Ryan Cronk

Ryan Cronk, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health. He serves as the research director for the Water Institute at UNC, focusing on water and environmental health in low-resource settings. His work bridges scientific, policy, and practical dimensions, emphasizing WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in healthcare facilities, rural water security, and sustainable management of water systems.

Dr. Cronk holds a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia (2009), and both MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from UNC Chapel Hill (2013, 2017). His research explores topics such as microbial water quality, community-managed water systems, and the role of environmental conditions in healthcare settings. He has conducted fieldwork in Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and other regions, addressing challenges like waterborne infections, sanitation infrastructure sustainability, and policy implementation.

Key research themes include environmental health in healthcare facilities, WASH monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and the intersections between water security and public health. He has contributed to UN-led initiatives and global health policy discussions, advocating for standardized terminology and improved data accessibility in water governance.

Dr. Cronk's work has informed global guidelines, including the UN resolution on WASH in healthcare facilities. He collaborates with researchers, NGOs, and policymakers to translate evidence into actionable strategies, particularly in contexts of displacement and resource-limited environments. His publications span peer-reviewed journals and policy reports, addressing both technical and systemic challenges in achieving equitable water access.