Dear friends and colleagues, We are pleased to share with you this special edition of the newsletter, which focuses on the activities of the ISEE Student and New Researchers Network. |
|
|
|
The Student and New Researchers Network (SNRN) is open to students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers (with fewer than 5 years of experience from their terminal degree) in the field of environmental epidemiology or other related disciplines. SNRN members come from all over the world. No additional dues are required. |
|
|
The mission of the SNRN is to promote contact and collaboration between trainees and seasoned researchers as well as facilitate the engagement of SNRN members in ISEE activities. Your SNRN experience is important to us, and we would love to hear from you. For questions, concerns, or suggestions, email snrn[at]iseepi.org.
|
Who is in the SNRN?
Our network is growing! Be sure to renew your ISEE membership annually. |
|
|
As of May 2025, SNRN members comprise 45% of all ISEE memberships. SNRN members are students (58%), early career researchers (33%) and residents of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs (9%)). Most SNRN members are affiliated with one chapter (74%), whereas others are affiliated with two (14%) or more (<1%). |
|
|
In collaboration with the ISEE Executive Council and Membership Committee, the SNRN Steering Committee aims to increase the recruitment and retention of SNRN members across ISEE regional chapters. |
|
|
2024-2025 SNRN Steering Committee |
|
|
Learn more about each committee member via our #SteeringCommitteeSpotlight Campaign across X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. SNRN Steering Committee members are recruited on a voluntary basis from among SNRN members to serve our community and its mission.
SNRN Steering Committee Members: - Contribute to the planning of the ISEE Annual Conference.
-
Organize and contribute to continuing education and capacity building activities.
- Manage the SNRN website and SNRN-related social media accounts.
- Represent the interests of students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers across all ISEE committees and regional chapters.
We thank Chinonso Odebeatu, Heba Adel Safi, Jaime Reyes Sanchez, Maria Luisa Medina-Pizzali, Rodrigo Ugalde Resano, and Nur Sabrina Idrose as outgoing members of the SNRN Steering Committee for their dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions. |
|
|
Applications for the 2025-2026 SNRN Steering Committee Now Closed |
|
|
That's a wrap! We are thrilled to have received a record number of applications from students and early career researchers eager to join the SNRN Steering Committee. This opportunity allows trainees to get more involved in the society, develop leadership skills, and expand their professional network by volunteering their time and expertise. Appointed SNRN Steering Committee members are asked to serve for at least 2-3 years (maximum 5 years).
All applications are currently under review. Decisions will be announced before the 2025 ISES-ISEE Conference. |
|
|
Recruitment Alert: ISEE Committees and Regional Chapters Seeking SNRN Volunteers |
|
|
Welcomes all students and early career researchers based in a European country that are interested in getting involved! For more information, email euchapter[at]iseepi.org or visit http://www.isee-europe.com. |
|
|
ISEE Ethics and Philosophy Committee |
|
|
Actively recruiting students and early career researchers affiliated with the ISEE Africa Chapter. To express interest, email Erin Bennett (SNRN Liaison to the ISEE Ethics and Philosophy Committee) at ebenne38[at]jh.edu. |
|
|
Collaboration between the ISEE North American and Europe Chapters |
|
|
Interested in gaining experience in webinar organization and cross-chapter collaboration? The ISEE North American and Europe Chapters are planning a joint webinar in Fall 2025 on the health effects of climate change. To express interest, email Elaine Fuertes at e.fuertes[at]imperial.ac.uk |
|
|
-
Capacity Building: There are opportunities to collaborate with environmental epidemiologists and policymakers on conference planning, policy statements, membership initiatives, and more! SNRN members get free access to all ISEE materials, including webinars on career development and technical methods, whereas non-members often pay a fee or are not eligible to participate. Examples include the ISEE “Introduction to Environmental Epidemiology” and “Mixtures” courses
- Community Building: SNRN members are invited to participate in multiple SNRN-sponsored activities, including webinars, panel discussions, and the conference social event. SNRN members are also eligible to participate in the ISEE Annual Conference Poster Competition and serve as conference session co-chairs or ethics co-discussants.
