A path to public service

| Jonathan Nagata
Portrait of Jonathan Nagata.

DEOHS alum Jonathan Nagata brings environmental health expertise to the Environmental Protection Agency

I work at the US Environmental Protection Agency as a physical scientist in the Radiation Protection program. Depending on the day, I may be developing radiological risk assessment tools, crafting risk communication products or supporting radiological emergency preparedness activities.

My time at UW empowered me to pursue a dynamic career in public service. I received an MS in Environmental Health from the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) and an MPA from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance in 2015. My research focused on environmental health microbiology.

Did I think I would one day work in radiation protection? No. Did DEOHS provide me with a solid foundation in environmental health research and practice that would enable me to succeed in a new field? Absolutely.

In addition to being a rigorous academic institution, the UW School of Public Health is a wonderful place to exercise invaluable leadership and communications skills. And, importantly, the faculty, staff and students are outstanding—particularly my adviser, DEOHS Professor Scott Meschke, and the Environmental & Occupational Health Microbiology Lab.





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