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
Safeguarding clean drinking water
Rebecca Kann named 2026 DEOHS Outstanding PhD Student for community-engaged research on water, sanitation and climate
Confronting “wicked problems” in public health
A class for new DEOHS graduate students highlights how to make headway on 7 complex challenges in environmental health
On the job: Tejasvini Vijay
DEOHS undergrad helps community members get ready for flood season with King County internship