Rutgers Health

Climate Action Group

Mission

The Rutgers Health Climate Action Group will build and promote a culture of sustainability at Rutgers Health.

Participants

Co-Chairs

Philip Demokritou

Henry Rutgers Chair in Nanoscience and Environmental Bioengineering, School of Public Health, EOHSI

Dr. Demokritou’s research interests are primarily in the areas of nano-aerosol science and technology with an emphasis on the elucidation of particle-bio interactions and health effects. His particle research spans across the exposure-disease continuum and includes the development of personal monitoring (PM) systems for use in exposure assessment and epidemiological studies. His current research focuses on interactions of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with biological systems and the role of ENM structure on bioactivity. His nanoscience research also includes synthesis of nanomaterials using flame spray pyrolysis, nature derived biopolymers for agri-food applications, development of sustainable food package materials, and agri chemical delivery systems using nature derived biopolymers. Dr. Demokritou also serves as the director of two interdisciplinary research Centers at Harvard University, Harvard-NIEHS Nanosafety Research Center and the Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology.

Soko Setoguchi

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Medical School and Rutgers School of Public Health

Dr. Soko Setoguchi, MD DrPH is a practicing general internist and epidemiologist, professor of medicine and epidemiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and School of Public Health. Dr. Setoguchi is an international expert in health services/outcomes research, comparative effectiveness research, and pharmacoepidemiology using large longitudinal population-based healthcare databases and data linkage. Her most recent work focuses on an application of large database approach to understand the impact of climate change on health outcomes in vulnerable populations (NIH R01). She has authored ~150 peer-reviewed papers, and has obtained federal and non-federal funding for her research program. As a clinician, researcher, and mother, she has personal and professional interests in promoting sustainability and reducing health disparities from the health effects of climate change

Members

Emily Balog, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, School of Health Professions
Liza Barbarello Andrews, Clinical Professor, Clinical Director of Simulation, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Lila Bazina, PhD Student, School of Public Health
Brian Buckley, Executive Director of Laboratories, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute
Meg Castro, Senior Public Relations Specialist, Rutgers Communications and Marketing
Catherine Chen, Assistant Professor, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Paul Copeland, Professor and Associate Dean, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Helene DeRisi, Administrative Coordinator, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute
Carlos DeSousa, Director, Environment of Care, University Behavioral Health Care
David Garyantes, Medical Student, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
William Gause, Senior Associate Dean for Research, New Jersey Medical School
Mary Beth Giacona, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Dental Medicine
Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute
Georgios Kelesidis, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute
Nancy Kirsch, Interim Chair, Rehabilitation And Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions
Robert Laumbach, Associate Professor, Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease
Deborah Lazzarino, Associate Dean for Research, New Jersey Medical School
Jeremy Lessing, MD/PhD Candidate, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Jillian Prior, Director of Strategic Communications, Rutgers Communications and Marketing
Wendy Purcell, Professor, School of Public Health
Gloria Rodriquez, Associate Professor, New Jersey Medical School
Alejandro Ruiz, Executive Director Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
Heili Truumees, Medical Student, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Anisha Tyagi, Medical Student, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Schoo

Scope:

Build a culture of sustainability at Rutgers Health that:
- Integrates climate action into academics, life, and policy across campus
- Embodies the core values expressed in the climate action plan
- Is inclusive of all Rutgers Health students, faculty, and staff
Measure and communicate progress toward building a culture of sustainability at Rutgers Health