The Society of Environmental Journalists' annual conference convened a panel of experts on April 25 in Tempe to discuss the spread of infectious diseases amid climate change.

On April 3, five University of Arizona researchers shared their scientific motivations, exciting findings, and the future of their work with dozens of members of the Arizona community as part of the annual Behind BIO5 event. These intimate conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the people, stories, and passions driving some of today’s most innovative scientific discoveries.

A recent study by SWEHSC member Mónica D. Ramírez-Andreotta, PhD with Dr. Aminata Kilungo, PhD, explored how drinking water quality, community perceptions, and socioeconomic factors affect metalloid exposure and contribute to vulnerability. The study integrated the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding water quality, access, and public health. The study found that many residents of Naco and Nogales rated their water around 7 out of 10, often considering it unsafe to drink. As a result, many rely on bottled water, especially since they also reported water shortages in the past month. This study highlights factors such as income, education, housing conditions, and employment status influence how individuals perceive water quality and affect their behaviors, including choosing bottled water or avoiding tap water.

R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy graduate and undergraduate students were acknowledged for research excellence and academic achievements during the 14th Annual Graduate Research Awards Reception.

Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, an associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, was inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses during the Western Institute of Nursing Conference in early April.

Innovations from the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson, the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center and the BIO5 Institute are targeting the deeper causes of asthma and COPD.

The University of Arizona is studying how neighborhood environments may contribute to obesity-related cancer risk, with a new $1.2 million grant from the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Chris Lim, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Zuckerman College of Public Health and lead researcher on the project, said the study will provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental factors that may increase cancer risk.

Scientists at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center are hoping the answer to that question will be found in the Binational Early Asthma and Microbiome Study, or BEAMS. Researchers are following pregnant women and their babies to learn how early-life environmental exposures and factors such as dust, water and diet affect asthma risk.

SWEHSC had the pleasure of hosting a “What’s Brewing in Your Lab” session featuring Dr. Chris Lim and his students from the Health & Urban Modeling (HUM) Lab, who shared their impactful environmental research. A total of 9 students presented on a diverse range of topics, including air pollution, U.S. infrastructure, healthcare accessibility, and playground shade structures.

Carroll co-founded the U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network and directs the Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance. Both are groups that work to research and strengthen Indigenous data governance, accuracy and data-driven policy.