oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental health capacity-
building: Examples from EPA's
Extramural Grants Program
Cynthia McOliver, PHD MPH
82nd National Environmental Health Association AEC Meeting
¦ Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environment Research
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oEPA
Disclaimer
The information in this presentation
approved for public dissemination
Environmental Protection
expressed in this presentation
and do not necessarily represent
Agency. Any mention of trad
products does not constitute
recommendation for use.
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oEPA
Outline
Overview of EPA and Office of Research
and Development (ORD)
Overview of the National Center for
Environmental Research (NCER)
NCER's Environmental Workforce
Program
Research supporting environmental
capacity building
Conclusions
Questions
Contact information
Appendix:
o Examples of tribal and
environmental justice research
o List of grants discussed 1
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oEPA
EPA & ORD Mission
Environmental Protection Agency
Mission:
To protect human health & the
environment.
Office of Research &
Development Mission:
To conduct leading-edge research and foster
the sound use of science and technology to
fulfill EPA's mission to protect human health
and the environment.
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oEPA
EPA Science Resources
Information on EPA's research databases and tools, factsheets,
brochures and research reports is available at the following sites:
https://www.epa.gov/research/strategic-research-action-plans-
annual-reports-updates-and-fact-sheets
https://www.epa.gov/research/methods-models-tools-and-
databases
ORD research products can be found in the Science Inventory:
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/
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oEPA
ORD Research and Technical Support
ORD provides the scientific foundation for EPA to fulfill its mandate to protect human
health and the environment.
Long-Term Research
Scientists conduct innovative and anticipatory research to solve long-term
environmental challenges and provide the basis for future environmental protection.
Research on Specific Environmental Challenges
Experts conduct research to help EPA program and regional offices, as well as states,
tribes and communities, respond to contemporary environmental challenges.
Technical and Emergency Support
Because of our expertise, local, state and national officials come to us for technical
support to respond to environmental crises and needs, large and small.
EPA-ORD Research Triangle Park EPA-ORD Cincinnati
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oEPA
Air & Energy
Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
ORD Research Programs
Sustainable & Healthy
Communities
1
Safe & Sustainable
Water Resources
WW
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oEPA
About NCER
Mission:
To support funding for high-quality
and engineers that will improve the
environmental issues.
Vision Statement:
Engages the scientific community to advance research for
solutions to human health and environmental challenges.
Research Programs:
Small Business Innovation Research (www.epa.gov/sbir)
People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) (https://www.epa
Science to Achieve Results (STAR)
National Priorities Research
research by the nation's leading scientists
scientific basis for decisions on national
¦gov/P3)
https://www.epa.gov/research-grants
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oEPA
NCER's stakeholders
EPA National
Research
Programs
Government
agencies
Environmental
Workforce
Academic Research
Community
Industry/sma
businesses
EPA
Programs and
regional offices
Scientific
Community
Community
organizations
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oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
NCER's Programs to Support the
Environmental Workforce
Office of Research arid Development
National Center for Environment Research
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oEPA SBIR Program Impacts
Supporting small companies to develop innovative,
commercializable environmental technologies that address
priority needs across the Agency.
2017 - 2018 EPA SBIR Topics
Air Quality ,
Manufacturing I'Sj.*" SBIR
Land Revitalization America's Seed Fund
Clean and Safe Water ".*.** powered by epa
¦ i
Homeland Security
Building Construction Materials
www.epa.gov/sbir
Contact: April Richards, richards.april(g)epa.gov
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oEPA
People, Prosperity & the Planet (P3)
Seeds innovations and grows next generation environmental
workforce
Addresses/develops environmental solutions to worldwide
issues
Promotes environmental awareness and education
Youtube videos:
https://www.google.com/search?q=youtube%20epa%20p3&cad=h
www.epa.gov/p3
Contact: April Richards, richards.april@epa.gov
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oEPA
Fellowship Partnerships
Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) with the
National Science Foundation (NSF)
American Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS)
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
(ASPPH)
https://www.epa.gov/research-fellowships
Additional information on Student
opportunities:
https://www.epa.gov/careers/fellowships-
scholarships-and-post-doctoral-opportunities
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oEPA
Hawaii
11-15
16-20
333 current grants,
centers and
Fellowships in total
EPA Research Grants, Centers and Fellowships to
Universities
J_Q I I STAR Research Grants, Cente
Puerto
Rico
20+
$263 million extramural research grants, centers and Fellowships active in
Fiscal Year 2016 |
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oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Research supporting community
environmental capacity-building
The Pilot EPA-NIMHD Centers of Excellence
on Environment and Health Disparities
A Summary of Accomplishments
Office of Research arid Development
National Center for Environment Research
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oEPA
Presentation overview
Purpose statement: Discuss the role of EPA research funding activities in
supporting environmental health capacity building and present how various
project stakeholders participated in these efforts
Problem statement: How have environmental health researchers funded by
NCER actualized capacity building during the research process?
