The Persistent Threat of PFAS: A Public Health Concern in U.S. Colleges and Communities On August 28, 2024, the University of Wisconsin-Madison‘s School of Medicine and Public Health released a significant study regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” This research revealed that a majority of Wisconsin residents have detectable […]
environmental justice
Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Research in the Appalachian Region
## Exploring the Intersection of Biodiversity, Community, and Sustainability in Appalachia On August 27, 2024, Shannon Bell, a researcher at Virginia Tech, embarked on a significant study at the Hardin Ginseng Farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Her research focuses on the biodiversity of forest understories and their importance to North America’s medicinal plants. As a […]
The Future of Environmental Justice: Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Environmental Justice and the Role of U.S. Colleges in Addressing Community Vulnerabilities On August 27, 2024, Professor Harvey Miller from The Ohio State University (2024 USNews Ranking: 43) co-chaired a significant report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) aimed at providing support for environmental justice in vulnerable communities across the […]
UConn’s Research Achievements and Social Impact
The Impact of UConn’s Research Funding on Local Community Development and Engagement On August 28, 2024, the University of Connecticut (2024 USNews Ranking: 58) (UConn) announced a remarkable achievement in its research endeavors, with both research funding and expenditures reaching historic highs. The university secured $367 million in research grants for the fiscal year 2024, […]
The Impact of Climate Change on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
The Rising Importance of Climate Issues in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, climate change, energy, and extreme weather have emerged as pivotal issues that resonate deeply with voters across the nation. The recent Atlantic hurricane season and the devastating wildfires on the West Coast have brought these concerns […]
The Complex Relationship Between Pellet Production and Public Health
The Impact of Wood Pellet Production on Public Health in Rural Communities On August 22, 2024, Erica Walker, an assistant professor at the Brown University School of Public Health, received federal funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate the health impacts of wood pellet production on communities surrounding Mississippi. Wood pellets […]
The Intersection of Disability and Environmental Justice
The Intersection of Disability, Environmental Justice, and Community Activism: Insights from Sunaura Taylor’s “Disabled Ecologies” In her groundbreaking book, “Disabled Ecologies,” Professor Sunaura Taylor of the University of California-Berkeley (2024 USNews Ranking: 15) delves into the historical and contemporary implications of environmental justice through the lens of disability. Taylor’s exploration is rooted in her personal […]
Yale University Launches Clean and Equitable Energy Development Program
Yale University’s Clean and Equitable Energy Development Program: A New Frontier in Energy Justice On August 22, 2024, Yale University launched a groundbreaking certificate program titled Clean and Equitable Energy Development (CEED), aimed at equipping community leaders with the tools to tackle the challenges of energy justice. This initiative, a collaboration between the Yale Center […]
Ryan Emanuel: Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Environmental Justice
The Interconnection of Water, Indigenous Knowledge, and Environmental Justice in U.S. Colleges In the realm of environmental science, few figures stand out as prominently as Ryan Emanuel, an environmental scientist and professor at Duke University (2024 USNews Ranking: 7) ’s Nicholas School of the Environment. His work, which focuses on hydrology, environmental justice, and the […]
The Role of Business in Reducing Pollution and Promoting Public Health
The Role of Businesses in Reducing Pollution and Promoting Public Health In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame (2024 USNews Ranking: 20) , it has been revealed that while commercial activities are a primary source of pollution, they also hold the potential to play a pivotal role in combating […]
