A Glimpse of Fellows’ Recent Publications, Fall 2023

Max Aung’s latest research investigates the potential link between hormonally active cancers and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, and parabens. Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), his study aims to assess associations with self-reported previous cancer diagnoses. Full article here. Lara Cushing’s latest publication investigates the potential risk of drinking water contamination in Los Angeles County, California, revealing that a…

‘Forever Chemical’ Replacements Detected In Human Bodies And Homes

As part of efforts to remove toxic forever chemicals from their products, manufacturers around the world are scrambling for safer replacements. However, studies have shown that some of these replacements are also dangerous and have already been detected in human urine and blood samples, household dust, and drinking water. PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are a class of chemicals that can be found in a range of everyday products, from…

Promoting Equitable Wildfire Recovery in Lahaina: Four Lessons for Local Leaders, from Colorado’s Marshall Fire

It’s been more than three months since a wildfire devastated Lahaina, a historic Hawaiian town on the island of Maui. Recovery after such disasters can take years to decades and often leaves communities less equitable than before. For the past two years, we’ve studied three Colorado communities’ recovery after the Marshall Fire—the most destructive wildfire in Colorado’s history. We understand there are key differences between Maui’s experience and Colorado’s—especially the incomprehensible…

Student Spotlight: Katherine (Rin) Ball

A Brilliant Journey Unfolds Meet the brilliant Katherine (Rin) Ball, a doctoral student in the Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology program at Arizona State University. With an unwavering passion for understanding how the U.S. federal government implements environmental policies and engages with local communities. As an ORISE Science Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy, Rin’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with exceptional dedication…

UGA partners with new EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center

UGA to lead efforts to address environmental justice in Georgia ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia College of Engineering will serve as one of eight university partners with nonprofit research institute RTI International to establish a new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC) to help communities across the Southeast advance environmental justice. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the $10 million in grant funding over the next five…

University of Memphis a part of EPA’s $10-million environmental justice work initiative

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis is one of seven others tapped to be a part of an innovative research initiative focusing on environmental justice in under-served communities. The UofM’s School of Public Health will be part of a multi-university collaboration partnering with nonprofit research institute RTI International, according to a release. The group was awarded a $10 million grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RTI…

4 major effects of climate change in America

Warming temperatures are causing extreme weather patterns across the country. But communities are pushing back with solutions old and new. As the Earth gets warmer, higher temperatures set a new baseline for extreme weather events. An increase of just a couple of degrees in global average temperature can make hazards like fires and hurricanes more powerful and more frequent. Thanks to its size, location, and varied geography, the United States is vulnerable…

Environmental Justice and Air Quality – Podcast

JPB Senior Fellow Dr. Christina H. Fuller shares her work on environmental health and justice, particularly examining how air quality varies down to a block-level across communities. She provides insights on conducting participatory research within frontline communities and advocating for more inclusive environmental justice research. Dr. Fuller also discusses her diverse work experiences from industry, non-profits, consulting, and academia. Listen here. 

Blood on the Leaves – Earth in Color

Exploring the racist and colonial roots of nature and “wilderness,” from forced land labor to green space gaps. This contributed piece is a part of our Featured Voices series, which invites writers, poets, artists, and creators to explore the various intersections of Blackness and Greenness. This personal essay is by Dr. Jennifer D. Roberts, a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health at the University…

Correspondence on “Home is Where the Pipeline Ends: Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds Present in Natural Gas at the Point of the Residential End User”

In the United States, the basic functions of cooking, heating, cooling, and hot water are often powered by natural gas. However, gas is responsible for the majority (81–87%) of carbon emissions generated by buildings. (1) Moreover, cooking with gas contributes to significant indoor air pollution. (2) A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology further uncovered the presence of multiple volatile organic compounds in unburned gas from kitchen stoves, providing the most comprehensive documentation to…