Marc Verhougstraete

Marc Verhougstraete is an Assistant Professor at the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, and co-director of the Environment, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment Center (ESRAC). He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Environmental Biology/Zoology from Michigan State University. His research focuses on environmental microbiology, water quality, and Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), with emphasis on pathogen exposure through water systems, agricultural practices, and climate change impacts.

• Education: Ph.D. (Integrated Water Quality Microbiology) and B.S. (Environmental Biology/Zoology) from Michigan State University.
• Teaching: Courses include Environmental and Occupational Health, One Health, and graduate research supervision.

Research Interests:
His work integrates microbiology with hydrology and public health, addressing waterborne pathogens, irrigation safety, and community health risks. Notable projects include studying contamination in Unalaska's defense sites, Legionella risks in dental offices, and mental health benefits of blue spaces.

Publications:
Recent work includes studies on military site pollution legacies, oyster pathogen accumulation, and viral intrusion in drinking water networks. His research often emphasizes practical solutions for risk reduction and policy adaptation to climate change.

• Awards: Excellence in Teaching Award (MEZCOPH, 2021).

Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous theses and research projects. Contributions to funding include CDC-funded studies on surface cleaning and risk modeling.