths. Meeting these escalating challenges requires a need for a deeper understanding of the biological and social connections between our environment and human health. Within the College of Health, researchers are working to help create this understanding, including examining the effects of exposure to air and water pollution and other chemical contaminants, the built environment, climate change, and occupational exposures to health and safety hazards. Collaborating across disciplines and leveraging the university’s diverse strengths, the college established a signature research area in environmental and occupational health. Over the last five years, faculty have secured more than $16 million in sponsored grants and contracts, supporting nearly 30 research initiatives and a new center, ASPIRE, investigating children’s environmental health. Funding comes from various sources, including federal agencies such as the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as industry partners, private foundations and non-profit organizations. These research initiatives align closely with areas outlined in University Strategic Plan 2024–30, which include climate science, clean energy, and integrated health and biotechnology. College researchers use a multidisciplinary approach and bring together faculty from across the college, including public health, kinesiology, nutrition, and human development and family sciences. They also provide opportunities for student involvement in discovery, integrate diverse lived experiences, address health disparities and inequities, engage communities both locally and globally, and translate evidence-informed policies, programs and practices to communities and stakeholders. According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million people worldwide die each year due to modifiable environment conditions, accounting for about 24% of the world’s deaths. Environmental research highlights COLLEGE RESEARCHERS EXPLORE HOW OUR ENVIRONMENT CAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING BY KATHRYN STROPPEL AND S. MARIE HARVEY IS Environmental health human health 12 ▴ College of Health
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