In June 2012, I completed my master of public health degree (MPH) from the University of Washington School of Public Health, one of the nation’s foremost academic centers for public health research and instruction. In addition, I conducted original research as part of a “capstone project.” I studied the effectiveness of Seattle’s emergency preparedness education, who residents trust and what they know about preparedness, and if these efforts are reaching Seattle’s large number of vulnerable residents. My capstone was completed in March 2012. I also have published my thesis from UNC-CH, focussing on environmental racism, groundwater contamination, and a solid waste landfill siting controversy in Wake County, NC (completed July 1993). All of these topics remain timely and relevant today.
- UW SPH Capstone: An Evaluation of Select Seattle Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Education Programs and Their Effectiveness in Reaching Seattle’s Vulnerable Populations, March 2012
- UNC-CH Graduate Thesis: Environmental Racism in our Own Backyard: Solid Waste Disposal in Holly Springs, NC (find a map of the then-planned South Wake Landfill here)
I continue to publish my graduate research in public health, global health, the built environment, and other topics. I completed the research papers between October 2010 and June 2012. The work is rigorously researched, informed by my background as a journalist. The papers incorporate many fields of research beyond public health. Each contains a detailed bibliography that can help fellow researchers or regular citizens learn more about topics of public interest. I strongly believe in having research accessible to the public and not behind a for-profit firewall.
Rudy Owens' Blog 