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Students from the University of Illinois Springfield's Public Health Student Association attended the Illinois Environmental Health Association (IEHA) Annual Educational Conference, gaining valuable exposure to current trends and professional practices in environmental health.
On November 6, students travelled to Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby, Illinois, with university transportation, allowing them to participate fully in this professional development opportunity. The conference featured multiple concurrent sessions throughout the day, allowing attendees to explore diverse topics within environmental health, water safety, food protection, policy, and emerging technologies.
Diverse Learning Opportunities
Sessions covered a broad range of topics critical to modern environmental health practice. Presenters represented the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), county health departments, academic institutions, and various industry partners.
Conference Session Topics
- Foodborne Outbreak Response
- Legionella Investigations
- Intentional Food Contamination
- CBD Dosage Regulation
- Groundwater Protection
- Well Engineering
- Environmental Health Workflows
- Policy Advocacy
Notably, IDPH offered Pool Inspection Training, providing students with hands-on guidance on pool safety standards, inspection protocols, and regulatory compliance, an essential skill set for those interested in water safety and public health practice.
Featured UIS Presentations
Dr. Lenore Killam, UIS
A Tale of Two Risk Assessments:
A clear comparison of different environmental risk assessment approaches, emphasizing their importance in
guiding evidence-based public health decisions.
Abisola Olowofeso, UIS
Pipes of Pressure: Lead Exposure and Hypertension in Illinois highlighted how lead enters drinking water systems, its connection to chronic diseases such as hypertension, and the disproportionate impact on certain population groups
Exploring Starved Rock
During a midday break, students explored the scenic Starved Rock trails, adding an enjoyable outdoor element to the day's professional development activities.
This conference provided meaningful exposure to current trends, technical skills, and collaborative approaches in environmental health, reinforcing the importance of continued learning and professional engagement.