Jennifer First, an assistant professor with the University of Missouri School of Social Work, has been selected for the inaugural group of the GeoCAFÉ Scholars program.

GeoCAFÉ brings together university faculty from geosciences and health sciences to study climate-related health issues. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation in partnership with the National Institutes of Health’s Climate Change and Health Initiative.

By creating this collaborative network, the project aims to expedite research and create solutions that address the growing health impacts of climate change.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work together with scholars in both geosciences and health sciences to co-produce equitable and actionable research to address health challenges brought on by a changing climate, especially for communities that face disproportionate risks,” First said.

First, who earned her doctorate and master’s degrees from Mizzou, returned to campus this fall as a new faculty hire via the MizzouForward initiative. Her research examines the impacts of climate change and environmental hazards on human health — particularly the social inequities that place individuals and communities at increased risk for adverse health outcomes in the face of climate-driven hazards.