-
Publication Support: SNRN members have access to the Peer Editing Program (PEP) that provides manuscript editing assistance to researchers affiliated with institutions residing in LMICs or those from underrepresented racial minority groups.
-
Cost Reduction and Financial Benefits: SNRN members are eligible to receive discounts or waivers on registration for the ISEE Annual Conference. SNRN members are also eligible to apply for conference travel awards, access publishing discounts or waivers in Environmental Epidemiology and Epidemiology, and receive a 20% discount on books published by Wolters Kluwer when ordering online.
|
| |
|
New ISEE Membership Type: LMIC Student Member |
|
|
In Fall 2024, ISEE launched a new membership category: LMIC Student Member. This membership type was created to increase recruitment and retention of students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers from LMICs. All LMIC Student Members pay $30 USD for a 1-year membership and will be automatically acknowledged as SNRN members. Need to update your membership status from LMIC Member (whom are not SNRN members) to LMIC Student Member? Email secretariat[at]iseepi.org. Additionally, the membership renewal process now includes a list of available ISEE committees, making it easy to get more involved.
To learn more, visit https://www.iseepi.org/membership_rates_and_benefits.php |
|
|
SNRN Communications: Highlight Your Success |
|
|
Want to highlight the work of an SNRN member?
Share your talents with @ISEESNRN by completing a form to share news, successes, or events involving SNRN members in the field of environmental epidemiology or other related disciplines: https://forms.gle/6PRqJRRQ1GK1cqht7 Examples include thesis or dissertation defense announcements, publications, awards, and professional development opportunities.
We will relay this information across our social media accounts (X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky).
Don't be shy, it's time to shine! |
|
|
2025 ISES-ISEE Conference SNRN Activities |
|
|
What is the Poster Award Competition? |
|
|
The ISEE SNRN, in collaboration with the ISES SNR, is excited to host the Annual Poster Award Competition, a celebration of innovative research, bold ideas, and rising talent in environmental epidemiology and exposure science. Don’t miss your chance to share your science and be recognized by peers and senior scientists alike.
Only one poster can be submitted per participant. |
|
|
How It Works & What to Expect |
|
|
This year’s Poster Award Competition will be judged based on the presented poster — with an emphasis on clear scientific communication, thoughtful design, and an engaging presentation.
- Register: Express your interest in the Poster Award Competition by completing the official conference registration form before July 15, 2025.
-
Prepare and Upload Your Poster: Once registered, the ISEE & ISES SNR(N) Leadership Team will follow up via email with further details and instructions. Participants will be asked to submit a PDF version of their final poster by August 1, 2025. This will facilitate the assignment of posters to appropriate reviewers.
-
Peer Matching: One week before the conference (beginning on August 10, 2025), each participant will receive up to five posters from fellow participants to review — matched by scientific theme for relevance and fairness.
-
During the Conference: Review and visit your assigned posters. Interact with presenters by sharing ideas and building new (or rekindling old!) connections. Use our poster scoring form (via QR code) to assess each poster on predefined criteria.
Questions? Email snrn[at]iseepi.org. |
|
|
Happy Hour/Social (Cash Bar) |
|
|
The ISEE & ISES SNR(N) Leadership Team warmly invites students and early career researchers to this year’s social networking event at Hyatt Regency Atlanta. This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from around the world, socialize, and expand your network in a casual, friendly setting. This year is particularly exciting because the event is hosted jointly by ISEE & ISES - double the societies, double the fun! The event is FREE, and open to students and early career researchers. Participants do not need to be an ISEE or ISES member to attend! However, you must have expressed interest in the SNR(N) Happy Hour through the official conference registration form. Later this summer, the ISEE & ISES SNR(N) Leadership Team will send an email to trainees who expressed interest with details on how to pick up their event ticket! Event tickets will be required for entry into the SNR(N) Happy Hour. There will also be a relaxed ice breaker activity to facilitate community building and networking. Notably, food will not be served at the event, so participants are encouraged to have dinner beforehand. Drinks will be available for individual purchase. |
|
|
The theme of this year’s SNRN Career Panel is “Beyond Borders: Navigating Academic Careers with a Transnational Perspective,” featuring several academics at different career stages. This panel discussion aims to support SNRN members by fostering open conversations on international career paths: exploring transitions into faculty roles, cross-border collaborations, and the personal aspects of academic migration. Panelists will share their experiences and reflect on adapting to new cultures, managing work-life balance abroad, building professional networks, and navigating immigration systems — offering practical advice and personal insights. This session will be moderated by SNRN members, Rodrigo Ugalde Resano and Jaime Reyes Sanchez.
