This spring CECE welcomed our Environmental Justice Postdoctoral Fellow Julie A. Gonzalez. Julie’s position is funded by a grant from the American Institutes for Research Equity Initiative. We are grateful to have Julie join our team and look forward to seeing her great work at CECE. We sat down with Julie this summer to get to know her a bit better:  

Where were you before you arrived at AU? 

I hail from the great state of Texas, specifically the Rio Grande Valley, a Texas-Mexico border region. I completed my doctoral studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Tell us about your main research focus? 

My Ph.D. is in Applied Demography, with research interests centered on the intersection of climate, environment, and population health.

Please summarize your dissertation. 

My dissertation examines the associations between air pollution (particulate matter 2.5), maximum air temperature, and county-level and regional mortality rates due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases across the United States from 2010 to 2019. Using Negative Binomial Generalized Linear Models, I analyzed temporal and geographical variations, highlighting regional disparities and sociodemographic factors. The findings highlighted nuanced relationships between environmental variables and mortality rates, emphasizing the need for localized approaches in environmental health research.

What are you working on at CECE? 

• Track climate change migration patterns within the D.C. Metro Area.
• Collaborate with NASA Langley to utilize satellite data for analyzing the health impacts of air pollution.
• Lead initiatives and events that advance the CECE’s mission and strategic objectives.

How did you get involved in this work/ where did you get your start?  

Growing up as a migrant farm worker and my world travels significantly shaped my interest in environmental health. As a migrant farm worker, my family and I often worked in fields where pesticides were sprayed, leading to direct exposure to harmful toxins, which caused health issues among family members and other agricultural workers.

During my college years, I backpacked across various countries, which deepened my understanding of environmental justice. In Thailand, I observed air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok. In Vietnam, I encountered communities still dealing with the devastating effects of Agent Orange, which has led to long-term health and environmental issues. Living in China exposed me to severe air pollution levels, notably in Beijing, where the poor air quality had a noticeable impact on my health. These experiences underscored the significant impact of environmental degradation on population health and motivated me to pursue solutions through my research and work.

What is 1 thing in the environmental sector that makes you feel optimistic? 

The rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the field of environmental monitoring and data analysis, make me feel optimistic. The integration of satellite data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning allows us to track and respond to environmental changes with unprecedented precision and speed. These innovations not only enhance our understanding of environmental issues but also empower communities and policymakers to implement effective, data-driven solutions to combat environmental challenges