For Hudson College of Public Health Ph.D. candidate Mingze Zhu, the path to occupational and environmental health didn’t begin in a lab; it began in motion.
Before diving into research on indoor air quality and infectious disease prevention, Mingze was a professional Tai Chi practitioner in China. When he came to the United States, he noticed how movement and Tai Chi could improve health outcomes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. That early experience sparked a deeper curiosity: how could data and science be used to better understand and improve human health?
Today, that curiosity has evolved into nationally recognized research aimed at protecting one of the most vulnerable populations: young children.
A National Honor for Meaningful Work
Mingze was recently awarded the Lawrence D. Sloan American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF) Endowed Sponsorship, a prestigious national recognition offered for the first time this year.
“I was honestly very excited and also a bit surprised,” he said. “It’s really encouraging to see my work recognized at the national level. It reminds me that I’m on the right path.”
More than a personal milestone, Mingze sees the award as a reflection of the mentorship and support he has received throughout his time at the HCOPH, particularly from his advisor, Dr. Changjie Cai.
“Their guidance has played a key role in shaping my research and helping me grow in this field,” he said.
As part of the honor, Mingze will attend the annual American Industrial Hygiene Association conference in New Orleans this June, where he will network, explore career pathways, and connect with leaders in the field.
Improving Air Quality, Improving Lives
Mingze’s current research focuses on the OK-AIR Project, an initiative designed to improve indoor air quality in Early Care and Education Centers, under the mentorship of his advisor, Dr. Changjie Cai, and a multidisciplinary research team.
Building on earlier work studying occupational exposure among firefighters, Mingze shifted his focus to indoor environments—specifically, classrooms serving children ages 0 to 5.
“Even small changes in the environment, like improving air quality, can have a meaningful impact on people’s health,” he explained.
Through the OK-AIR Project, Mingze and his team evaluate interventions such as portable air purifiers and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Their findings are already promising.
During intervention periods when air purification systems were in use, the research team observed:
· Reduced sick-related absenteeism among children and teachers
· Improved indoor air quality, specifically, lower PM2.5 levels
· Important insights into higher vulnerability among younger children, especially infants
The study spans both urban and rural communities across Oklahoma, with early findings suggesting that rural classrooms may face greater air quality challenges, which are often compounded by socioeconomic factors.
Why This Work Matters Now
Mingze’s research arrives at a critical moment. Young children are especially vulnerable to environmental exposures, and improving the air they breathe can have ripple effects far beyond the classroom.
“By improving indoor air quality, we can reduce illness, improve attendance, and support both children’s health and their learning outcomes,” he said.
Those benefits also extend to families and communities, helping reduce missed workdays for parents and strengthening overall public health.
A Thoughtful Approach to Research
Described by his advisor, Dr. Changjie Cai, as both highly ethical and deeply compassionate, Mingze brings a meticulous and intentional approach to his work.
“I take every step of my research very seriously,” he said. “Even when I get results, I go back and verify them again. I don’t want to make even small mistakes.”
That attention to detail is matched by his ability to navigate real-world research environments. Working directly with early childhood centers has taught him the importance of communication, trust, and adaptability.
“Research isn’t just about data,” he said. “It’s also about working with people, explaining your goals, building relationships, and solving problems together.”
Looking Ahead
With graduation on the horizon this summer, Mingze is exploring opportunities that allow him to bridge research and real-world impact.
“My goal is to contribute to occupational and environmental health through work that connects science and practice,” he said. “I want to help improve environmental conditions and protect public health.”
Whether in academia, industry, or applied research, his focus remains clear: meaningful work that makes a difference.
Advice for Future Public Health Students
For students considering a career in public health, Mingze offers simple but powerful advice:
“Combine your analytical skills with practical field experience,” he said. “Don’t just focus on data or literature. Go into the field, understand real-world problems, and see them from multiple perspectives.”
A Full-Circle Journey
Outside of research, Mingze still practices Tai Chi daily. This discipline not only grounds him but also connects back to the very beginning of his journey.
“That’s where it all started,” he said.
From martial arts to environmental health, Mingze Zhu’s story is one of curiosity, purpose, and impact. We’re excited to see how his next chapter unfolds as he works to create healthier environments for the next generation!