|
|
|
María José Rosa Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
The first panelist is Dr. Rosa, a member of the Latin America and Caribbean Chapter. Dr. Rosa holds a DrPH in Environmental Health Sciences from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and is currently a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her research focuses on prenatal and perinatal exposures and children’s respiratory health. She leads a project in Mexico City examining the effects of air pollution, metals, and psychosocial stress on lung development in children, as well as identifying biomarkers of these exposures. A central goal of her work is to identify critical windows of susceptibility during early development in order to prevent disease onset.
|
| |
Bénédicte Jacquemin Senior Researcher at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research
The second panelist is Dr. Jacquemin, affiliated with the Europe Chapter. She earned her medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a Master’s in Environmental Sciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and a PhD in Life and Health Sciences from Pompeu Fabra University. She completed her postdoctoral training at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), where she currently serves as a senior researcher at the Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health. Dr. Jacquemin’s work has focused on the health effects of air pollution, particularly on asthma and rhinitis, and more recently has extended to other health outcomes such as cognition, cancer, and fertility.
|
| |
Rachit Sharma Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley School of Public Health
The third panelist is Dr. Sharma, a physician and environmental epidemiologist with over eight years of clinical and public health experience in India and the United States. After earning his medical degree in India, he pursued an MPH and later completed a PhD in Environmental and Occupational Health in the United States. Trained at the intersection of social and environmental epidemiology, his work focuses on advancing health equity through structural and environmental interventions. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, where he is implementing and evaluating clean household energy interventions in low-income communities.
|
| |
These panelists bring valuable insights from their international academic careers and have extensive experience mentoring students and early career researchers across borders, making them ideal contributors to this important and timely conversation. |
|
|
SNRN Science Communication Course in Fall 2025 |
|
|
Are you interested in expanding the scientific impact of your research?
The SNRN is planning to launch a three-session workshop on science communication for non-expert audiences. Each session will consist of a short talk by an expert, followed by a hands-on group activity.
Topics to be covered include the importance of communicating scientific findings to non-expert audiences, techniques to maximize public engagement and clarity, and how to avoid misinterpretations while maintaining scientific rigor. During group activities, participants will be asked to dive deeper into each topic and draft an excerpt of science communication. Stay tuned for more information! |
|
|
SNRN EPILOG Webinar Series |
|
|
The SNRN is proud to present EPILOG, a four-part webinar series that showcases the work and experiences of trainees and seasoned researchers in environmental epidemiology. By providing a platform for scholars to share their experiences and insights, EPILOG seeks to facilitate meaningful exchange and promote lifelong learning within our student and early career researcher community. Our hope is that EPILOG will serve as a valuable resource to many. Though these webinars have passed, most recordings are available online.
|
|
|
1st Webinar: Exploring Academic and Non-Academic Career Paths
|
|
|
Drs. Samuel Osorio, Nicolas Borchers-Arriagada, and Grete Wilt offered strategies for identifying, exploring, and navigating career paths after graduation. |
|
|
Highlights: - Purpose brings fulfillment: Work that impacts public health is the most rewarding.
-
There are multiple career paths: Everyone’s journey to making a difference is unique.
- Step out of your comfort zone: Growth comes from taking risks.
- Network intentionally: Opportunities often come through connections.
|
|
|
2nd Webinar: Publishing Your Work
|
|
|
Drs. Estela Blanco, Xiaoqi Feng, and Jane Hoppin shared strategies for successful publishing. |
|
|
Highlights: -
Make time to write: Form writing groups, share early drafts, and focus on tables/figures.
- Choose high-impact peer-reviewed journals and avoid predatory journals.
-
Avoid common pitfalls: Lengthy introductions and not involving co-authors in decision-making processes (it’s okay to disagree respectfully).
- Maximize your cover letter: Be concise, highlight your study’s contribution, explain why the selected journal is the best fit, and suggest potential reviewers as needed.