Are there unique or novel tools and strategies that can help community
partners/stakeholders build capacity to improve their health and protect
themselves from the adverse impacts of environmental pollution/impairment?
What's New: Community stakeholders and researchers from NCER' Grants
Portfolio have successfully incorporated capacity-building strategies into their
research
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oEPA
Overview & Characteristics
Thirty-two research projects and demonstrations
Research partnerships and collaborations, including:
o Community and academic partnerships
o Community engagement/Community-based
participatory research (CBPR)
o Tribal engagement
o Environmental Justice
o Student/youth involvement
o Social and cultural determinants of health
o Health disparities
"Community engagement in research ensures that
researchers understand community priorities, promote
culturally-responsive research, while simultaneously
enhancing a community's capacity to address its own
health needs and health disparities issues."
-NIEHS-EPA Health Disparities Grantee
- ^
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Sighing.Thf cougHifl
foClcO
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oEPA
Environmental Topics/Concerns
Community Health/Risk Assessments
Air pollution/Air Quality
Wood smoke/Cookstoves
Primary and secondary air pollutants
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Environmental change and health impacts
Nutrients and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS)
Coral reef health
Stormwater Runoff/Green infrastructure
Water Quality/Water contamination
Water reuse and reclamation
Treatment technologies
Well water contamination
Toxics/Chemicals and Heavy Metals
Ecosystem Services and benefits
Subsistence resources
Impacts of abandoned mines
Superfund sites and Brownfields
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oEPA
Environmental Health and Disease
Topics
Children's health e.g. asthma, childhood cancers, autism
spectrum disorders, lead impacts
Behavior and neurocognitive disorders
Pulmonary disease and reduced lung function
o Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - COPD
o Asthma
Metabolic diseases, including obesity
Adult cancers
Heart diseases
Waterborne diseases/infections
Health disparities
Tribal unique exposures/health impacts
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Research partners/collaborators
Academic institutions including tribal colleges and
universities and minority-serving institutions
State and local governments/agencies
Industry
Non-profit and community organizations
International partners
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Research Methodologies
Health surveys and health assessments
Medical exams and specimen collection
Bioassays e.g. ELISA, filter paper assays
Interviews
Environmental sampling and monitoring
Sensor technologies testing/demonstrations
Modeling and mapping technologies
Analyses of local, state and national datasets
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Communication and research
translation
Multiway communication with community, partners and stakeholders
Provided ongoing progress updates
Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity
Met community and partners: community settings, events, festivals or via home visits
Used translators, where needed
Became educated on sensitive issues and information that is privileged
Produce or generated culturally relevant research materials
Actively engaged community leaders & organizations, Tribal elders, youth or students
Incorporated educational tools, videos, websites and social media
Jointly published research
Informed or engaged community leaders, local media, government agencies and local
academic institutions
Scientific conferences and journal publications are just a few of the tools to
communicate and translate research impacts and outcomes!
