Silent Spring Summer Institute
Virtual
Program update
Our first-ever Silent Spring Summer Institute was a great success! From June 23–27, over 100 high school students joined our scientists online to explore how everyday exposures to chemicals like BPA and PFAS can affect human health. Pre- and post-survey results showed students experienced impressive gains in their understanding of chemical safety and environmental health. After completing the course:
- Understanding of regulatory gaps increased from 24% to 73%, with more students recognizing that chemicals are not required to undergo safety testing before being used in U.S. products.
- Awareness that products labeled “BPA-free” can still contain toxic chemicals increased from 72% to 90%.
- Knowledge that chemicals that affect our hormones, or endocrine disrupting chemicals, can be found in drinking water supplies increased from 79% to 95%.
These results underscore the value of environmental health education, and we hope to build on this success by offering the course again next year!
About the program
The Silent Spring Summer Institute is a free virtual program for high school students interested in learning about environmental health. Students learn how our everyday environments—the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use—shape our health and well-being and how science can advance solutions to reduce disease risk and create healthier communities.
Students listen and engage in a variety of lectures on topics including:
- Environmental justice: how the environment influences lifelong health
- Scientific research methods: developing hypotheses and what we can learn from studies in animals and humans
- Exposure science: measuring chemicals in drinking water, household dust, consumer products, and in the body
- Science translation: interventions for reducing harmful exposures
Students receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
Led by: Mary Beth Terry, PhD, Executive Director (Cancer Epidemiology)
Featuring:
- Katie Boronow, MA (Environmental Health Communications)
- Robin Dodson, ScD (Chemical Exposure and Risk Assessment)
- Elissia Franklin, PhD (Analytical Chemistry and Exposure Science)
- Jennifer Kay, PhD (Toxicology and Carcinogenicity)
- Jennifer Ohayon, PhD (Environmental Policy and Community-Engaged Research)
- Ruthann Rudel, MS, Director of Research (Toxicology)
- Laurel Schaider, PhD (Environmental Chemistry and Engineering)
Program Dates: June 23 to 27, 2025 (every day from 4:00 to 5:30 PM EST)
Location: Online through Zoom. All students who enroll receive a Zoom link associated with their email address.
Audience: High school students, grades 9-12. (middle school students also welcome)
*This program is for students aged 13 and up. If you're under 13, see you next summer!
Questions? Email events@silentspring.org.