Chan School of Public Health Department Chair Departs for UCLA

March 24, 2026 - 23:48

In a significant move for the field of public health education, Dr. Kari Nadeau, a renowned expert in environmental health and climate medicine, is departing her role as chair of the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She will assume the position of dean at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health.

Nadeau is celebrated for her groundbreaking research on the health impacts of climate change, particularly concerning wildfires, air pollution, and allergic diseases. Her work has been pivotal in understanding how environmental factors contribute to immune system disorders. At Harvard, she led major initiatives and was a prominent voice linking planetary health to human clinical outcomes.

Her recruitment by UCLA marks a major coup for the institution, signaling a strengthened commitment to addressing climate change as a core public health emergency. University officials highlighted Nadeau’s visionary leadership and proven track record in translating scientific discovery into community health solutions as key reasons for her selection.

Nadeau expressed enthusiasm for joining the Fielding School, noting its strong legacy and the critical opportunity to advance public health in California, a state frequently on the front lines of climate-related health challenges. Her transition is expected to bring a renewed focus on interdisciplinary research and policy aimed at building resilience against environmental threats. The public health community anticipates her leadership will foster significant advancements in both academic research and real-world application.