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Selected examples of research
outputs
LEO
NETWORK
Youtube.com
o Salish Sea Speakers Series with Larry Campbell and Jamie Donatuto - April 28, 2016
o "LEO Network": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-i9XKhqBI4
Websites:
o Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center: http://www.aqmd.gov/aq-spec
o Chamacos Study: https://cerch.berkelev.edu/research-programs/chamacos-studv
o Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Local Environmental Observer Network:
https://www.leonetwork.org/en/
o Crow Water Quality Project Facebook page
News Articles:
o The Nation- 'Warning Signs: How Pesticides Harm the Young Brain"
o Little Big Horn College and Apsaalooke Nation research on water quality:
¦ https://troubledwater.news21.com/native-american-tribes-fight-for-clean-water-and-more-
money
¦ http://www.ehn.org/part 1 tainted water imperils health traditions for montana tribe-
2497203331.html
Presentations to local school children, teachers, local leaders and community members
Book chapters
Videos, Coloring books etc.
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\ \
\\
Examples of publications
RESEARCH IN THE NORTH
cq\cTi< Research
Community-based participatory research
projects and policy engagement
to protect environmental health on
St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Pamela K. Miller1*, Viola Waghiyi1,2, Gretcheri Welfinger-Smith3,
Samuel Carter Byrne1,3, Jane Kava1,2, Jesse Gologergen1,2,
Lorraine Eckstein1, Ronald Scrudato3, Jeff Chiarenzelli4,
David O. Carpenter3 and Samarys Seguinot-Medina1
'Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, AK, USA;2 Native Village of Savoonga, St Lawrence Island,
^K, USA; institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA; 4Department
jf Geology St Lawrence University, Canton, NY, USA
Framing Scientific Analyses for Risk Management of Environmental Hazards
by Communities: Case Studies with Seafood Safety Issues
Nancy L. Judd,12-3 Christina H. Drew,12 Chetana Acharya,1,3 Marine Resources for Future Generations,4
Todd A. Mitchell,5 Jamie L. Donatuto,56 Gary W. Burns,7 Thomas M. Burbacher,13 and Elaine M. Faustman1-2-3
Objectives. This articte synthesizes discussion of collaborative research results, interventions and policy
engagement for St Lawrence Island (SL1). Alaska, during the years 2000 2012.
Emissions from residential combustion considering end-uses and
spatial constraints: Part I, methods and spatial distribution
Ekbordin Winijkul Laura Fierce, Tami C. Bond
OepamiMTU of QvB and environmental Engineering. University of Illinois at Urtana-Ckampaign. Utbana. IL 61801. USA
&
HIGHLIGHTS
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
New method to distribute fuel con-
sumption and emissions from house-
hold energy.
Population density, forest boundaries,
and mghtlights used to classify land
types.
Cooking accounts for over half of fuel
consumption.
Method predicts higher emissions in
areas near forests and without elec-
tricity.
Geosciences 2015. J. 67-94; doi:10.3390/eeoscieiices5010067
OPEN ACCESS
geosciences
ISSN 2076-3263
www. rndpi. c om/j ouma 1/geo sc ienc e s
Article
Potential Health Risks from Uranium in Home Well Water: An
Investigation by the Apsaalooke (Crow) Tribal Research Group
Margaret J. Eggers 1,*J Anita L. Moore-NailJohn T. Doyle ' Myra J. Leftliand
Sara L. Young ?'6, Ada L. Bends3>s, Crow Environmental Health Steeling C oinmittee 3 and
Anne K. Camper 1,7
International Journal of
Environmental Research
and Public Health
Article
Perspectives on Biological Monitoring in
Environmental Health Research: A Focus Group
Study in a Native American Community
Melissa Gonzales lf* , Elanda King Jeanette Bobelu 2, Donica M. Ghahate 2, Teresa Madrid 3,
Sheri Lesansee 4 and Vallabh Shah 2'*
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oEPA
Community benefits and impacts
Direct and visible information, tools and results:
Mitigation of community-identified hazards and health impacts e.g. cookstoves
replacement leading to reduction of air pollutants inside homes; identified and
tracking of HABS n local waters used for drinking water and recreation
Improvement in environmental conditions/quality
Community toolkits
Monitoring and sampling of local contaminated sites
Development and use of community air monitoring plans, local adaptation
plans and Community health assessments
Informed behavior changes to reduce adverse exposures and health impacts
Community-driven closures or replacement of subsistence fishing/harvesting
locations to reduce exposure to hazards
Robust community or localized health and environmental data
Local, State and Tribal decision making
See example RFA language :
