JPB-Harvard Fellowship supports pilot research for Dr. Mike Anastario
The JPB-Harvard Environmental Health Fellowship supports junior faculty who conduct research on the combined influence of environmental and social determinants of health inequities. The program offers training, collaborative learning, and research support for fellows to conduct innovative pilot research. “It’s a privilege to have an opportunity like this,” mentioned Dr. Mike Anastario, the newest faculty member in the Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) and the Department of Health Sciences. Dr. Anastario recently received a fellowship for his project entitled, “Exposure to heavy metals among Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine.”
Blending biochemical and behavioral analyses
Dr. Anastario’s research evaluates heavy metal exposures and the biological accumulation of heavy metals among Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine. Over the past few years, Anastario has grown attentive to the “everyday hypotheses” and stories that people who use injection drugs narrate regarding their health. He plans to utilize his support and training through the program to advance the science of harm reduction for Indigenous people who use injection drugs.
“Findings from the research we conduct will inform the development of methamphetamine injector-centered harm reduction strategies,” says Anastario. “The fellowship will also provide me with experience and training that blends biochemical and behavioral exposure assessment methods.”
The JPB Environmental Health Fellowship program
This program brings together empathetic leaders and diligent scholars from across the country to conduct innovative research on social and environmental factors impacting health equity. The fellowship program includes 44 fellows addressing crucial environmental and societal challenges in underserved communities.
The fellowship offers funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 over 3.5 years. Along with financial support, the program provides:
- Mentorship
- Training in proposal writing
- Leadership
- Communication
- Professional growth
- Networking with passionate individuals nationwide
Director of fellowship comes to Northern Arizona University
Dr. Jack Spengler, Director of the JPB Fellowship Program, recently visited Dr. Anastario at NAU. While he was here, he spoke to a group of 25 faculty, staff, and students about the risks of air pollution and what we can do to address climate change and sustainability. Spengler is the Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and has dedicated his professional journey to studying the effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution on human health.
“We’ve been borrowing from the Earth without paying it back,” echoed from the microphone as Dr. Spengler shared his findings on global climate change. Bringing voices like Dr. Spengler’s to NAU expands our understanding about the current state of our changing world, impacts on human health, and suggestions about what can be done to implement positive change.