Superfund Research Program
Safety and Health Management of Hazards Associated with Emerging Technologies
Project Leader: Gary Adamkiewicz
Grant Number: R25ES023635
Funding Period: 2013-2020
Learn More About the Grantee
Progress Reports
Year: 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
The researchers have progressed in academic course development and training experiences. Three new courses were offered: Occupational Health and Safety Management Practices for New/Emerging Technologies (EH 261), a new course on high-performing buildings – High Performance Buildings for Health, Comfort, and Sustainability (EH 252), and Product Stewardship and Chemical Sustainability (ENVR E-158c). The EH 261 and EH 252 courses both received excellent student evaluations (overall ratings of 4.6 of 5). The new MPH degree program on Sustainability, Health, and the Global Environment educated students on critical environmental factors as they related to sustainability, including risks associated with environmental and occupational hazards, air, water, climate, ecosystems, green products, green chemistry, sustainable food, high performing buildings, and sustainable design of communities. The project researchers sponsored their first cohort of three undergraduate students from Xavier University – New Orleans in the FACETS program (Fostering Advancement & Careers through Enrichment Training in Science). FACETS is an eight-week pipeline program taking a holistic approach to cultivating the next generation of scientists. The research team used the R25 to encourage trainees to become involved in research. For example, trainees were involved (as part of their training experience) in evaluating e-waste in manufacturing facilities; chemistry of the formulations emerging in products; nanoparticles in building materials; and non-chemical exposures (urban noise). Finally, the researchers continue to provide seminars, such as they seminar titled “What Happens to Electronic Waste at Harvard and Beyond?” presented at the 2018 Harvard IT Summit.