Harriet Okatch is an Assistant Professor of Public Health and Biology at Franklin and Marshall College. She has a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Botswana and a MPH in Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a die hard fan of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team.

Why did you decide to initiate the Lead Research project at F&M?

Lead poisoning is a preventable condition that affects the lives and future of so many individuals right from childhood. The education I have received provides me the ability to advocate for, work with and empower families to ensure a safe living environment and actualization of the their children's potential. It is my desire to learn from the families what I can do to help them achieve the dreams they want for their children.

Dr. Meyer is an Assistant Professor of Public Health and Government at F&M. Her PhD is in Environmental Economics from Duke University, and her research area focuses on environmental health impacts, particularly in children. When she is not teaching her amazing students or working on research activities, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, and baking.

Why did you decide to initiate the Lead Research project at F&M?

Most of my research in environmental health to-date has been at the global level. I am excited to study an environmental health problem that is closer to home and hopefully have a positive impact on the community in which I live!

Annmarie is a Senior from Arlington, Virginia. She is majoring in Public Health on the biology track and minoring in psychology. Through her classes at F&M, she has become passionate about health equity and learning about the social determinants of health. She loves hiking, playing volleyball, and exploring Lancaster with her friends in her free time!

Why did you decide to join the Lead Research project at F&M?

I decided to join the Lead Research project at F&M because it will have a huge positive impact on the Lancaster community as a whole, and it will allow me to give back to the city that has been my home for the past few years. This project will not only address one of the biggest public health issues in the Lancaster area, but it can have a positive impact on the community as well!

Tenny-Ann is a Senior from South Florida. She is majoring in Public Health on the government track. Tenny-Ann is someone who is passionate about Environmental Justice, more specifically, the social determinants of health such as our environment and access to healthcare that contribute to our health outcomes. Tenny-Ann enjoys mediatating, reading, and singing in her bedroom.

Why did you decide to join the Lead Research project at F&M?

I was inspired by how community-based and human-centered the Lead Research Project team is. As someone who is passionate about Environmental Justice, when I heard about this project, I immediately realized how important it is especially since lead poisoning can change the trajectory of a child's life. I wanted to use the knowledge I learned in class to help the Lancaster community. I am really glad I decided to join the research team because I have met so many sweet children and their families who now know more about lead.