In this episode of “The Science Of,” the students are joined by environmental health researcher Dr. Nicolas Lopez-Galvez, an assistant professor at San Diego State University and member of the UCSD Moores Cancer Center’s Cancer Control Program. Dr. Lopez-Galvez discusses how environmental exposures—from tobacco smoke to pesticides—may affect health across the lifespan, especially in vulnerable and border communities, and why strong community partnerships and clear science communication matter.Guest BackgroundNico described his path from Ecuador through biology, public health, and environmental exposure research.His work focuses on vulnerable populations, including farm workers and border communities.Carcinogens And ExposureDiscussion covered carcinogens, smoking, glyphosate, PFAS, pesticides, plastics, and chemical substitution.Nico explained that determining carcinogenicity can require decades of research and that exposure effects depend on dose, timing, and duration.Prenatal, childhood, and other critical exposure windows were discussed, along with animal models used when human experiments are not possible.Environmental JusticeBorder-region policy can overlook community realities and cross-border healthcare use.Imperial Valley cancer data may miss residents who obtain screening or treatment in Mexico.Community-based research should involve residents in defining questions and collecting data.Research And CommunicationNico discussed research linking previous tobacco use in homes with heavy metals, including lead.Scientists should present findings directly through public forums, explain correlation versus causation, and communicate caveats.Future And PreventionPersonal steps discussed included reducing plastic use, limiting red meat, and making small environmental changes.Nico emphasized that broader prevention depends on policy, renewable-energy investment, stronger environmental protections, and community engagement.Students interested in STEM were encouraged to contact researchers and seek early laboratory or field experience."The Science Of" is a student-produced podcast. The team members are Kelsey Lewis, Evan Sosa, Max Arola, August Ou, Danielle-Elizabeth Mensah-Baah, Zahraa Munaim, Josue Castillo, Sasha Goldschmied, and Noor Munaim. The students who appeared on this episode and/or produced the episode are Danielle-Elizabeth Mensah-Baah, Zahraa Munaim, Max Arola, Sasha Goldschmied. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas from Cloudcast Media. About Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "The Science Of" throught its SchoolCAST platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. About UCSD Moores Cancer CenterEstablished in 1978, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is one of just 57 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, and the only one in the San Diego region. Such centers are prominent among the leading institutions in the nation dedicated to scientific innovation and clinical excellence. From research in molecular genetics to the most advanced treatments, Moores Cancer Center is at the forefront of the fight against cancer, developing promising new therapies and making them available to cancer patients throughout the region. Our cancer services were ranked #1 in San Diego, with 10 specialties ranking nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-2024 "Best Hospitals" survey. For more information, please visit https://moorescancercenter.ucsd.edu/.About Jackie Robinson Family YMCAThe Jackie Robinson Family YMCA serves over 20,000 youth and families each year through a wide variety of educational, recreational and sports programs. In one of San Diego's most critical communities, we have a daily opportunity to make a significant impact on thousands of lives. YMCA programs teach kids character values and valuable skills that will help them grow into responsible, successful adults. For more information, please visit https://www.ymcasd.org/locations/jackie-robinson-family-ymca.About the Elementary Institute of ScienceThe Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing lifelong opportunities for students of southeast San Diego through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Our after-school, weekend and school partnership programs broaden access to quality STEM experiences, foster critical thinking, expand technical skills and encourage students to pursue STEM careers. For more information, please visit https://eisca.org/.
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