The LSU SRP is Shining Light on Pollution!
The Shining Light on Pollution Environmental Health Literacy Program is a partnership between the LSU Superfund Research Program and Southern University.
The Shining Light on Pollution Environmental Health Literacy program is a unique opportunity for students to learn about air pollution and environmental health. The program is a partnership between the Louisiana State University Superfund Research Program (LSU SRP) and the Southern University (SU) Upward Bound program. It blends instruction about environmental health, toxicology, air pollution, and environmental justice with engaging hands-on activities. The program culminates in mentored group projects where students collect and present air quality data.
Two Shining Light on Pollution EHL program participants and Dr. Wesley Gray (back)
proudly display their DIY particulate matter (PM) sensor.Dr. Chuqi Guo
This year the workshop took place in person at Southern University and LSU from July 7 through July 12. Over 30 Upward Bound students attended and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the LSU SRP and SU's Environmental Toxicology Program served as mentors. One of the highlights of the program was a field trip to LSU's Inhalation Toxicology Laboratory.
Dr. Alexandra Noel with two Shining Light on Pollution EHL program participants during
a tour of the LSU Inhalation Toxicology Facility at the School of Veterinary Medicine.Dr. Wesley Gray
Another highlight was the group projects the participants completed. Led by their mentors, graduate student and postdoctoral trainees with the LSU SRP, the participants developed mini-projects based around a research question they could answer by collecting air quality data with hand-held, low-cost, particulate matter (PM) sensors. In addition to collecting the data, they learned how to analyze and present their results. Project topics included observations of PM in indoor versus outdoor environments, observations of PM in different outdoor environments across Baton Rouge, and observations of PM in the same location over time paired with data about weather and local activities. In addition to collecting the data, they learned how to analyze and present their results.
Contact
Jen Irving
LSU Superfund Research Program