The climate and environmental health research program is a multidisciplinary research and training initiative that examines the relationships between people’s health and their environment. The program seeks to understand and address the health impacts of environmental exposures and climate change by integrating research on air, water, soil, food and social environments.
Our work focuses on identifying, preventing and mitigating the adverse health effects of climate change and environmental contaminants, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations. Through collaborative, community-engaged research and data science, the program aims to generate actionable evidence that promotes healthy environments and protects communities locally and globally.
Jose Suarez, MD, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor - Program Director
Academic members:
Wael Al-Delaimy, MD, PhD, Professor
Gretchen Bandoli, PhD, Associate Professor, Secondary Appointed
Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, Professor, Secondary Appointed
Carlos Gould, PhD, Assistant Professor
Alexandra Heaney, PhD, Assistant Professor
Suzi Hong, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Mentoring
Eric Hekler, PhD, Professor
Georgia Kayser, PhD, MALD, BS, Assistant Professor
Sydney Leibel, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Secondary Appointed
Kanya Long, PhD, MHS, Assistant Professor
Lawrence Palinkas, PhD, Professor
Xin Tu, PhD, Professor
Stephen Waterman, MD, MPH, Professor
Staff members:
Julie Denenberg
Kathleen Wilson
The Study of Secondary Exposures to Pesticides among Children, Adolescents and Adults (Estudio de la Exposición Secundaria a Plaguicidas en Niños, Adolescentes y Adultos) is a prospective cohort study established in 2008, led by José Ricardo Suárez, MD, PhD, MPH, associate professor, aimed at understanding the health effects of agrochemical and pesticide exposures, evaluated from childhood into adulthood. This study assesses both short-term (seasonal) and long-term exposure-outcome associations. This study has received funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and other funding sources. This work has been endorsed by the Commonwealth of Rural Parishes of Pedro Moncayo County and addresses the Pedro Moncayo County Health and Development plans.
ESPINA's work includes health assessments encompassing neurobehavior, mental health (internalizing/externalizing), endocrine, inflammation, hemodynamic, respiratory, enzymatic and metabolomic.
