Public Health/Epidemiology, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH

As a Fulbright Scholar, I have the enormous honor and privilege to work at the Prolepsis Institute, led by Professor Athena Linos, an accomplished scholar and educator, currently serving as a member of the Greek Parliament. Fifteen years ago, I had the opportunity to work with Professor Linos on a project that identified higher cancer mortality rates in a region of Greece that had experienced drinking water contamination with chromium.  Inhaled chromium exposure among occupational workers is known to cause lung cancer, but this was among the first studies to demonstrate its potential carcinogenicity through drinking water.

As part of my Fulbright Award, I am designing a follow-up study to investigate the long-term impacts of drinking water chromium exposure. Additional studies will explore the environmental impacts on child health and development in Greece, including in a region known for its ancient mines. I will also be evaluating water quality in schools located in low-income areas and the homes of marginalized communities, leveraging the immense humanitarian efforts of the Institute. 

Along the way, I am advising graduate students and fellows on epidemiologic methods and prospective students about careers in epidemiology. I will be lecturing on methodologic advances in molecular epidemiology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, and at other institutes in Greece as I lay the groundwork for new curricula at my home institution. My experience is greatly enriched by Fulbright activities, Greek lessons, and exploring the richness of the culture and beauty of my surroundings.