Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

150xjohnlowe Welcome from the chair!

Welcome to the UNMC College of Public Health Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health.  

Our department represents one of the most scientifically diverse research and education environments on campus. Our key focal areas of environmental health, agricultural health and occupational health represent a broad array of public health areas that require a range of expertise and research methods. This diversity provides a unique opportunity for world-class education and preparation to protect and advance public health around the world.  

Our department is the leading provider of agricultural health and safety, climate and health, and emerging infectious disease training for the public health workforce in the Midwest, while also being nationally and internationally recognized for our work and technical expertise. We are a growing faculty actively engaged in applied, translational and basic science research. Our faculty, staff and students actively participate in these key areas.  

We offer professional and continuing education in environmental health, agricultural health, occupational health and toxicology for the public health workforce of Nebraska and the region. Additionally, we provide guidance and consultation to community organizations, public agencies and policy makers to safeguard environmental and occupational health. 

Our department is home to the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, the National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center, and the Water, Climate and Health Program — all focused on protecting the public’s health at home and across the globe.  

Our department faculty teach courses for professional students in the College of Public Health and/or by MS and PhD students in the Graduate College, through the Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Toxicology Graduate Program.  

Our faculty also conduct cutting-edge research and engage in highly multi-disciplinary collaborations across the College of Public Health, the UNMC campus and NU system. This broad approach enables us to tackle difficult challenges to improve the health of our communities, especially those that are rural and agriculture-based, both in Nebraska and around the world. Several of our experts in environmental and occupational health are routinely consulted by the communities, industries and governments on issues in these areas. 

We invite you to join in these activities. We welcome inquiries from community members and applications from prospective students. 

John Lowe
Interim Chair & Professor