Abstract
The prevalence and pervasive nature of emerging chemicals of concern has created widespread
environmental injustice apprehensions in vulnerable communities. To alleviate and address these
concerns, identifying, engaging, and training a diverse environmental health research workforce
will be critical and necessary steps to combat and prevent the consequences of environmental
injustice. While there is obvious need to enhance diversity in environmental health research, this
process is hampered by facets of systemic racism that reduce access to educational resources
needed to build interest and knowledge in students and teachers. The overarching goal of
(Engaging Multidisciplinary Professional Opportunities for Women in Environmental Research)
EMPOWER 2.0 is to enhance the diversity of the environmental health research workforce by
building relationships with underserved schools in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area that have
historically performed poorly in the areas of science, technology, and math. With the proper
training and mentorship, the untapped workforce present within these schools will be empowered
to understand and address current and emerging environmental health and safety threats.
Through this transformative 8-week high school research program, we will develop well-prepared,
ethical researchers committed to scientific inquiry, intensive fieldwork, and collaborative problem-
solving to address environmental health challenges. Following the 4-step risk assessment
process, students, teachers, and faculty mentors will work collaboratively to identify toxicants,
potential hazards and risks, and environmental disparities in urban neighborhoods, which
provides the necessary training to formulate critical thinking skills for use in academic or non-
academic careers. Within our program, students will be considered Environmental Health
Scholars who engage in air and water research, test experimental hypotheses, and define
potential health risks for select Atlanta communities. The comprehensive approach our program
provides will develop interest in college-level study in environmental health and formulate critical
thinking skills for use in academic or non-academic careers. Participating high school teachers or
Teaching Fellows will be provided additional educational training in environmental health issues
at Georgia State University School of Public Health Center of Teaching Excellence and Learning
and participate in summer research training along with the environmental health scholars.
