Research Signature Areas
Environmental Impacts on Human Health
Environments play major roles in influencing our health.
College of Health faculty address the health effects of multiple adverse environmental exposures (e.g., noise, air and water pollution, aeroallergens, radon), climate change, and natural disasters. Others focus on the effects of the built environment on health behaviors and outcomes (e.g., asthma, cancer, cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases, food insecurity, mental health).
Collaborating across disciplines and leveraging the university’s diverse strengths, our researchers are developing prevention and resilience solutions and translating evidence-informed policies, programs, and practices to communities.
We focus on health disparities and inequities, with sensitivity to how impacts stem from and are experienced in social environments. These impacts are often more severe for those with fewer resources, particularly in communities of color and marginalized groups and in low-income settings and populations.
We integrate the expertise of faculty from multiple disciplines and fields, including public health, kinesiology, nutrition, and human development and family sciences.
News and stories
Recent environmental impacts on human health news and stories.
Associate Professor Veronica Irvin discusses her behavioral science research at Oregon State University, including breast cancer screening, environmental health, well water safety, and supporting underserved communities.
Doctoral student Memuna Aslam presented research on climate-driven health disparities and women’s political empowerment at the 2025 APHA Annual Meeting.
Public Health PhD student Madalyn Nones researches climate disaster resilience, focusing on drought impacts. Learn how she's helping communities adapt worldwide.
Women in high-pollution areas face significantly higher breast cancer risk, College of Health research shows. A 10ppb increase in nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions equals 3% higher incidence—9,500 preventable U.S. cases yearly.
The study is the largest of its kind in the U.S. — and the world — to look at how air pollution may be connected to breast cancer. Using data from five large research studies, the team found that certain pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, were linked to a small increase in breast cancer overall.
The College of Health at Oregon State University is accelerating research innovation with a strategic focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, AI applications, and translating discoveries into real-world health solutions that benefit communities most in need.
Publications
Recent environmental impacts on human health publications
(This is not an exhaustive list. Visit individual faculty profiles for more extensive lists of their publications.)
2025
Projects, programs and laboratories
Environmental impacts on human health projects, programs and laboratories.
(This is not an exhaustive list. Contact individual faculty for more information of their current and past research.)
Research laboratoryEnvironmental Exposure and Biomarker Laboratory
The Environmental Exposure and Biomarker Laboratory measures metal concentrations in environmental and biological samples in order to determine personal exposure to contaminants. We also examine molecular biomarkers that may be generated by exposure to environmental contaminants. We collaborate closely with other laboratories and programs at Oregon State University and elsewhere.
Director: Molly Kile, ScD
Research laboratoryEnvironmental Health Literacy and Translation Lab
The Environmental Health Literacy and Translation Lab evaluates the role of environmental health literacy in helping communities better frame and respond to environmental health hazards. Current projects incorporate disaster research, asthma and air pollution, and Indigenous environmental health.
Research laboratoryMethylmercury Lab
My laboratory is focused on mercury cycling in the environment, and mitigating human methylmercury exposure.
Director: Sarah Rothenberg, D.Env.
Website: Methylmercury Lab
Research laboratoryOccupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory
We use a variety of bioinstrumentation to characterize work-related physical exposures and investigate their relationships with adverse health outcomes with an ultimate goal of promoting health and well-being at workplaces. We conduct both laboratory and field-based research studies to investigate underlying musculoskeletal injury mechanism in various work environment from computer work to heavy equipment operation.
Director: Jay Kim, PhD, MS
Website: Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory
Research laboratoryOccupational Safety and Health Laboratory
The Occupational Safety and Health Laboratory conducts a broad range of research into measuring the factors related to disease and injury. Our goal is to develop and test targeted interventions that create healthy communities and workplaces, and to improve worker safety in high risk industries.
Director: Laurel Kincl, PhD, CSP
Research laboratorySpatial Health Laboratory
The Spatial Health Laboratory carries out research related to how place (i.e. where we live, work and play) influences our health. Current projects are examining the health impacts of air pollution, built environments, urban green space, and climate change.
Director: Perry Hystad, PhD
Website: Spatial Health Laboratory