From hurricanes and rising sea levels to Zika outbreaks and migration health, researchers at U-M are looking at the impact global climate has on human health. In this episode of Michigan Minds, John Meeker, ScD, CIH, senior associate dean for research and professor of environmental health and global public health at the School of Public Health, shares examples of what he has discovered through his research.

Specifically, Meeker points to a study he conducted on Hurricane Maria and infectious, vector-borne diseases becoming more common. The study looks at the impact from both an environmental and a psychosocial standpoint. 

“All these things have downstream health implications,” Meeker said. “So, at Public Health we’re trying to think about anticipating what those health effects are going to be and then what can we do to be ready for them and to change the tide if we can. We’re a very interdisciplinary school here at Public Health.” 

Meeker added that the collaboration with researchers and students across U-M who want to make a difference in society makes Michigan a great place to conduct this research. 

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