Environmental Health Sciences

Overview

A small student-to-faculty ratio and dedicated, world-class faculty provide ample opportunity for PhD candidates to work on multidisciplinary collaborative research projects.

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences is also home to three research centers: the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, the NIEHS Center for Environmental Health in Northern Manhattan, and the Superfund Research Program. Doctoral students work closely with faculty on laboratory-based and applied investigations to better understand the molecular and pathological mechanisms by which environmental chemicals and physical agents affect human health.

Competencies

The PhD degree in Environmental Health Sciences from Columbia University utilizes classroom instruction, seminars, journal club qualifying exams and, most importantly, research to train students to become independent researchers in environmental health sciences.

Upon satisfactory completion of the PhD degree in EHS, graduates will have achieved competencies enabling them to:

Conceive, develop, and test hypotheses by conducting original research through basic science methodologies leading to advances in basic knowledge in environmental health sciences;

Communicate effectively in writing and presenting the results of research findings to the public and other professionals:

• Compose a research article for submission to a peer-reviewed, scientific journal;

• Critically review and analyze professional literature and research findings;

• Report research findings at professional meetings; and

• Summarize research findings for a non-technical audience;

Describe the underlying molecular mechanisms of epidemiological results, environmental exposure, and the effects of radiation exposure;

• Identify significant gaps in the current basic knowledge in environmental health sciences and develop approaches for filling those gaps;
• Develop a cohesive research grant proposal in a standardized format to address significant environmental health studies issues, and which incorporates a feasible and appropriate budget;
• Establish, organize, and operate an independent applied research program in environmental health sciences.

Provide leadership in research and management to contribute to the effectiveness and quality of environmental health science policies and programs; and

• Teach graduate students and health professionals in an academic setting:

• Plan seminar and lab projects;

• Demonstrate skills in conveying complex information to students effectively;

• Assist students facing challenges in the material; and

• Grade papers and exams uniformly using graduate-level educational standards.