
Meet Dr. Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi, Associate Professor at North Carolina A&T State University. Emmanuel grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. He later attended Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating with a PhD Environmental Health & Epidemiology.
Years as an ASSP member – 6
Years in the safety industry – 10
3 key responsibilities of your job –
Teaching: Educating students in Environmental Health and Safety by delivering courses, mentoring, and preparing them for careers that address critical public health and safety challenges. This includes designing curricula, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring students gain practical knowledge.
Research: Conducting advanced research in Environmental Health, focusing on the effects of environmental exposures, stressors, and pollutants on public health.
Service: Engaging in professional and community service, contributing to the development of policies and practices that enhance environmental health and safety. This includes collaboration with academic institutions, industry, and community stakeholders, as well as participating in committees and providing expert advice on environmental risk assessments.
What or Who inspires you – I am inspired by the dedicated safety professionals who work tirelessly every day to improve the well-being and lives of workers. Their commitment to ensuring safe and healthy environments not only protects individuals but also empowers entire communities, making a meaningful impact on the world one step at a time. Their efforts remind me of the vital role that safety plays in creating a better, more sustainable future for all.
Most meaningful professional achievement – Earning tenure as an Associate Professor, which reflects my dedication to education, research, and service in the field. Additionally, securing multiple federally funded research awards has allowed me to advance significant work in environmental health, addressing critical issues such as the impacts of pollutants and stressors on public health. These accomplishments have not only validated my commitment but have also enabled me to contribute meaningfully to science and public well-being.
Future career goal or aspiration – Provide safety professionals with advanced training and hands-on research experiences that will equip them to address emerging environmental health and safety challenges. By fostering the next generation of leaders in the field, I aim to enhance workplace safety, improve public health outcomes, and contribute to innovative solutions for complex environmental issues. This includes creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and cutting-edge research that directly impacts communities and industries alike.
Go-to comfort food – Brownies
Hobbies/Enjoy doing outside of work – Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring nature. These activities provide a refreshing balance to my professional life, allowing me to stay active, appreciate the environment, and find inspiration in the natural world around me.
Recommended TV series to watch or book to read – Travelers