Johns Hopkins Environmental Health & Engineering

09/29/2026

Congratulations Dr. Zhu!

Yiguang Zhu successfully defended his dissertation: “Advancing Regulatory Acceptance of CIVMs: A Two-Phase Validation and Qualification Framework.

Yiguang celebrated with family, friends, colleagues, and his adviser, Paul Locke.

09/25/2026

In this episode of Unconfined, journalist Eric Schlosser reflects on the 25th anniversary of his landmark book, Fast Food Nation. Conversation w/ Tom Philpott.

https://clf.jhsph.edu/still-fast-food-nation

09/17/2026

RESEARCH ALERT!

Existing methods for assessing exposure to contaminated soil may not adequately protect farmworkers, who frequently come into direct contact with soil while planting, weeding, harvesting, and performing other tasks.

EHE researchers and collaborators developed a new model that more accurately reflects how farmworkers may encounter PFAS through accidental soil ingestion, skin contact, and inhaled dust. The model could provide public health agencies with a better tool for identifying potential risks and making decisions about testing, cleanup, and worker protections.

Learn more:

Farmworker-specific framework assesses PFAS contamination in agricultural soils.

09/15/2026

Congratulations to the Rule Environmental Exposure Assessment Labs, winner of the Small Lab Award, Academic Sector, in the 2026 International Freezer Challenge! 🏆

The EHE team earned first place by implementing sustainable cold-storage practices, including regular freezer maintenance and performance monitoring, removing expired and unnecessary samples, reviewing appropriate storage temperatures, and sharing available space with colleagues.

These efforts help conserve energy, protect samples, and reduce the lab’s environmental footprint. This marks the team’s third win in five years of participating in the international competition.

Read the story:

EHE team earned first place in its category for sustainable cold-storage practices in International Freezer Challenge.

08/27/2026

In Episode 34, food system scholar Raj Patel unpacks the complex challenges embedded in the industrial food system and offers a compelling vision for a better future. A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in food systems, sustainability, and structural change. https://clf.jhsph.edu/unconfined-podcast/polycrisis-stalking-our-food

08/06/2026

EHE alumna Ama Apenteng says the field trips she took as a student helped her better understand the challenges communities face.

“Those experiences gave me valuable insight into what happens on the ground and helped bring the course material to life,” said Apenteng, who graduated in August 2023.

Today, she puts those lessons into action by volunteering with the Elijah Backpack Program, which provides food to students at two Baltimore City schools.

Read more about Apenteng and the experiences that reinforced the importance of approaching public health with empathy:

Ama Apenteng always volunteers with a big smile.

08/05/2026

Venkataraman “Venkat” Lakshmi has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, a distinction awarded to fewer than 0.2% of AMS members each year.

An internationally recognized hydrologist and remote sensing expert, Lakshmi studies how water, land, and climate interact across landscapes and affect human health. He uses satellite data, field measurements, physical models, and AI and machine learning to better understand water resources and environmental influences on disease.

“This is a high honor that reflects the work done by my research group and collaborators and the support from the sponsors,” said Lakshmi.

Venkataraman Lakshmi studies how water, land, and climate interact, and how those interactions affect human health.

07/28/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Venkataraman “Venkat” Lakshmi to the Johns Hopkins Department of Environmental Health and Engineering as the Benjamin Howell Griswold Professor of Geography and International Affairs.

An internationally recognized hydrologist and remote sensing expert, Lakshmi studies how water, land, and climate interact across landscapes and affect human health. His work combines satellite data and field measurements with physical models, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to better understand water resources, environmental change, and connections to disease.

Learn more about his research:

https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/venkataraman-venkat-lakshmi/

07/17/2026

Six years ago, CLF released Growing Solutions, a 42-minute documentary highlighting farmers, ranchers, and educators across the U.S. who are addressing major challenges in agriculture. In the new Unconfined podcast episode, five panelists, including director Leo Horrigan, join host Tom Philpott to discuss regenerative agriculture, carbon cycling, land tenure, perennial crops, and more. https://clf.jhsph.edu/unconfined-podcast/retrospective-growing-solutions

07/14/2026

What can air quality tell us about preserving art?

A multi-year collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Baltimore Museum of Art is exploring exactly that.

Researchers are using advanced air monitoring technology to study how exhibit installation, painting, and other museum activities influence indoor air quality and the environment surrounding valuable collections.

The project is also providing students with hands-on research opportunities while helping museums better understand how to protect art for future generations.

Read the full story:

Long-term monitoring and targeted studies are helping researchers understand how museum operations affect the indoor environment.