Team Members
- Erin Haynes, DrPH, MS
- Amanda Kiger, BA
- Lydia Rose, PhD
Research Project Description
The small industrial and post-industrial towns along the Ohio River are environmental and economic catastrophes. Recent research from the University of Cincinnati shows strong correlations between lowered IQ’s among young students and the rise of manganese present in those children. This project will allow residents to participate in a citizen science soil metals collection project.
Residents will participate in town hall forums to learn more about their potential environmental exposures and will share their exposure experiences. This project will provide a voice for the residents living in the small industrial and post-industrial towns along the Ohio River and will empower them to advocate for policy changes that promote and support an environment where children can live healthier and thrive.
Team Members
Erin Haynes, DrPH, MS
Erin Haynes is a Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health. Her primary research interest is to conduct community engaged environmental health research. She grew up in rural Appalachian Ohio and is passionate about working with rural communities to address their environmental health research questions.
Amanda Kiger, BA
Amanda Kiger is a veteran organizer that works in the Ohio River Valley. She comes from a long line of coalminers and has seen first hand what extractive commerce and pollution does to the health and economic viability of marginalized communities. She truly loves working within those communities to find solutions and empower those most affected.
Lydia Rose, PhD
Lydia Rose is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Kent State University. Her primary area of interest and research is social inequality focusing on environmental justice issues, health, and well-being. She moved to East Liverpool, Ohio in 2010 to teach at the Kent State University, East Liverpool campus and became a Public Sociologists working with the local city officials, community service organizations, and the schools to address overall community health and well-being issues entered around environmental justice, food systems, and poverty issues.
