Student Spotlight: Amira Yassine | Johns Hopkins

Meet Amira Yassine

Hometown: Al Bourjein, Lebanon
Program: PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering
Starting year: 2022
Degrees: MSc in chemistry, American University of Beirut; BSc in chemistry, Lebanese University
Adviser: Peter DeCarlo, PhD, professor, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering
Personal interests: I enjoy cooking, traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending time with family.
Fun fact: I am passionate about learning new languages and currently speak three fluently: Arabic, English, and French. I have recently started learning Spanish. I also enjoy exploring new cuisines by trying recipes from different countries.
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What sparked your interest in environmental science?

My goal of becoming an environmental scientist was spurred by the unprecedented solid waste management crisis in Lebanon in 2015. Waste collection was interrupted, and waste accumulated on streets, agricultural sites, and water sites. This situation was aggravated by the emergence of unlicensed landfills and incineration sites in populated areas. I was in 11th grade at the time, and our chemistry teacher explained that this crisis had contributed to air pollution, crop contamination, and leakage into water reserves. Reflecting on the causes and consequences of this crisis made me think about how much we depend on our surroundings, yet how ungrateful we are to the environment. Why do we pollute our surroundings? How can we have sustainable development that guarantees prosperity while also respecting the environment? What is the mutual relationship between environmental health and public health? These and other questions ignited my interest in environmental research. I am particularly interested in understanding how the air we inhale impacts our health.

This program stood out to me as uniquely interdisciplinary, offering exactly the kind of research environment I have been seeking. Knowing that EHE hosts leading researchers in the field deepened my motivation to pursue my PhD here.

Why did you choose Johns Hopkins?

During my master’s program, I worked on projects focused on determining the chemical composition of aerosols emitted from tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes and IQOS. The toxicity of these products remains poorly understood, and I found this research insightful. However, I felt that the research lacked a crucial element. Without translating our chemical findings into meaningful health risk assessments, the results might not resonate with users. After completing my master’s, I became determined to pursue a PhD that would bridge this gap. My goal was to conduct research that integrates the chemical composition characterization of the air we breathe with quantitative risk assessments, thereby helping to better understand the health impacts of air pollution. 

After an extensive search of leading universities worldwide, I discovered the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins. This program stood out to me as uniquely interdisciplinary, offering exactly the kind of research environment I have been seeking. Knowing that EHE hosts leading researchers in the field deepened my motivation to pursue my PhD here.

What is your favorite thing about living in Baltimore?

My favorite things in Baltimore are the Inner Harbor and Ekiben. I love the harbor for its beautiful views and atmosphere, and Ekiben simply because it is so delicious, yum!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

One piece of advice I would give to students joining the EHE community is to take full advantage of its interdisciplinary nature. EHE is a unique place where you can collaborate across fields, explore diverse research opportunities, and gain an education that truly stands out. I encourage you to apply and join this amazing community!

What are your plans after graduation?

I aim to become a professor who conducts research focused on studying the chemical composition of the air we breathe and its effects on human health.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Department of Environmental Health and Engineering is a cross-divisional department spanning the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering. This hybrid department is uniquely designed to lead pioneering research and prepare the next generation of scholars to solve critical and complex issues at the interface of public health and engineering. Learn more about our programs.