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Dean’s Message – June 2024

June 26, 2024 Community

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Dean Anna Maria Siega-Riz
Dean Anna Maria Siega-Riz

As I write this message, the temperature is soaring close to 100 degrees. We are doing our best to stay cool, conserve energy, and save water, underscoring the public health implications of these strategies. Climate change stands as one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Across the US and globally, many are experiencing floods, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and droughts, all of which threaten the health of animals, humans, and our planet.

This week, I was inspired by a series of presentations on climate-related security risks, highlighting the interconnectedness with agriculture, food systems, food security, and dietary guidelines. Advancing our understanding in these areas, along with technological, policy, and intervention breakthroughs, is crucial to tackling the climate challenges we face. Our faculty in the Departments of Environmental Health Sciences, Nutrition, and Health Promotion and Policy are making significant contributions to this vital knowledge.

Another summer challenge is the rise in vector-borne diseases. Our school is proud to be part of a CDC Center of Excellence in this area. As we spend more time outdoors, it's essential to heed the advice of Dr. Andrew Lover: “The two broad areas of tick prevention are personal protection—such as wearing long pants, using repellents, and doing tick checks with outdoor activity—and yard-based interventions, including clearing vegetation, wood chipping, and professional pesticide application.”

Researching adaptation strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and increased exposure to vector-borne diseases, exemplifies what we do best at SPHHS.

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Architect's rendering of the new SPHHS Hub
Architect's rendering of the new SPHHS Hub

Right after graduation, construction began in the parking lot next to the Totman building for the new SPHHS Hub. This “Hub” will be providing much needed classroom space, a large seminar room, collaboration spaces, and offices for all student advising and career planning staff. We are so excited to finally have a building that connects our teaching with student services. In the beginning of September, we will celebrate this new building with a formal ceremony followed by our annual welcome back ice cream social. Please stay tuned for details and we hope you will join us for this amazing milestone for our community.

Stay safe and cool this summer!

Article posted in Community for Faculty , Staff , Current students , and Alumni

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