ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
trol, and environmental health inspections. By training students from the region, the program ensures graduates understand and address the unique environmental and cultural needs of their communities. Many alumni have transi- tioned into research organizations and public agencies, applying their academic knowledge to practical challenges and enhancing public health outcomes throughout the region. The program’s commitment to workforce develop- ment and community partnership continues to shape healthier, more resilient communities across Southern California. Zoonotic Disease Transmission Finally, the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health is increasingly important in a changing world. The next example illustrates how hands-on research prepares students to address zoonotic disease transmission and protect public health. At Fort Valley State University , students in the Master of Public Health Program have played an integral role in a 5-year research project investigating the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in white-tailed deer and the potential risks to hunters, wild-game processors, Depart- ment of Natural Resources technicians, and taxidermists who handle deer carcasses. Under faculty guidance, students collected and tested blood and fecal samples for pathogens such as anaplasmosis and gastrointestinal nematodes, and surveyed hunters about their knowledge of zoonotic disease transmission. The proj- ect expanded to include COVID-19 testing in deer and culminated in community outreach at Georgia’s Buck-a-Rama hunting convention, where students provided educational materi- als on preventing exposure. These hands-on experiences not only contributed valuable data for disease prevention but also fulfilled thesis and field experience requirements for students, directly preparing them for careers in environ- mental health and public health protection. The team is now applying this research meth- odology to new projects, including studying the zoonotic potential of wild-caught freshwater fish and the risks to anglers, demonstrating the
program’s commitment to hands-on learning and protecting public health in diverse settings. Final Thoughts We hope you have enjoyed reading just a bit of what your EHAC-accredited undergraduate and graduate environmental health programs have accomplished. These stories demonstrate that accredited degree programs are far more than academic training grounds—they are engines of innovation, service, and leadership in communities across the country. Whether improving air and water quality, advancing food safety, preparing for emergencies, or developing the next generation of environ- mental public health professionals, these pro- grams are united by a commitment to hands- on learning, community engagement, and measurable impact. The diverse projects and partnerships described here underscore the essential, often unseen role that environmen- tal public health professionals play in safe- guarding our daily lives and building health- ier, more resilient communities for the future. As environmental health challenges evolve, the continued dedication of these programs will remain vital to protecting and advancing public health for all. Acknowledgments: Thank you to the following individuals for contributing to this column: • Dr. Bryan Brooks, Baylor University • Dr. Rebecca Uzarski, Central Michigan University • Dr. Mahmood Nikbakhtzadeh, California
• Dr. Guang Jin, Illinois State University • Dr. Margaret J. Eggers, Dr. W. Adam Sigler, Nicklas Kiekover, Dr. Paul M. Bradley, Kelly L. Smalling, Albert Parker, Dr. Robert K.D. Peterson, and John I. LaFave, Montana State University • Dr. Zivar Yousefipour, Texas Southern University • Dr. Kim Lichtveld, University of Findlay • Dr. Lenore Killam, University of Illinois, Springfield • Dr. Nesta Bortey-Sam, University of Pittsburgh • Dr. Crispin Pierce, University of Wiscon- sin–Eau Claire • Dr. Lorenzo Cena, West Chester University • Dr. Brian Byrd, Western Carolina University • Dr. Edrisa Sanyang, Dr. Jacqueline J. Basham, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, and Dr. Gretchen Macy, Western Kentucky University Photo Credits: Images © Adobe Stock: 24Novembers; Unsplash: ekamelev; and iStockphoto: damircudic, Delmaine Donson. Corresponding Author: Tania Busch Isaksen, MPH, PhD, Teaching Professor and Under- graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Email: tania@uw.edu References Davidson, B. (2017). Storytelling and evi- dence-based policy: Lessons from the grey literature. Palgrave Communications , 3 , Article 17093. https://doi.org/10.1057/ palcomms.2017.93 Fadlallah, R., El-Jardali, F., Nomier, M., Hemadi, N., Arif, K., Langlois, E.V., & Alk, E.A. (2019). Using narratives to impact health policy-making: A systematic review. Health Research Policy and Systems , 17 , Article 26. https://doi.org./10.1186/s12961-019-0423-4
State University at San Bernardino • Dr. Joshua Schaeer, Colorado State University
• Dr. Stephanie Richards, William Hill, Dr. Jo Anne Balanay, Dr. Charles Humphrey, Dr. Guy Iverson, and Heidi Knecht, East Carolina University • Dr. Vonia Grabeel, Eastern Kentucky University • Dr. Rod Handy, East Tennessee State University • Dr. Oreta Samples, Fort Valley State University
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Volume 88 • Number 2
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