Advancing Research on Air Pollution & Public Health
“Mission at Vilcassim Lab is to investigate the impact of air pollution on health, with a special focus on urban environments and vaping-related exposures. Our goal is to drive scientific discovery and inform public health policies for a cleaner, healthier future”
The Vilcassim lab is dedicated to studying the impact of air pollution on respiratory health. In this lab we focus on identifying different types of air pollutants, respiratory toxicants to understand their effect on health. We are studying particulate matter concentrations in Birmingham and the occupational environments along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We also examine the health risks associate with tobacco products specifically electronic cigarettes. Our work on air pollution, occupational exposures, and tobacco-related health effect is published in various research papers.
Beyond research we are committed to public health education. We collaborate with schools to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco products and partner with community members to provide them with air quality monitors, empowering them to assess their local air levels. Through cutting-edge research and community initiatives, we aim to drive meaningful change in respiratory health and environmental policy.
Explore our work and join us in promoting cleaner air for healthier lives.
The lab members at Vilcassim lab are united by curiosity, driven by diversity — together, we’re advancing research from every perspective.
Dr. M. J. Ruzmyn Vilcassim
Meet Dr. M.J. Ruzmyn Vilcassim
Dr. Ruzmyn Vilcassim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the UAB School of Public Health. His research centers on understanding the health implications of exposure to air pollutants, with a particular focus on particulate matter and its effects on cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Dr. Vilcassim holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health from New York University, where he specialized in exposure assessment and health outcomes. He completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at NYU School of Medicine, working in the Pediatrics department, where he explored the health risks associated with alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. He is also a JPB Environmental Health Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. At UAB, his current work examines the harmful effects of e-cigarette use on cardiopulmonary health, particularly during pregnancy, as well as the development and validation of cost-effective air quality and health monitoring tools. Dr. Vilcassim also has a background in environmental pollution prevention, sustainable agriculture, and addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations through his work with international environmental NGOs.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM APPOINTMENTS
Assistant Professor (P)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health – Environmental Health Sciences, 379500000, Birmingham, AL, United States1 Aug 2019 – present
Associate Scientist (C)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine – Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), 310009500, Birmingham, AL, United States24 May 2021 – present
Associate Scientist (C)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine – Lung Health Center, 311402810, Birmingham, AL, United States15 Jul 2021 – present
Associate Scientist (C)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, 310009900, Birmingham, AL, United States1 Jul 2022 – present
Associate Scientist (C)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health – UAB Center for Study of Community Health, 379800000, Birmingham, AL, United States10 Mar 2023 – present
DEGREES
Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Health
New York University, Sep 2018
Master of Science, Environmental Health
New York University, May 2014
Our Office:
Environmental Health Sciences Department
University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health
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