Dr. Nancy Daher, an Associate Professor at the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), has been awarded a prestigious research grant totaling $6,530,531 as part of a broader initiative led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding is one of five grants awarded under the EPA’s $34 million program aimed at combating indoor air pollution in schools, with a specific focus on low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities across the United States. These grants, made possible through the President’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in history—are designed to protect children’s health by improving air quality in schools.
The grant, titled "Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools," targets the critical issue of indoor air quality (IAQ) in K-12 schools. Dr. Daher’s project will empower these schools to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and indoor air pollutants by developing and implementing comprehensive IAQ management plans.
“Children spend so much of their day in school. It is critical for their health and academic success that schools have clean and healthy air,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “These grants will put schools in the best position to improve attendance and academic achievement, while addressing the unique and disproportionate health impacts that children in overburdened communities face as a result of indoor air quality challenges.”
To qualify for this grant, Dr. Daher and her team had to navigate a limited submission process, where only one applicant per organization could apply. The University of Utah held a competitive internal selection process to determine who would represent the institution. Upon being selected, Daher and her team finalized and submitted their application to the EPA.
The selection process was highly competitive, with applications evaluated under two tracks: research and non-research. Dr. Daher's team was the only one selected under the research track, highlighting the innovative nature of their proposal.
The awarded funds will be used to develop and implement IAQ management and greenhouse gas reduction plans for schools in both urban and rural areas of Utah, as well as for the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming. The project will involve conducting energy efficiency assessments of school buildings, monitoring indoor and outdoor air pollutants, demonstrating the effectiveness of pollution reduction strategies, creating an IAQ app for schools, and engaging with communities through training and educational activities.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Daher expressed her deep passion for the project. "Winning this grant allows us to contribute to important research and practical solutions that can improve indoor air quality in schools, which is something I’m deeply passionate about. Indoor air pollution has long been overlooked, so it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to address this issue," she said.
Dr. Daher also emphasized the importance of the multidisciplinary approach taken by her team. "Our team's diverse expertise, bringing together experts from various disciplines and collaborating with community partners, is crucial for tackling this challenge. I’m excited about the positive impact this work will have," she added.
The project moved swiftly from submission in March to notification of the award in June. Dr. Daher received an email from the designated project officer informing her of the selection, marking a moment of great professional and personal significance.
"This achievement underscores the impact of our efforts and the value of our strong partnerships with local community organizations. It affirms the effectiveness of our community-driven, multidisciplinary approach to improving air quality," Dr. Daher noted. "The resources and connections that RMCOEH provides were instrumental in demonstrating that our project is achievable."
Dr. Daher expressed her gratitude to the numerous collaborators who contributed to the project, including Dr. Kelly, Dr. Powell, Dr. Saad, and Dr. Johnson from the University of Utah's Chemical Engineering and Computer Science departments; Dr. Sleeth and Dr. Collingwood from the University of Utah's Occupational and Environmental Health department; Dr. Thalman from Snow College; Utah Clean Air Partnership; Utah Department of Health and Human Services; and the various community partners and schools who supported the proposal.
"This achievement motivates me to do more. It shows that our work is making a difference and that we can have a big and tangible impact on important environmental health issues," Dr. Daher said. "Knowing that our efforts are recognized and supported drives me to keep pushing forward with our research and finding practical solutions."
With this grant, Dr. Daher's work promises to bring lasting improvements to the health and well-being of students in underserved communities, making a significant contribution to environmental justice and public health.
— Charles Schuknecht
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