Susan Arnold

Susan Arnold, PhD, CIH is an Associate Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota. She serves as Director of both the Exposure Science and Sustainability Institute and the Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety. With over 20 years of experience as a certified industrial hygienist, her work bridges academic research and practical applications in exposure science, bringing real-world industry perspective to her academic roles.

Education:

• PhD, Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Minnesota, 2015
• MS, Occupational Health, Medical College of Ohio, 2005
• BS, Biomedical Toxicology, University of Guelph, Ontario, 1987

Research Focus:

Dr. Arnold specializes in developing, evaluating and applying mathematical exposure models to estimate exposures in novel occupational environments. Her research focuses on exposure assessment methods, professional judgment, exposure modeling, indoor air quality, and personal protective technology development and evaluation. She is particularly interested in interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex workplace health hazard problems, working across engineering, toxicology, and public health disciplines.

Research Trends:

Dr. Arnold's recent publications demonstrate a strong evolution toward more sophisticated exposure assessment methodologies with increasing emphasis on mathematical modeling and sustainability. Her work spans from fundamental research on exposure models to practical applications in diverse settings including petrochemical facilities, healthcare environments, and nail salons. A notable trend is her growing focus on sustainable approaches to exposure control that balance worker protection with environmental considerations.

Awards and Recognition:

• Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health
• Fellow, American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2014

Leadership and Research Support:

Dr. Arnold serves as Principal Investigator for the InTERACCT Program (Interdisciplinary Training, Education and Research Activities for Assessing and Controlling Contaminants from Emerging Technologies) funded by NIH. She leads the Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training Grant funded by NIOSH. Her current grant portfolio includes developing a P2 Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program for EJ communities and the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center. She previously served as deputy director of MCOHS from 2021-2023 before becoming Director in 2023.

Research Institutes:

As Director of the Exposure Science and Sustainability Institute, Dr. Arnold oversees research and training activities that respond to industry-identified needs. The institute provides excellence in exposure science and sustainability research, offering services and products that address specific research questions for clients. Her leadership connects academic research with practical industry applications in exposure assessment and control.