Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational & Environmental Health

05/19/2026

Recent NPR reporting highlights the devastating toll silicosis is taking on quartz countertop workers and their families across the U.S. As more cases emerge nationwide, experts are raising concerns about the dangers of silica dust exposure in countertop fabrication.

Dr. Kurt Hegmann, RMCOEH center director, was quoted in the article saying, “This is the worst situation I’ve seen affecting a workforce in my 35 years.”

As cases continue to emerge nationwide, the need for stronger worker protections and silica exposure prevention is gaining more attention.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/CS6E50Z1KLk

Over 550 men in California have fallen ill after cutting natural or factory-made stone countertops. But epidemiologists say this isn't just a California problem.

05/18/2026

How do our experiences outside of work influence how we show up on the job? Join us for the next RIOPA Lunch & Learn featuring Dr. Jordyn J. Leslie, Assistant Professor at RMCOEH, as she presents, “Understanding the Connection Between Our Work and Nonwork Experiences.”

In this session, Dr. Leslie will explore how the intersection of our work and personal lives can impact well-being, performance, and overall workplace experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and gain new insights during your lunch hour!

📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕛 12:00 PM MT
💻 www.bit.ly/3QVQ4Lj (Zoom link)
📍 Zoom ID: 890 8635 1973

05/15/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 RMCOEH faculty and staff award recipients!

This year, we are proud to recognize several outstanding members of the RMCOEH community for their dedication, leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in occupational and environmental health education and research.

🏆 Dr. Kurt Hegmann, OEH/RMC Graduate Research Mentor Award
🏆 Dr. Melissa Cheng, MOH Teaching Award
🏆 Dr. Darrah Sleeth, MSOH Teaching Award
🏆 Christina Attridge, Outstanding Staff Award

Their hard work and impact continue to shape the success of our students, trainees, and programs every day. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do for the RMCOEH community!

05/15/2026

Congratulations to our newest RMCOEH graduates! 🎓✨

This year, we are proud to celebrate 27 outstanding trainees as they take the next step in careers dedicated to occupational and environmental health. Among this incredible group are two physicians completing their occupational medicine residency training, five PhD graduates, and 20 master’s students. Their achievements reflect the hard work, passion, and commitment that define the RMCOEH community.

We are excited to see the impact these graduates will make in research, medicine, industry, and public health. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your RMCOEH family is cheering you on every step of the way!

04/30/2026

We’re proud to share that RMCOEH's Dr. Darrah Sleeth has been named a Fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association!

The AIHA Fellow designation is one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing professionals who have demonstrated sustained excellence, leadership, and service in the occupational and environmental health and safety field.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sleeth on this well-deserved recognition and her continued impact on protecting worker health and safety.

04/27/2026

After more than 20 years leading RMCOEH’s Occupational Medicine program, Eric Wood, MD, is stepping down, but not stepping away.

Now named professor emeritus, Dr. Wood will continue mentoring residents, treating patients, and contributing to the work he calls “meaningful” every day.

His legacy lives on through the generations of physicians he’s trained and the countless workers whose lives they protect.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/xfjU50YQNz9

04/25/2026

Mark your calendars for an another RMCOEH thesis defense, taking place on Wednesday, May 6, at 1:00 PM.

We invite you to join us in offering your support to Katie Castro as she presents, "Improving an intervention: Utilizing meeting science to improve safety leadership walk arounds (SLWA) in the US fire service."

Your attendance is highly valued, and you can participate either in person or virtually via Zoom.

To join virtually, please use the following meeting credentials:
Link: utah.zoom.us/j/82445360961
Zoom ID: 824 4536 0961

Let's come together to support Katie in her research endeavors.

04/24/2026

A big thank you to our NORA Richards Keynote Lecture speakers, Dr. Jeff Burgess, MD and Chief Jeremy Craft!

Their powerful insights on firefighter cancer risks highlighted critical challenges and the importance of continued research and prevention efforts. We’re grateful for their leadership and for sharing their expertise.

04/24/2026

The 24th Annual Regional NORA Young/New Investigators Symposium concluded today at the Rocky Mountain Center, bringing together 20 podium presenters and eight poster sessions. The symposium provided a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration among emerging scholars in the field.

We extend our congratulations to the 2026 BLOHSWEIC winners whose exceptional contributions were recognized during the event.

Thank you to all those who contributed to the success of this year’s symposium. We look forward to the continued advancement of research in the years ahead.

04/24/2026

Day 2 of the 24th Annual Regional NORA Young/New Investigators Symposium has wrapped, and what an inspiring two days it’s been!

We’re grateful for the innovative research, meaningful conversations, and collaboration shared by emerging investigators. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s symposium a success.

Stay tuned to see our 2026 BLOHSWEIC Prize winners!