Patrick O’Shaughnessy

Dr. Patrick O'Shaughnessy is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. He directs the UI Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety, one of 18 NIOSH-funded centers, and serves as Exposure Science Facility Director and Exposure Generation Specialist for the Pulmonary Toxicology Facility.

His research focuses on industrial hygiene exposure assessment, aerosol physics, respirator performance testing, ambient air modeling, and nanoparticle toxicity. Key areas include:

• Dispersion modeling of hydrogen sulfide from agricultural facilities
• Particulate pollution from frac sand mining operations
• Nanoparticle hazards in occupational settings
• PPE efficacy and decontamination methods during COVID-19

Dr. O'Shaughnessy teaches courses in exposure science, radiation assessment, global environmental health, and air pollution control technology. He leads graduate training programs in Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics, and Agricultural Safety, providing tuition support and stipends to over 35 students annually.

His work during the COVID-19 pandemic included developing N95 decontamination protocols, testing 3D-printed respirators, and advising public health agencies on PPE standards. He has collaborated extensively with engineering departments and community organizations to address PPE shortages through innovative solutions.