SPOKANE, OCTOBER 24, 2023 – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has selected Julie Postma, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Research and a professor in the Department of Nursing and Systems Science at the Washington State University College of Nursing, to be part of the 2024 cohort of NIH Climate and Health Scholars. This achievement places Dr. Postma among a group of renowned experts dedicated to addressing the critical intersection of climate change and public health.
The NIH Climate and Health Scholars Program is a vital component of the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative, designed to combat health threats arising from climate change and build resilience among individuals, communities, and nations. Dr. Postma, alongside six other accomplished scientists, underwent a rigorous selection process to join this initiative and will work closely with NIH staff from November 2023 to September 2024. Each scholar in this program is affiliated with major universities or research-based organizations and will be hosted by an NIH Institute or Center, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing across various domains.
Dr. Postma’s host organization for the program is the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Her extensive background and expertise make her an invaluable addition to the second cohort of NIH Climate and Health Scholars. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Postma has actively partnered with communities to promote environmental health and justice, particularly focusing on the impact of housing conditions on asthma within Hispanic communities.
Having initially worked as a cardiothoracic nurse, Dr. Postma later delved into occupational and environmental health, earning her Ph.D. in nursing science from the University of Washington. Her passion for addressing the environmental health concerns of at-risk populations led her to study risk-reduction strategies in response to the hazardous and disruptive wildfire smoke incidents in 2015. She concentrates on mitigating the impact of climate change on two vulnerable populations: outdoor workers in agricultural communities and young adults with asthma. Dr. Postma’s research underscores the significance of community engagement and cultural humility in assessing environmental health risks, designing, and testing risk reduction interventions, and implementing locally relevant strategies to reduce these risks.
Dr. Postma’s selection as an NIH Climate and Health Scholar represents a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and expertise in addressing the pressing issues at the intersection of climate change and health. Her contributions to this program are anticipated to make an impact on improving health resilience and reducing health threats resulting from climate change.
For more information about Julie Postma, PhD, RN, and her work as an NIH Climate and Health Scholar, please contact:
Julie Postma, PhD, RN
Washington State University
College of Nursing
509-324-7287
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About NIH Climate and Health Scholars Program:
The NIH Climate and Health Scholars Program is a part of the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative, which aims to address the growing health threats posed by climate change. The program brings together experts from various disciplines to collaborate on research, share knowledge, and build capacity to conduct climate-related health research. Scholars work in partnership with NIH Institutes and Centers to develop innovative solutions to protect public health and mitigate climate-related risks.
About Julie Postma, PhD, RN:
Julie Postma, PhD, RN, is the Associate Dean for Research and a professor in the Department of Nursing and Systems Science at the Washington State University College of Nursing. Her extensive experience and dedication to promoting environmental health and justice make her a valuable addition to the 2024 NIH Climate and Health Scholars cohort. Dr. Postma’s work primarily focuses on mitigating the impact of climate change on at-risk populations, contributing to the broader mission of the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative.
