RESEARCH
The Ekenga Research Group is an epidemiology research group focused on environmental and occupational exposures. Our mission is to advance knowledge that informs policies and practices for promoting healthy environments for all where we live, work, and play.
We investigate the ways in which environmental and occupational factors influence our health and contribute to disparities in exposures and outcomes. We use multiple and mixed methods, including environmental monitoring, exposure modeling, interviews, and focus groups, to investigate these factors. Our recent work has focused on the prevention and control of chronic health conditions, such as cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The group is led by Dr. Christine Ekenga, PhD, MPH.
WHO WE ARE
We are a research group that values diversity. We believe that bringing more voices to the table is critical to advancing our work to promote healthy environments for all. We embrace and encourage the representation and inclusion of historically underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences. We strive for a welcoming environment for all individuals, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, LGBTQ+, having a (dis)ability, or part of other equity-seeking groups.
CURRENT WORK
Environmental Health
Our environmental research centers low-resourced populations who experience overexposure to environmental hazards and reduced access to beneficial aspects of the environment. Current projects focus on the spatial distribution of environmental health hazards and benefits and the development of indicators for evidence-based planning and public health practice. Exposures of interest include air pollution, water pollution, food environments, noise, green space, parks, neighborhood cohesion, and community assets.
Occupational Health
Our occupational research investigates how social and economic factors influence exposures to occupational hazards and benefits. The unequal distribution of these hazards and benefits may contribute to disparities in health and quality of life. We work to identify strategies to achieve healthy working conditions for all workers. Current projects focus on physical and psychosocial hazards, precarious work, women, and low-income workers.
Climate and Health
Our research group is involved in collaborative efforts to better understand the health impacts of extreme weather events and disasters. This includes investigating the impacts of climate change and other emerging global health challenges. Projects currently in progress include research on climate change perceptions and the health impacts of weather extremes in low-resource communities in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. We are also examining the experiences of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, including investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of patients with chronic conditions.
Community Engagement
Our community-engaged work focuses on promoting healthy environments at home, at work, and in communities. We aim to conduct research and training that is consistent with the principles of environmental justice and builds capacity within communities. We work in close collaboration with community partners to develop projects aimed at providing the evidence needed to address real-world health and environmental challenges. We also provide training on health and environmental topics for students, health and science professionals, and the public at large. Current projects include participatory GIS to advance community-driven environmental justice and the evaluation of our training programs.
get in touch
CONTACT DR. EKENGA FOR ACADEMIC, MEDIA, AND SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES
