Researchers in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences investigate how toxins and pathogens in water affect the health of people and animals.
We improve the detection and control of waterborne pathogens and microbial illnesses, study the effects of toxins and toxicants found in Puget Sound on salmon, orcas and other sea life, and investigate the biomagnification of contaminants in the ocean food chain.
Across our research, students are active contributors and receive training and mentoring from faculty.
Research spotlight
It’s possible to test wastewater for STIs
UW and Washington State Department of Health track wastewater to help improve public health response to chlamydia and other sexually transmitted pathogens
On the Job: Payton Miksch
DEOHS undergrad does “all of the things” in rural health as intern with Yakima Health District
Safeguarding clean drinking water
Rebecca Kann named 2026 DEOHS Outstanding PhD Student for community-engaged research on water, sanitation and climate