Who We Are

In the Department of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS), our esteemed faculty combine laboratory science, field research, and community-based efforts to understand the impact of the environment on human health. Our work extends to our local, regional, and global communities as we strive to develop safeguards, fight for environmental justice, identify ways to protect vulnerable populations, and create a healthy environment for all.

Our department is home to world-class MPH, MS, DrPH, and PhD degree programs; leading research centers; a paid research program for undergraduate students; and numerous training workshops open to public health professionals at all career levels and from any organization.

Mission

The mission of the Environmental Health Sciences department is to understand, prevent and mitigate the impacts of environmental exposures and climate change on human health by leading cutting-edge research, training the next generation of public health professionals and partnering with impacted communities.

History

Since 1980, a major organizational theme of the EHS department has been the framework of Molecular Epidemiology, which combines laboratory-based, molecular toxicology approaches with a population-based, epidemiological approach to investigating and preventing environmental and occupational diseases. In 1993, EHS inaugurated the annual Granville H. Sewell Distinguished Lecture series, established in memory of Dr. Granville Sewell, who directed the educational programs in environmental health sciences at Columbia for more than 20 years. In 2012, the department implemented the only degree-granting program in Climate and Health at any school of public health. Today, faculty, students, trainees, and staff continue to work together across education, research, and service to protect the world we live in and seek new paths for sustainable and integral development.

Support Our Work

Do you believe in our mission? Please consider supporting our work. Your gift goes directly and immediately toward our efforts to strengthen public health via research, education, and sharing information with community stakeholders.