The symposium featured a keynote presentation, “Air Pollution and Health Science: A Double-Edged Sword,” delivered by world-renowned experts Dr. Arden Pope and Dr. Douglas Dockery. Authors of the book  Particles of Truth, they shared insights from four decades of research that redefined our understanding of air quality and public health. 

Drs Arden Pope and Douglas Dockery

C. Arden Pope, III

Emeritus Professor, Economics

Karl G. Maeser Distinguished

University Professor

Brigham Young University

Douglas W. Dockery

Emeritus Professor,

Environmental Epidemiology

Harvard T.H. Chan

School of Public Health

C. Arden Pope, III, is a Professor of Economics and Karl G. Maeser Distinguished University Professor, Emeritus, at Brigham Young University. He received a PhD from Iowa State University, was a Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health, and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Douglas W. Dockery is the John L. Loeb and Frances Lehman Loeb Research Professor of Environmental and Epidemiology, Emeritus, at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. He directed the Harvard—NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences and Chaired the Department of Environmental Health.

Drs. Pope and Dockery have spent over four decades conducting and collaborating on seminal studies on the health effects of air pollution. They have advised numerous scientific boards and committees and received multiple research and teaching awards. Recently, they co-authored a remarkable book, Particles of Truth: A Story of Discovery, Controversy, and the Fight for Healthy Air (MIT Press, 2025). This book presents a compelling story of air pollution science, documenting the substantial public health benefits of clean, healthy air. The book also addresses persistent efforts to cast doubt on air pollution research and discredit public policy initiatives aimed at protecting air quality.

To honor their monumental impact on the field, they were presented with the prestigious John P. Wyatt M.D. Environment and Health Award for their impact on the field of environment and health. The award was presented by Dr. Erin Haynes (Director of the UK Center for the Environment and Professor in Epidemiology and Environmental Health), and Dr. Michael McGlue (Deputy Director of the UK Center for the Environment, State Geologist of Kentucky and Director of Kentucky Geological Survey), along with University affiliates.

Presentation of Award. Pictured L-R: Kelly Pennell, Hollie Swanson, Erin Haynes, Arden Pope, Doug Dockery, Ilhem Messaoudi, Lauren Cagle, Steve Evens, Kevin Pearson, Michael McGlue. Photo by Jeremy Blackburn | Research Communications

Following the keynote, a panel of experts engaged in a facilitated discussion on navigating modern environmental challenges. The panel featured Michael Kennedy (Director of the Kentucky Division for Air Quality), Dr. Tianjun Lu (Assistant Professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health), and Shavonnie Carthens (Assistant Professor in the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law). Together, they explored the intersection of scientific research, government regulation, and community engagement.

'26 Wyatt Symposium | Arden Pope, Douglas Dockery, Shavonnie Carthens, Tianjun Lu, Michael Kennedy | Photo by Jeremy Blackburn | Research Communications

The symposium kicked off with the energetic Student Research Lightning Talks, where students were selected from across the region to present their innovative environmental health research in a high-energy, rapid-fire format. Each student had just 3-minutes and 3-slides to share their data-driven solutions for the critical environment and public health challenges facing our communities.

Presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges and all student presentations were eligible for cash prizes.

Congratulations to our Judged Outstanding Research winners: 

1^st Place: Josiane Tessman (University of Kentucky)

2nd Place: Odianosen Ewah (University of Kentucky)

3^rd Place: Olufunmilayo Babarinde (University of Louisville)

We also celebrate the People’s Choice awardees:

1^st - Sydney Shafer (University of Kentucky) 

2^nd - Kimberly Cook (University of Kentucky)

Presentation of Award. Pictured L-R: Dr. Erin Haynes, Olufunmilayo Babarinde (UL), Josiane Tessman (UK), Kimberly Cook (UK), Sydney Shafer (UK), Dr. Anna Hoover, Dr. Michael McGlue. Not pictured: Odianosen Ewah (UK) | Photo by Jeremy Blackburn | Researc

This year's research competition was evaluated by a panel of 6 expert judges, drawing from various academic backgrounds. Representing a collaborative spirit across the Commonwealth, our 2026 judging panel included experts from the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville.

The symposium provided a hands-on experience through the interactive Technology Fair and EHS Showcase, where attendees explored cutting-edge air-monitoring tools and engaged with local environmental organizations. Keynote authors participated in a popular book signing, offering a unique opportunity for students and professionals to connect with pioneers in the field. This day of discovery was made possible by a wide network of campus and regional partners.
 

'26 Wyatt Symposium | Keynote Book Signing

Keynote speakers and authors C. Arden Pope III and Douglas W. Dockery held a book signing following the presentation.

The Wyatt Symposium continues to build EHS partnerships through the organizations in our Technology Fair and Showcase, and this year’s research lightning talks connect students and judges from across Kentucky.

Thank You to Our Partners: UK affiliates & KY Universities