# EMPOWER: Engaging Multi-Disciplinary Professional Opportunities for Women in Environmental Research

> **NIH NIH R25** · GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $105,592

## Abstract

Project Summary
The overarching goal of this program is to enhance the diversity of the environmental health
research workforce by building relationships with underserved schools in the Metro Atlanta area
that have historically performed poorly in the areas of science, technology, and math. These
schools possess an untapped workforce capable of addressing today’s societal issues involving
environmental health with the proper training and mentorship. By fostering a better understanding
of environmental pollutants in a manner that addresses the challenges the communities in which
these students and teachers live in, we hope to cultivate life-long learners prepared to address
current and developing environmental health and safety issues.
Through this transformative 8-week high school research program, we will develop well-prepared,
ethical researchers committed to scientific inquiry, intensive fieldwork, and collaborative problem-
solving to address environmental health challenges. Following the 4-step risk assessment
process, students, teachers, and faculty mentors will work collaboratively to identify toxicants,
potential hazards and risks, and environmental disparities in urban neighborhoods. Providing
motivated, upper-level high school students with an 8-week intensive, research experience can
be a transformative experience that could initiate a career path in environmental and public health.
Within our program, students will be considered Environmental Health Scholars who engage in
air and water research, test experimental hypotheses, and define potential health risks for select
Atlanta communities. The comprehensive approach our program provides will develop interest in
college-level study in environmental health and formulate critical thinking skills for use in
academic or non-academic careers. Participating high school teachers or Teaching Fellows will
be provided additional educational training in environmental health issues at Georgia State School
of Public Health Center of Teaching Excellence and Learning and participate in summer research
training along with the environmental health scholars.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10306338
- **Project number:** 5R25ES030240-03
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Adrienne Lester King
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $105,592
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-12-01 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10306338

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10306338, EMPOWER: Engaging Multi-Disciplinary Professional Opportunities for Women in Environmental Research (5R25ES030240-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10306338. Licensed CC0.

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