Dr. Roberto Rodriguez recently presented his USDA APHIS-funded research on UVC technologies to mitigate avian influenza risks to the Indiana Poultry Association. Through engaging with industry leaders and state partners, his work highlights the critical role of collaboration in developing practical, science-based solutions that strengthen biosecurity, protect animal health, and support resilient food systems.
EOH Ph.D. candidate Chukwudike Igwe represented SPH-B at the 2026 Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, where he received a Graduate Student Travel Support Award. Igwe presented his research on the health impacts of thirdhand vape exposure, highlighting important findings on immune and epigenetic effects. His recognition reflects both his impactful work and the strength of SPH-B’s EOH program.
Rodríguez, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, recently received funding from the HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge (sponsored by USDA) to conduct research on combating avian flu outbreak in poultry farms across Indiana
We are proud to share that Dr. Sarah Commodore, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health, has received a $2.17 million award from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate how in utero exposure to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/vape products) affects children’s respiratory health.
Dr. Commodore—whose expertise includes air quality, exposure assessment, and health disparities—has been recognized nationally for her work on vaping and young adult health. As principal investigator on this three‑year collaborative project, she leads a multidisciplinary team from the School of Public Health‑Bloomington, the Department of Chemistry, the IU School of Medicine, and partner institutions across the country.
Using a 3‑D lung model, an animal model, and population‑level data, the team aims to accelerate the translation of research findings into effective public health interventions that protect pregnant individuals and children.
This significant award highlights Dr. Commodore’s leadership in environmental health research and the impact of SPH‑B scholarship on pressing public health challenges.
The Earth Connection Film Festival will bring a powerful blend of science, art, and storytelling to Earth Day, showcasing international short films that highlight hope, interdependence, and our responsibility to the planet. Led by SPH‑B Assistant Professor Jessica Eise, the festival will offer our school a meaningful platform to engage the community in conversations about environmental resilience and the shared future we’re working to protect.
Retelling the story of climate change: SPH-B researchers lead NSF-funded study on the power of narrative
SPH‑B assistant professor Jessica Eise and postdoctoral fellow Junghyun Moon are leading an NSF‑funded study exploring how different storytelling styles—humor, education, and sentiment—shape the way people understand and respond to climate change. Building on the 2024 Earth Connection Film Festival, their research examines how narrative can shift mental models and inspire meaningful environmental action.
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