UTHealth Houston Students and Faculty Present Research at International Environmental Health Conference

Faculty and students from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health joined colleagues from 68 countries at the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) and International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) 2025 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting brought together scientists at all stages of their careers, offering a chance to share research, learn from each other, and build connections. 

Among the UTHealth Houston participants were Yun Hang, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, MPH student Kathryn Phung, and PhD student Aodong Mei. Their presentations focused on the use of artificial intelligence and satellite data in exposure modeling, air pollution along the U.S.–Mexico border, and the health effects of wildfire smoke. In addition to presenting their work, Phung and Mei also served as session chairs, abstract reviewers, and poster judges. 

Phung was selected for the ISES Travel Award, one of only 21 students worldwide chosen from more than 300 applicants. Of those, nine were from North America and seven from the United States. 
 
“This was my first time attending the ISES-ISEE conference, and I was struck by the size and energy of the meeting. Presenting my research on the chemical composition of wildfire smoke from the 2020 North Complex fire in California was a big moment for me,” Phung said. “Many people stopped to discuss my poster, and their feedback gave me new ideas. I also felt proud to represent UTHealth Houston as a student. For me, the conference was not just about presenting but about finding my place in a community of people who care about the same questions. I hope I will have the chance to return in the future.” 

For Mei, attending a conference of this magnitude was a special experience as she co-chaired a session and engaged with researchers and students who shared similar interests. 

“Their presentations and conversations helped me look at challenges in my own work differently and gave me new directions to explore. More importantly, it showed me that research is not something we do alone. We move forward together, and that sense of connection stayed with me after the meeting,” Mei shared. 
 
“Joining this conference with my students left a deep impression on me. Watching them present, chair sessions, and interact with others, I could clearly see their growth. That growth matters not only for them but also for the spirit of our field,” said Hang. “They reminded me why I chose this career. I came back feeling lighter, encouraged, and grateful to walk this path with my students and colleagues.”

UTHealth Houston’s participation in ISES-ISEE 2025 showed the active role of faculty and students in international discussions on environmental health. The conference was a place to present new studies, and a chance to mentor young researchers, strengthen professional ties, and build a sense of community that supports science and public health.