https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.rfatext/rfa_i
d/522
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oEPA
Research that benefits local
community/partners
Research skills and methods
- Research design methods, grant writing, literature reviews
- Recruitment and tracking
- Clinical/Health and Environmental data collection
- Technological tools and software
- Sensor technologies, GIS, GPS, cellphone apps, environmental models
- Data interpretation
- QA/QC training
Enhanced Environmental Awareness and Activity
- Identification and prioritization of local environmental concerns/hazards
- Environmental observations
- Field work and environmental monitoring
- Local/Traditional Ecological Knowledge bridged with scientific approaches
Collaboration Skills:
- Coalition building
- Community and Researcher partnerships
- Multiple community organizations work together
- Leveraging resources
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oEPA
Education and STEM
-
Career development of junior-level investigators
Community trainings and workshops
Student mentoring
Internships and graduate assistantships
Real-world research experience (labs, field work)
STEM activities
Curriculum development and educational tools
Workshops and lectures
Impact:
More students interested in the environment
Increased excitement and understanding of science
and environmental health
Youth and students gain hands-on research experience
Help develop a new environmental workforce
Educators participate or become invested in research
projects
$
Kg
A Nutive Lens f Mm _
Starring Nick Clark. |
Cody Cayou, and
Travis Tom
Written ond Directed by
Annie Silver»lem NicK
Clark. Cody Cayou, and
Travis Tom
Produced by
I anghauso Medm
Funding provided by
SLOW BURN
The story of March Point
A OOC t/ME N T Aft Y BY T N ft E f.
TEENS rKOM THE S*INOMISH
Indian Ihihal Community
THAI EXPLORES ThC ISSUES
ASSOC I AT E D WITH HAVING fNO
Olt REE IN t N t IS NtXt TO TMt
PLACE THAT THEY CALL HOME.
The Swinomish tndion Tribal Community was able to develop this DVD documentary
with a STAR grant
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oEPA
Questions?
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oEPA
Contact
Cynthia McOliver, PhD MPH
mcoliver.cvnthia(5)epa.gov
202-564-7657
NCER Communications:
Kelly Widener: widener.kelly@epa.gov
EPA Research page: https://www.epa.gov/research
Research Grants/NCER page: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants
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Examples of Tribal and Environmental Justice
Research
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (Anchorage, AK)
Assessing, monitoring, and adapting to the threats of a changing environment to the
sustainability of food and water in remote Alaska Native villages.
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (La Conner, WA), Skagit System Cooperative,
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center
Examining coastal environmental impacts to traditional foods, cultural sites, and tribal
community health and well-being.
Yurok Tribe (Klamath, CA), Northern Arizona University
Identifying, assessing, and adapting to environmental change impacts to Yurok water
and aquatic resources, food security and tribal health.
Little Big Horn College (Crow Agency, MT) and Montana State University
Studying environmental change adaptation and waterborne disease prevention on the
Crow Reservation.
University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK), Cherokee Nation Environmental Program, Institute
for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Navajo Nation - EPA and Dept. of Dine
Education, Nimiipuu Health, University of Oklahoma
Examining ways to improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental asthma
triggers in tribal homes/schools.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Amherst, MA)
Measuring indoor air quality in tents as related to wood smoke exposures and identify
potential health risks in remote subsistence hunting communities in North America.
https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/tribal-environmental-health-grants-recipient-
lists
Risks versus benefits...
Workshops and community scoping
helping to define
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Tribal and Environmental Justice
research (continued)
University of Washington, Heritage University Reducing Wood Smoke and
improving oir quality in Yakima Valley using sensor technology
University of New Mexico Center for Native Environmental Health Equity
Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Environmental Health Steering
Committee, Navajo Nation chapters, Montana State University, University of
Washington, Southwest Research & Information Center, Missouri Breaks, Inc.
