Women's History Month, observed annually in March, is a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. Today we want to celebrate women who have made significant strides in pursuing environmental justice. Their work has helped us better understand the natural world, identify environmental challenges, and develop solutions to protect our planet. Their legacies inspire us to continue the work of advancing environmental science and inclusivity in science.

The COVID-19 pandemic flipped our world upside down. Among other things, it had a dramatic effect on work & workers. Yet, particularly during the early days of the pandemic, this effect was unclear. 

EHSC researchers developed a survey to understand how workers and their families have been affected by COVID-19 – both on the job and at home. We also collaborated with several organizations to develop customized versions of the survey. 

March 8th is International Women's Day. To celebrate, we sat down with some of our staff and scientists to ask about the women who inspired them.

Below is a transcript of our conversations – edited for brevity and clarity. 

The simple answer is yes. A walk in the city, blasting music on the radio on your daily drive, or working around loud machines all expose you to noise pollution. 

February is Black History Month and we would like to feature a few of the Black and African-American scientists and researchers who have propelled the field of Environmental Health Sciences forward. 

February 11th is International Women and Girls In Science Day. To celebrate, we sat down with four of the Environmental Health Sciences Center Core Leadership Group to ask them about their experience as women in the STEM field and what advice they would give to the next generation.

Below is an edited transcript of our conversation. 

Ghosts and ghouls aren’t the only things children should be scared of during the spooky Halloween season. October is Children’s Environmental Health Month. There are many environmental hazards and toxins that kids are exposed to daily that are far scarier than ghosts and ghouls, and many are invisible to parents. 

The COVID-19 pandemic compounded existing environmental and health injustices experienced by residents of agricultural and unincorporated communities like Knights Landing, so our interdisciplinary team working on the Knights Landing Environmental Health Project went to work right away with our dedicated promotora-researchers.

I was recently invited to speak to students in the GEO Environmental Science and Design Academy at Grant High School in Sacramento, California. An environmental activist I met through Sunrise Sacramento connected me to the program.

The GEO Academy is a series of environmental science classes for sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in environmental studies and includes coursework in environmental science, sustainable agriculture and land use and environmental design.

One vital aspect of EHSC’s work is community outreach and engagement. Our Community Engagement Core (CEC) is dedicated to overseeing this work which includes science communication, facilitating Community Stakeholder Advisory Committee (CSTAC) meetings and acting as a bridge between scientists and local communities where our research takes place. Best of all, scientists and community members can tap into this network anytime.