In April, the Mountain & Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) of the Centers for Health, Work & Environment (CHWE), in partnership with the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH), Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Public Health, hosted the 16th Annual Research Day Symposium—a day dedicated to showcasing the innovation, passion, and impact of the next generation of occupational and environmental health leaders.
This year’s theme centered around hope and action in the face of public health uncertainty. Across platform and poster sessions, trainees explored topics such as wildfire smoke exposure, food truck air quality, bloodborne pathogen reporting, cutting-edge radiation technologies, communication techniques, and mental health across workforces.
Elizabeth Carlton, PhD, MPH, professor and chair of EOH, opened the day with a message of encouragement and trust in the next generation of researchers:
“Let me say—the range of research ideas makes me confident that the science will move forward. Students offered ideas on combinations of exposures, how to consider whole workers who may be exposed to chemicals and economic stresses and health, how to use geospatial tools to do a better job of estimating exposure efficiently […] The challenges we face are existential. And yet, I am hopeful that together, we will find a way forward.”
Lee Newman, MD, MA, director of MAP ERC and CHWE, added a reminder that public health progress is still unfolding:
“The entire field of worker health and safety is under threat today, but this is not the end of the story. You, our trainees, will have an impact because of your commitment to the well-being of workers.”
Keynote speaker Heather Gilmartin, PhD, NP, associate director of the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Dissemination & Implementation Research Core, emphasized the power of partnerships and amplifying research beyond academia. She encouraged trainees to think boldly about how their work can influence real-world health systems and policy, reminding the audience:
“The action of spreading something—especially information—widely, is what dissemination is all about. If we want research to change practice, we must ensure it reaches the people who can put it into action.”
Attendees engaged in vibrant exchanges throughout the day, and trainees connected with industry professionals, alumni, and faculty. Audiences explored research that bridged disciplines, geographies, and sectors. Projects ranged from climate resilience in agriculture to healthcare system safety, to occupational health psychology, and nuclear science.
The heart of the day was the creativity, dedication, and fresh ideas of MAP ERC trainees. Their work drives new conversations, inspires collaboration, and directs toward a healthier, safer future for all workers.
As we reflect on Research Day 2025, we’re reminded: our work is not finished, and our story is still being written. Together, we continue to build a world where jobs, homes, and environments are not health threats, but a foundation for it.
Presentation Award Winners:
- Platform Presentation Award Winner: Wei William Zou (Sponsored by EOH)
- Quick Take Presentation Award: Lisa Gonzales & Emily Maiurro (Sponsored by EOH)
- Fan Favorite Presentation Award: Shelby Davis (Sponsored by CHWE)
Poster Session Award Winners
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Award Winners: Matthew Russell, Ana de Oliveira Pereira (Sponsored by CHWE)
- Occupational Health Psychology: Luiza Flores (Sponsored by Society for Occupational Health Psychology)
- Health Physics: Paige Witter (Sponsored by Central Rocky Mountain Chapter Health Physics Society)
- Industrial Hygiene: Molly Murphy (Sponsored by American Industrial Hygiene Association Rocky Mountain Section)
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Including the American Industrial Hygiene Association – Rocky Mountain Section, Central Rocky Mountain Health Physics Society, Society for Occupational Health Psychology, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Public Health, and the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health.