Exposures and Health disparities associated with metal mixtures from mine-related
wastes
University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Center for Indigenous
Environmental Health Research Investigate how chemical and other
environmental exposures, including social determinants, lead to health inequities
for A!/AN communities
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing
Navajo:
Traditional Foods
Authority (THRHA) Measuring wood stove emissions and indoor air quality before and Water
and after replacement with new EPA-certified stoves and training THRHA Contamination
technicians to conduct testings
Williamsburg Brooklyn Asthma and Environment Consortium Conducted
community-based environmental health research on asthma in Williamsburg's
predominantly Latino "Southside" neighborhood
;: ^+
Navajo R21:
Gold King
Mine Spill
Dine Exposure
Project
Hopi
Environmental
Health Project
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oEPA
List of Projects
1. Shared Air/Shared Action (SA2): Community Empowerment through Low-cost Air Pollution Monitoring
2. Center for Indigenous Environmental Health Research
3. Water, Our Voice to the Future: Climate change adaptation and waterborne disease prevention on the
Crow Reservation
4. A Global Map of Feasible Residential Solutions, Emphasizing Stoves with Space Heating Uses
5. Taking it to the Streets: Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Philadelphia Communities
6. Formative Center for the Evaluation of Environmental Impacts on Fetal Development
7. The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health
8. Development and application of a fiber optic array system for detection and enumeration of potentially
toxic cyanobacteria
9. Center for Children's Environmental Health Research a" Community Outreach and Translation Core
10. Bioaccumulative Toxics in Native American Shellfish
11. Hazardous Substance Research Center/South and Southwest
12. The Center for Hazardous Substances in Urban Environments (CHSUE) Outreach Program
13. Center for Hazardous Substances in Urban Environments (CHSUE)
14. Williamsburg Brooklyn Asthma and Environment Consortium
15. Integrating Coral Reef Ecosystem Integrity and Restoration Options with Watershed-based activities in
the Tropical Pacific Islands and the Societal Costs of Poor Land-use Practices
16. A Dose-Response and Susceptibility Investigation of Skin Keratoses and Hyperpigmentation due to
Ingestion of Arsenic in Drinking Water
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oEPA
List of Projects, contd.
17. Accessing Overseas Markets Energy Efficiency Standards and Appliance Labeling in Asia and
Latin America
18. New Mexico Center for Advancement of Research, Engagement, & Science on Health
Disparities (NM CARES HD) - Environmental Health Core
19. Environmental Health Disparities Research Core
20. Center of Excellence: Environmental Health Disparities Core
21. Analysis and Action on the Environmental Determinants of Health and Health Disparities
22. Use of Vermicomposting to Reduce Solid Waste Accumulations, Alleviate Flooding and Further
Sustainable Development in Slum Settlements in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
23. Design of a Low Cost, Self Operating Hydraulic Ram Pump for Water Retention and Lifting in
Developing Countries; Bringing Clean Water to Haiti
24. Development of Community Power from Sustainable Small Hydro Power Systems : A Capacity
Building Project in Bangang, Cameroon (Phase I)
25. Development of Community Power from Sustainable Small Hydro Power Systems: A
Capacity Building Project in Bangang, Cameroon (Phase II)
26. Enhancing Urban Sustainability through the Application of Permaculture Principles
27. Improved Cook Stoves for Haiti Using Thermoelectrics to Reduce Deforestation and Improve
Quality of Life
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oEPA List of Projects, contd.
28. Multifunction Energy Platform (MFP) Pilot
29. Development Plan of a Sustainable Water Management Plan for a Rapidly Urbanizing Ghanaian Village
30. QnD - Designing a Participatory Scenario Modeling Tool to Integrate Technology, Ecology, and Sociology
in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve and Beyond
31. University of Arizona Cross-border Water Technology Collaboration
32. Time-Relevant Communication of Ozone and Particulate Air Pollution Data: A Pilot Project to Raise
Public Awareness and Promote Exposure Reduction
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