Environmental Health Program

Highlighting upstream solutions to protect children, climate, and health.

The Environmental Health Program at the CEEE highlights upstream solutions that protect children, climate, and health, as well as raises awareness about the link between harmful chemicals and their impacts to both people and climate. Our initiatives focus on community practices and state strategies that significantly reduce Iowan’s exposure to common hazardous pollutants. We work with school boards, grounds staff, park managers, child care centers, our network of Local Champions, and others to significantly reduce pesticide use in public spaces. We also coordinate with state organizations and national partners to highlight the practical, land-based farming solutions that build soil, improve water quality, reduce (and in some cases eliminate) pesticide application, strengthen Iowa’s economy, and improve biodiversity - all without impacting long-term agricultural profitability.

Save the Date!

Environmental Health Student Symposium: Activating the Precautionary Principle for a Healthier Future

October 29th, 2025 | 8:30am - 3:00pm
UNI Maucker Union, 1015 Maucker Rd, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614

About the Symposium

We are excited to welcome you to the first annual Environmental Health Student Symposium!

About the Symposium: It is important for both undergraduate and graduate students to understand the connections between environment and health. This day-long symposium is open to all college students in Iowa who are studying, working on, or interested in environmental health topics. Along with featuring invited experts in the field and roundtable networking for students to explore environmental health-related careers, students have the opportunity to present their academic and/or internship work relating to environmental health. 
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Agenda
8:30-9:00         Check-in/Light Refreshments
9:00-9:15          Welcome/Introduction
9:15-10:15          Keynote: Carolyn Raffensperger, MA, JD
                               Executive Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network    
10:15-10:30      Break + Group Picture
10:30-11:15       Speaker: David Cwiertny, PhD
                               William D. Ashton Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. 
                               Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa
11:15-11:45         Break + Mini Grant Poster Session 
11:45-12:30       Lunch + Mini Grant Poster Session
12:30-1:00        Student Presentations
1:00-1:15           Break
1:15-2:45           Networking Panel & Break-outs
                                Gina Bell, Sustainability Director, City of Dubuque
                                Dana Kolpin, MS. Research Hydrologist, Central Midwest Water Science Center
                                Jared Parmater, MS, REHS-RS. Environmental Health Program Manager, Black Hawk County Health Department
                                Caroline Powell, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Cancer Consortium
2:45-3:00         Wrap-Up/Conclusion

Space is limited. Register early to ensure your spot. Registration closes on September 29, 2025.

Contact: Brittany Latch, CEEE Environmental Health Program Associate | brittany.latch@uni.edu

Event Flyer & Agenda

Stay tuned for details to register!