Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz is an Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental and Health in the Program of Public Health at the University of California, Irvine. Her work focuses on air pollution and its impact on health. She conducts studies on the effects of air pollution and other toxicants on human health, specifically looking at toxic responses and their contribution to various diseases. Andrea's journey into her field began with a love for animals and a desire to understand their health. She initially studied veterinary medicine in Mexico City but realized she wanted to delve deeper into the mechanisms of medicines and their potential side effects, which led her to toxicology. She pursued a Ph.D. in toxicology in the United Kingdom, focusing on the adverse effects of an anticancer compound. Her research later expanded to explore the impact of environmental toxicants such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnections between the environment, climate change, and health. Andrea believes that there is still a lack of awareness and recognition regarding the impact of the environment on human health, both in the medical field and society at large. She stresses the need for incorporating environmental health education in school curricula and fostering scientific literacy among students. She suggests using hands-on experiments, case studies, guest speakers, and multimedia resources to engage students in learning about environmental issues. Andrea's current research projects focus on the long-term health effects of air pollution. She investigates the impact of different sources of particulate matter on various health outcomes, such as neurological development, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. She emphasizes the importance of taking action on climate change and sustainability, expressing concern about the lack of substantial action from governments and corporations.

Despite her concerns, Andrea finds hope in working with children and young people who are passionate about environmental issues. She believes that by teaching them from a young age and fostering their interest in environmental sustainability, they can contribute to building a better future. She encourages educators to prioritize holistic education, not solely focusing on productivity and economic success but also cultivating cultural and environmental awareness in students."