Through a competitive multi-stage process, 14 new fellowships were awarded to early career faculty from institutions across the United States. Potential candidates were first nominated by their department chairs and if selected to continue, underwent two additional stages of the application process that concluded with in-person interviews at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The four-year fellowship began in October 2022 and will conclude in February 2026.

Dr. Vilcassim’s current research at UAB focuses on studying the health effects associated with exposure to air pollution, particularly how particulate matter pollution adversely impacts cardiopulmonary health. Under this umbrella of air pollution related health, he is now focusing on growing his research on the risks of using alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, among healthy young adults and vulnerable groups. Through the JPB Fellowship’s funds, Vilcassim intends to support his current research on air pollution related health effects, and develop a project to study the health risks of using alternative tobacco products during pregnancy. Through this work, he hopes to better understand and evaluate how social and environmental determinants influence the exposure-health metrics in under-resourced communities.

“I am excited and honored to be part of this prestigious program, and look forward to connecting with, sharing, and learning from a wonderful group of scientists,” said Dr. Vilcassim.

Dr. Vilcassim’s acceptance into this competitive fellowship will not only allow for greater recognition of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the UAB School of Public Health, but will also support the program as a strong contender for Environmental Health research. Dr. Vilcassim is the first faculty member from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to be selected into this program since its inception in 2014.