Hudson College Faculty Bring Hands-On Air Quality Education to Local High School Students

Faculty and students from the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health are extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community through a hands-on environmental health outreach focused on air quality and public awareness.

Faculty from the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health partnered with OKC Beautiful to serve as guest lecturers for Earth Academy, a high school program centered on experiential environmental education. The session was led by Dr. Changjie Cai and Dr. Hongwan Li, with support from graduate research assistant Yao Yang and project manager Diana Lizeth Prieto.

The outreach session introduced students to key concepts related to air pollution, exposure, and prevention through a combination of short lectures and interactive demonstrations. Designed to make environmental health concepts practical and approachable, the activities allowed students to observe and apply scientific principles in real time.

Hands-on activities included visualizing airborne particles using a fog machine, measuring particle concentrations, demonstrating airflow and filtration principles, and constructing a do-it-yourself air purifier using a box fan and air filter.

“These activities help students connect science to everyday life,” said Dr. Hongwan Li. “By showing how air quality can be measured and improved using accessible tools, students gain a clearer understanding of both environmental risks and practical solutions.”

Students were highly engaged throughout the session, prompting meaningful discussions about environmental health, community-based science, and strategies to reduce exposure to air pollution. The interactive format encouraged curiosity and problem-solving while reinforcing the importance of environmental awareness at the local level.

The collaboration reflects the Hudson College of Public Health’s commitment to community service, hands-on learning, and expanding access to public health knowledge. By partnering with local organizations and delivering applied educational experiences, the college works to remove barriers to participation and foster meaningful engagement with public health issues.

Faculty shared their enthusiasm for supporting Earth Academy’s mission and for continuing partnerships that bring public health education directly into the community.

“We were excited to collaborate with OKC Beautiful on this program,” the team said. “Opportunities like this allow us to share environmental health science in practical, engaging ways and help students better understand how public health connects to their daily lives.”