Jason W. Marion

Jason W. Marion serves as Professor of Environmental Health Science at Eastern Kentucky University, where he directs research at the intersection of environmental science and public health. His work focuses on critical water safety and antimicrobial resistance challenges with direct community impact across Kentucky and international settings.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Public Health - Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University
• M.S. in Public Health - Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University
• M.S. in Biology, Morehead State University
• B.S. in Environmental Science, Morehead State University

Dr. Marion's research program centers on waterborne disease prevention through innovative water quality assessment methods, antimicrobial resistance tracking in environmental reservoirs, and occupational health interventions. His field work develops practical sanitation solutions for resource-limited settings while examining complex interactions between land use, climate factors, and pathogen emergence. Current projects investigate cyanotoxin dynamics in freshwater systems and behavioral drivers of health protection practices.

Analysis of his 2017-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on environmental health threats through multiple lenses: water quality microbiology (Legionella, antibiotic-resistant E. coli), food safety contamination pathways, and human behavioral responses to health risks. His methodology integrates field sampling with epidemiological analysis, often featuring student collaborators in community-based studies across diverse environments from Kentucky watersheds to Kenyan dairy systems.

Recognition for his contributions includes:

• Outstanding Research Poster Award in Environmental/Occupational Epidemiology (2023)
• Global Health Innovation Prize (2021)

Dr. Marion actively mentors graduate students through co-authorship on significant publications, with advisees contributing to antimicrobial resistance studies and behavioral health research. His professional network spans key organizations including the National Environmental Health Association and American Public Health Association, facilitating collaborative grant work on water safety initiatives. Current projects likely involve Kentucky watershed monitoring and international food safety partnerships.

His laboratory operations support field-intensive environmental sampling and microbiological analysis, with recent work emphasizing rapid detection methods for water contaminants. Community engagement remains central to his approach, translating research into practical sanitation guidelines for public health practitioners.