Announcement – Dr. Anne (Annie) Nigra is an internationally recognized environmental epidemiologist and environmental health scientist whose research advances our understanding of how environmental exposures shape human health and health equity.
As the founder and leader of the WATer Exposure Research for Epidemiology, Policy, and Intervention (WATER EPI) Lab and Director of the EARTH Program, a summer environmental health sciences research program for high school students in the Northern Plains, she is dedicated to developing the next generation of environmental health scientists while translating research findings to support meaningful public health action.
Dr. Nigra’s interdisciplinary research spans exposure assessment, environmental epidemiology, intervention evaluation, and community-engaged participatory research. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding the health impacts of drinking water contaminants and environmental metal exposures, especially on chronic disease, birth outcomes, and child health. She is especially recognized for partnering with Tribal communities to develop community-driven research projects that inform interventions and improve environmental health.
A recipient of the prestigious NIH Director’s Early Independence Award, Dr. Nigra investigates racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in environmental exposures by applying innovative exposure assessment tools and evaluating the impact of public health interventions. Her work continues to influence national conversations on drinking water safety, environmental justice, and public health protection.