• Noise Committee: Chair Eseosa Orumwense, MPH, CSP, CIH; Vice Chair Allison Persing, MS, CIH, CSP; Secretary Josie Ehlers; Past Chair Tiffany Lyons Mullen, MPH, COHC IMPACT AND AWARENESS - Promoting the practice of OEHS and increasing awareness of its value and impact • Women in IH: Chair Jennifer M.T. Hsu, MPH, CSP; Vice Chair Jennifer Lynn Holliday, CIH; Secretary Krista Thompson, MHSc, ROH, CRSP; Past Chair Katie E. Stryker, CIH • Museum & Cultural Heritage Industry Working Group: Chair Brandy L. Howard, PE, CIH, CSP; Vice Chair Raquel S. Huffman, ASP, CSP; Secretary Gina Marie Agron; Past Chair Kelsey Babik AIHA Volunteer Groups Named Awards AIHA Biological Monitoring Committee Chairperson Award Presented by the AIHA Biological Monitoring Committee This award recognizes an outstanding member of the Biological Monitoring Committee who has made significant contributions to the health and safety of employees in the workplace through the application of biological monitoring. This year’s recipient is Cheryl A. Metzler, CIH for her dedicated service as committee chair, her leadership in presenting the Fundamentals of Biological Monitoring Professional Development Course at AIHA Connect 2025, and her instrumental role in initiating a committee project to develop Hazard Alerts for designated chemicals for distribution to industrial hygienists and workers. Cannabis Industry Health and Safety Best Student Poster Presented by the AIHA Cannabis Industry Health and Safety Committee This award is presented to the author of the student poster at AIHA Connect that best focuses on the OEHS aspects of this industry. Recipients for this award are chosen immediately before AIHA Connect–please support our students by attending the student poster session on Tuesday, June 2 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Neva Jacobs, DrPH, MSPH, CIH Dr. Jacobs’ career is distinguished by her commitment to addressing public health challenges, especially for workers who lack in-house industrial hygiene support. She has
Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Jayjock has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and knowledge transfer. He has served as a lecturer or instructor for universities, including Drexel, Temple, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught professional development courses for AIHA conferences. 2026 Alice Hamilton Award for Social Responsibility This award recognizes an individual who addresses the diverse needs of the workforce via public service, community service, and non-traditional social reform, thereby making a major impact on and improving public welfare. Lester Claravall driving force in protecting working children. He pioneered innovative partnerships, programs, and publications to educate employers, schools, parents, and teens about workplace rights and safety. Claravall played a key role in developing the award-winning youth employment game “Paying Attention Pays,” now used in more than 100 Oklahoma schools and in North Carolina, as well as launching the nationally recognized teen video contest “Speak Out for Workplace Safety,” which empowers students to create public service announcements promoting job safety. For nearly three decades at the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Lester Claravall has been a As a state partner with NIOSH, Claravall helped revise the Talking Safety curriculum for nationwide use and spearheaded the passage of the first law requiring workplace safety education for all Oklahoma students in grades 7–12. His leadership in research, legislation, and national organizations has driven major reforms in child labor laws and workplace safety education. 2026 Kusnetz Award for Outstanding Achievement By an Early Career Professional This award recognizes an individual who exhibits high ethical standards and technical abilities, provides the highest standards of health and safety protection for employees for whom they are responsible, and shows promise of leadership in the IH profession. The Kusnetz Award is sponsored by Mrs. Florence Kusnetz.
leading journals in the field. He has coauthored chapters in influential OEHS publications, supported the development of exposure risk assessment tools, and provided key translations for international resources. Dr. Chen’s collaborative spirit has reinforced connections between industry, academia, and professional societies, making lasting contributions to the advancement of OEHS practices worldwide. AIHA Volunteer Group Project Team Excellence Awards These awards honor the volunteer groups with the most impactful activities and outcomes that align with AIHA’s strategic objectives. PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE -Developing and disseminating cutting-edge educational and career enrichment resources to support OEHS professionals • Thermal Stress Working Group: Chair Edward J. Primeau, CIH; Vice Chair Gabrielle Brewer; Secretary Cecilia Kaufman, MS, LAT, ATC ; Past Chair Emily Macomber Driggers, MS, CSP, AEP • Ergonomics Committee: Chair Laramie Locke; Vice Chair (Majid) Bagheri Hosseinabadi, PhD student; Past Chair Margaret Morrissey- Basler, PhD ADVANCING THE PROFESSION -Identifying, developing, improving, and promoting excellence in OEHS practices, research, and applied science • TSCA Advisory Group: Chair Andrew Maier, PhD, CIH, DABT, FAIHA; Subgroup Chair Patrick J. Mulrooney, CIH, CSP, CHMM • Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Committee: Chair Sana Javaheri; Vice Chair Tsvetan Ivanov Popov, PhD, CIH, CSP; Past Chair Emily Guy MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT - Nurturing and empowering the OEHS community through strategic growth, enhanced member value, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities • International Affairs Committee: Chair Armando Chamorro, CIH, LEED AP, CBCP; Vice Chair Jainil Kumar Panchal, MS, CIH, CSP; Secretary Antoinette Y. Johnson, CIH; Past Chair Kyle L. Naylor, MSPH, CIH, CSP
led and published impactful research on issues such as air monitoring for fenceline communities, VOC exposures in nail salons, noise exposures in urban settings, and silica exposures in construction. Her expertise helped develop COVID-19 guidance for small businesses, and she has served as a health liaison at her local elementary school and as an active member of the NIOSH NORA council, focusing on worker health in underserved sectors. Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Jacobs is deeply engaged with the IH community: she participated in the Futures Leaders Institute, volunteers for AIHA committees, mentors young professionals, and supports local chapter activities. 2026 Yant Award for Outstanding International Service This award recognizes outstanding contributions in OEHS or allied fields through academic research, teaching/education, and/or professional practice to professional societies reflective of a global perspective. Kang Chen, PhD, CHMM Dr. Kang Chen is a distinguished leader in Occupational and consulting, and advocacy. He has played a pivotal role in shaping OEHS policy and legislation, notably as a commission member of China’s National Technical Committee on Chemical Safety, where he oversaw the review and approval of more than 80 new codes and regulations. Dr. Chen’s expertise is further demonstrated through his work as an invited auditor and tutor at East China University of Science and Technology, and through his influential roles with organizations such as ACS, AIHA, ASHRAE, BOHS, IChemE, and NSC. His leadership has earned him prestigious awards, including the ACS Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program Award and the ACC Responsible Care ® Chairman Award. Beyond regulatory and academic achievements, Dr. Chen is a prolific contributor to international projects and knowledge exchange. He has published more than 25 peer-reviewed research papers, contributed to technical publications and guidelines, and served as a peer reviewer and editorial board member for Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS), recognized internationally for his scientific research, technical
AIHA Connect 2026
AIHA Connect 2026
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