Mena appointed Chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

With great delight, we announce the naming of Kristina Mena, PhD, to the position of Chair for the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS) at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Mena has played an integral part in the school for many years, serving as Professor and Program Head of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Regional Dean of the El Paso school location.

As an educator, Mena consistently demonstrates outstanding dedication to our students while promoting and fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Her contributions to research, teaching, and community service have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and local leaders.

As a recently re-established department, EOHS will focus on research, education, and real-world impact on specific matters impacting environmental and occupational health.

“Through our research and graduate programs, the department is well-positioned to address the most pressing public health issues of our time, including climate change, infection control, aging urban infrastructure, air and water quality, and total worker health,” said Mena. “We’re also proud to be the only program in the U.S. offering a PhD degree with a track in total worker health.”

Selected for this position, Mena will contribute a wealth of experience and understanding. She is poised to bring fresh ideas, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the EOHS department's goals and objectives. Her vision for the department aligns with our mission of "Health Beyond Boundaries," encompassing a clear understanding of the complexities of the field and our reach throughout Texas and beyond.

“Kristi’s vision and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this newly formed department,” said Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, Dean, and M. David Low Chair in Public Health & Kozmetsky Family Chair in Human Genetics. “Changing environmental dynamics and work modalities underscores the importance of EOHS in our school, and Kristi is the right leader at the right time for this new initiative.”

Join us in congratulating Mena on this well-deserved promotion. The school eagerly anticipates what new developments will come from the revitalized Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.