Environmental Health

A photo of a wildfire

Fire season

Michele Birkner

“'Quick! Look out the window, do you see the sun and the sky?'” I hear my sister say. I put down my book, run to my window, and am instantly awed by the red sun and dark, smoky sky. I realize that 'fire season' has begun."

Two cows graze in a pasture on a sunny day with no clouds.

How public health can fight the climate crisis

Trish Fisher

Trish Fisher, a dual degree Master of Public Policy and Master of Public Health student, details her research on agricultural methane policy and the role that public health can play in championing strategies to support climate change mitigation.

A fieldworker holds a box of freshly harvested strawberries

Pesticide Exposure May Be a Risk Factor for Poor Sleep Health

Astrid Zamora

Nutritional Sciences PhD candidate Astrid Zamora has vivid memories of her Abuela coming home from working in the fields, experiencing intense pain, burning sensations, and trouble breathing. These ailments were the result of long-term exposure to pesticides. Now, an extensive body of research shows that occupational exposure to pesticides is detrimental to human health, including sleep health. Zamora explores two studies she was involved in exploring the links between pesticide exposure and poor sleep health.