Chrisa Whitmore

Title: Geospatial and Risk-Based Approaches to Uranium Contamination in a Tribal Community

Chrisa Whitmore is a second year Ph.D. student in the Department of Environmental Science. Her project integrates geospatial analysis, community engagement, and human health risk assessment to investigate groundwater uranium contamination and its human health impacts. By integrating spatial technologies with her background in public health, Chrisa aims to produce research that will: 1) identify regions and populations at risk of elevated groundwater contaminant exposure; 2) characterizing the health risks associated with these potential exposures on livestock and people. Her interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of both the environmental and biological dimensions of groundwater contamination, suitability for water treatment, and ultimately contributing to more targeted and effective public health interventions. She is particularly committed to translating academic findings into actionable solutions that reduce health disparities via community engagement. Chrisa wants to create research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially meaningful.