-
Rejection is redirection: Don’t take reviewer comments personally. Take the opportunity to learn from the feedback, revise, and resubmit.
Final advice? Keep writing and tell a compelling story. |
|
|
3rd Webinar: Public Engagement in Environmental Health
|
|
|
Drs. Ajay Nagpure. Nicholas Osborne, and Rosemary Anderson Akolaa shared practical tips and personal anecdotes about communicating science to non-academic audiences. |
|
|
Highlights: -
Sharing research with varied audiences is essential: Ensure your research is clear and adaptable for the individuals affected, health care providers, and policymakers.
- Conducting research that can be translated and implemented across regions adds value: Enhance the impact and applicability of research beyond the original context.
- Use accessible language: Translate complex jargon into local languages, which aims to make research understandable and relevant for local communities.
- Understand your audience to communicate effectively: Tailor your message based on who you're communicating with to ensure clarity, relevance, and impact.
-
Diversify communication strategies: Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches (e.g., digital platforms) and consider those without English proficiency.
- Earn community trust: Build genuine relationships, include others in the research process, and ensure communities actively participate and benefit from the research.
|
|
|
4th Webinar: Prioritizing Mental Health in Research
|
|
|
Dr. Kim Gaetz, Dr. Aisha Dickerson, and MSc. Diego Fano shared honest reflections about their mental health journeys while navigating their career. They also discussed potential avenues of institutional support that offer safe spaces for expression and timely guidance. |
|
|
Highlights: -
Build community: Participate in support groups, lean on friends, talk to family.
- Protect your time: Engage in fulfilling activities by pursuing hobbies, celebrating small wins, and keeping a journal for goals or reflection.
-
Seek professional help: Don’t wait until a crisis, reach out to trained counselors early.
|
|
|
Recap of CAPE's "Meet the Editor" Webinar (organized with SNRN support)
Featuring journal editors, Drs. Bert Brunekreef and Joel Kaufman, this webinar aimed to provide researchers with valuable insights into the publication process and strategies for successful manuscript submission. |
|
|
Highlights: How to become a journal editor? - Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Write high-quality reviews
- Join an editorial board
- Advance to Associate or Handling Editor, then Editor-in-Chief
What are tips for manuscript acceptance? -
Follow author submission guidelines
- Choose a journal that fits your topic
- Ensure rigor, clarity, and contribution to the field
What are different types of journals? - Society-affiliated
- For-profit
- Non-profit
- Predatory (avoid these!)
|
|
|
Updates from ISEE Committees and Regional Chapters |
|
|
AI Symposium during 2025 ISES-ISEE Conference
|
|
|
Should we be using artificial intelligence (AI) in our work?
The ISEE Ethics and Philosophy Committee will host a symposium during the 2025 ISES-ISEE Conference in Atlanta, GA (USA) titled, “Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: The Pros and Cons of Its Use in Environmental Health and Epidemiology” on August 18, 2025 between 10:15 - 11:45am EDT. Students and early career researchers are encouraged to attend and join in on what promises to be a fascinating conversation. |
Third Meeting of Young Researchers in Environmental Health in Latin America and the Caribbean
|
|
|
In collaboration with the ISEE Latin American and Caribbean Chapter and a network of young researchers from the region, the SNRN is pleased to announce the Third Meeting of Young Researchers in Environmental Health in Latin America and the Caribbean. This event will take place virtually from November 12 - 14, 2025 and is hosted by the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. This meeting’s organizing committee reflects 20+ active members from countries including Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, and Brazil.
This FREE event aims to bring together students and early career researchers to share ideas, research projects, proposals, and experiences —whether completed or in progress— on topics related to environmental health in the region. The meeting offers a dynamic, non-traditional academic format that fosters dialogue, mentoring, skill-building, collaboration, and community building among scientists from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The abstract submission portal is now open and will remain available until August 15, 2025. We encourage all those interested to submit their work and be part of this growing regional community. The best abstracts will be published in Environmental Epidemiology, thanks to the support of the ISEE Latin American and the Caribbean Chapter.
|
|
|
Follow #ISEE on the following social media platforms |
|
|
|
