Air Pollution and Exposure Assessment
Our faculty conduct research into the connections between air pollution and lung health, neurobehavioral outcomes, and other chronic diseases. Interests include exposure to particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emissions from coal-fired power plants, and alternative tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes). We have expertise in exposure assessment, including the use of traditional monitoring methods and newer methods utilizing low-cost sensors. Research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Environmental Epidemiology
Environmental epidemiology is the study of the relationship between environmental and occupational exposures and health outcomes. Our faculty have expertise in air pollution, water pollution, and heavy metal exposures. Faculty research focuses on children’s environmental health with an emphasis on neurobehavioral outcomes and respiratory outcomes, adult chronic diseases, and injuries among working adolescents. Research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several foundations.
Built Environment and Health
Faculty conduct research in identifying environmental risk and social vulnerability associated with the impact of changing climate, temperature variations caused by urban development and urbanization. (How and why temperature heterogeneities arise at the micro-scale; and public health: which populations are in greater peril for heat-related illness in the built environment). Built environment and health research focuses on understanding the structure of cities and the role of urban morphology in changing urban microclimate and urban health, urban redesign and building sustainable cities at local and global level. We have expertise in application of big data and sensing in developing models and high resolution maps to identify the risks associated with urban development, urban heat islands, and air pollution.
Occupational Exposure and Control Research
Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of workers. The industrial hygiene faculty conduct research in developing novel air sampling and analytical methods for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). They are developing/testing dual air purifying elements for respirators, evaluating Hand-arm Vibration (HAV) levels among forestry workers using power tools, customizing safety eyewear and respirators using 3D technology. Work is being done to develop new composite sorbent materials for environmental remediation, and evaluating air quality and ventilation in restaurant kitchen environments
Deep South Center (DSC) for Occupational Health and Safety
The Deep South Education and Research Center (ERC) is one of the eighteen NIOSH funded centers serving the Southeastern U.S. as a critical resource to business, labor and industry in preventing work-related injury and illness. The Center provides strong academic programs in Industrial Hygiene (UAB), Occupational Health Nursing (UAB), and Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (Auburn University). ERC graduates have rewarding and challenging careers in business, federal agencies, academia and industries. The faculty of the Deep South ERC has varied research interests in occupational safety and health, including occupational exposure assessment/control, ergonomics, and occupational health nursing. Visit the DSC website.